Alisa H

Alisa H asked Ruta Sepetys:

Met you in STL during your book tour! I am a refugee from Bosnia and you asked me to share my story--HOW DO YOU GET THE COURAGE TO DO SO?! Writing about events that impacted your life and are still very much alive today in people all around you--how do you gather up the strength to tell those stories without fear for those same people who whispered the words?

Ruta Sepetys Hi Alisa!
Thank you so much for coming to the event in STL. I remember leaning over the table and telling you how much the world needs stories of Bosnia! :)

I interview many people while researching a book. I then weave stories from many people together into one character so that way I'm representing a larger human experience and not compromising any one particular person. This method removes some of the worry you're speaking of.

Again, I hope you will consider sharing stories from your country!

More Answered Questions

Suraj

Suraj asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! Apart from reading "Between Shades of Gray", I have also noticed that your other books too have a plot surrounding the 20th century and the World War. Everytime I've read the plot of one of your books, you have brought a story which revolves around a bunch of hapless people caught in the middle of a war. What is it that you're trying to tell through their lives? FYI, I loved your book.

Sophia

Sophia asked Ruta Sepetys:

As a writer what do to help come up with ideas? And dod you hand wirte or type first?

Beatrix Haase

Beatrix Haase asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I absolutely love your books and was recently at one of your book talks I was wondering what other books you might be writing because I seriously can't wait for your next book to come out. So when is the next book coming out or if there are any? xoxo, Bebe

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