Sarah Penner is self-taught in many ways. And now she has bankrolled her exceptional talents into penning three runaway hit books and teaching others how to write and get published through writing conferences, retreats and speaking engagements.
The busy author has published four books. Her debut novel, The Lost Apothecary, has sold over one million copies worldwide, been translated into more than forty languages, and is currently being adapted into a series by Fox Entertainment. Her latest, The Amalfi Curse, is a dual-timeline tale of magic and sunken treasure, centering on a nautical archaeologist drawn into uncovering secrets and exploring forbidden love. She is currently at work on what she describes as “both a sequel and a prequel to The Lost Apothecary.”
It’s easy to get lost in her historical fiction featuring strong female characters whose actions dismay and disarm. Penner, an avid cook who puts recipes in her books, describes herself as a cross-genre writer of history, magic and mystery. She shares some of her early leanings and favorite things about St. Pete with us.
What kind of kid were you?
I grew up in the country in Kansas on three wooded acres in a log cabin. I didn’t have siblings living at home and my nearest neighbor was a quarter mile away, so I spent a lot of time alone. I loved reading, cross-stitching, researching genealogy and exploring my backyard with a compass. I was a quirky, nerdy kid with some unorthodox interests.
And as a teenager?
I began dabbling in poetry. Not rhyming poetry, but verses structured with rhythm and carefully chosen words relaying my teenage angst about boys, friends, etc. I’ve always found words so cathartic, but never more so than in my teenage years. There are a few “poems” I’ve only shown to one or two people…some of it is pretty dark. I wish I could go back and give my high school self a big hug.
Authors who inspired you?
I fell in love with historical fiction as a reader first and a writer second. When I discovered the genre, some of my favorites were Philippa Gregory, Ken Follett and Fiona Davis.
Favorite book?
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Do you have a writing routine?
When I’m drafting, I aim for about 1,500 words a day. Sometimes this takes an hour, sometimes four. When I’m revising, I’m working from a checklist, so I try to make it through a few to-dos each session. When I’m on tour or traveling for speaking gigs, writing goes to the backburner—the goal is to sleep, eat as well as I can and keep my health in check.
Your style has been described as “sultry” and “bewitching.”
Feels on-brand! I like writing women protagonists who are occasionally misbehaved!
When did you get interested in cooking?
During my freshman year in college, to impress my then-boyfriend. I was on allrecipes.com multiple times a day and did my homework while watching The Food Network. My “specialty” was brown sugar meatloaf with garlic roasted potatoes. I’m still an avid cook, though I try to make clean meals with fresh, organic ingredients.
Signature dish?
I make a great Thai curry. I typically use chicken and loads of fresh vegetables. I prefer red curry paste, but green is good, too.
Favorite local eateries?
For date night, I love Olivia, Fortu, Ceviche and Noble Crust. For more casual dining, I love Lemongrass, Bonu and the Chicago-style pizza at Cappy’s. My husband and I recently bought a 100-year-old Craftsman in Kenwood, so I see many pizza dates at Cappy’s in our future. I also love ice cream: Small Batch Creamery on 4th is a fave.
Go-to boutiques?
I love Misred Outfitters and Shoreline Sugars.
Favorite local market?
I’m a Trader Joe’s gal! The parking lot drives me mad, but it’s worth the headache. I also pop into Whole Foods and I love the Saturday Morning Market.
Coffee or tea?
I’m not a coffee snob—an Americano with oat milk is my go-to—but a few of my favorite coffee shop vibes are Paradeco, The Blend on 4th and the coffee shop inside the Moxy hotel.
Place to get “unstuck”?
I love the St. Pete Pier, especially the Adirondack chairs right behind Doc Ford’s. It makes for a shady place to read or daydream.
Favorite beachside spot?
Sunset Beach. Decent parking options and not as crowded.
Spot for a run?
I love the route stretching from Coffee Pot Park, along the Vinoy, and down to the pier. Sometimes I run it and sometimes I paddleboard it.
Favorite yoga studio?
Body Electric. I’ve been going for years. I prefer hot yoga classes, because I love a good workout and the heat allows me to go deeper in the poses. It’s a mental challenge, too: heat exposure teaches us to tolerate discomfort. I also love doing sauna/cold plunges for this reason.
Place to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine?
I’m four months sober, so no cocktails for me, but I’ve always loved the rooftop bar at the pier for an outdoorsy beverage overlooking the bay.
A must for out-of-town guests?
Sunken Gardens, the Florida Botanical Gardens, any of our amazing restaurants and of course the bookstores—Tombolo and Book & Bottle.
