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Ask the Author: Sarah Penner

“I'd love to answer your questions about The Lost Apothecary, my interest in historic London, or my writing process. Ask away!” Sarah Penner

Answered Questions (7)

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My brain has so many questions about character stories. Are there plans to do any future books following any of them?
Sarah Penner Hi Crystal, I get this question quite often! Without giving away any spoilers, there is one character whose story is not fully told...and I left quite a few open doors for her at the end. I'd love to tell the rest of her story someday - maybe a few years down the road. Stay tuned!
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Loved your debut! Are you currently working on another novel?
Sarah Penner Hi Renee, yes! I can't share much about it, but just like The Lost Apothecary, my next project promises an atmospheric historical setting, rebellious women, and plenty of twisty cliffhangers!
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Hi Sarah! Will "The Lost Apothecary" be published in Italy?
Sarah Penner Hi Susanna, yep! In March 2022, the HarperCollins Italy team will be publishing The Lost Apothecary.
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Hi Sarah. Did you use a particular library for your research, or make a "librarian connection" like Caroline had with Gaynor?
Sarah Penner Hi, Susan! I have been to the British Library many times, so those research visits certainly inspired the scenes in the book! And Gaynor is representative of the many kind, helpful librarians I’ve met in life. Librarians are the absolute best!
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Hi Sarah! You mentioned in your bio that you took a creative writing course...would you be willing to share what course you took? (Just got my copy of The Lost Apothecary today and I cannot wait to start it!)
Sarah Penner Hi, Stephanie! A great organization with reasonably-priced, online creative writing classes is Gotham Writers Workshop.
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Who do you recommend this book for?
Sarah Penner The Lost Apothecary is ideal for readers who love:
-secret, hidden alleyways in old London
-apothecaries, herbalists, witches
-magickal tinctures and spells
-antiquated ephemera like old maps and manuscripts
-libraries (several scenes take place at the British Library)
-unlikely friendships among women
-GIRL POWER and women exerting control in ingenious ways
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Have you been to the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Alexandria, VA? Historical Apothecary used during the civil war. Can't wait to read your book! What inspired your story?
Sarah Penner Arista, I haven't heard of this museum, but it sounds AMAZING! Thank you so much for sharing with me. I might need to check this out once lock downs are over!

The Lost Apothecary was inspired by my discovery of something known as "mudlarking," a very popular hobby for many Londoners who look for interesting artifacts along the banks of the River Thames. Years ago when I began drafting this book, I thought it would be an interesting story beginning...a woman, present-day, finding an apothecary vial which puts her on the trail of a never-solved murder mystery.

For more information on mudlarking, feel free to check out my YouTube channel. Thanks so much for your question!
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Sarah Penner
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