Abby Jamison
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! My question is how did you find inspiration for your characters? And which of your main character's that you've written do you feel is your favorite? I absolutely love your books and your books made me enjoy historical fiction so much much!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Abby!
Thanks so much for your kind words!
It's so hard to choose just one favorite character, so I'll outline some favorites from each book:
Between Shades of Gray - Elena, the Bald Man
Out of the Easy - Willie, Cokie
Salt to the Sea - The Shoe Poet, Emilia
The inspiration for characters generally arises while I'm researching. I'll come upon a story or even just a small detail that will inspire a character and bring them to life for me. Many of the characters also come to life while I'm interviewing people who experienced the event. I try to interview as many people as possible while researching a book. I then weave their stories together into one character. That way, I'm representing a larger human experience. Creating characters is my favorite part of the writing process. Thanks for asking! :)
Thanks so much for your kind words!
It's so hard to choose just one favorite character, so I'll outline some favorites from each book:
Between Shades of Gray - Elena, the Bald Man
Out of the Easy - Willie, Cokie
Salt to the Sea - The Shoe Poet, Emilia
The inspiration for characters generally arises while I'm researching. I'll come upon a story or even just a small detail that will inspire a character and bring them to life for me. Many of the characters also come to life while I'm interviewing people who experienced the event. I try to interview as many people as possible while researching a book. I then weave their stories together into one character. That way, I'm representing a larger human experience. Creating characters is my favorite part of the writing process. Thanks for asking! :)
More Answered Questions
Elena Smith
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Another question, out of the four main characters in Salt to the Sea, which was your favorite and which was most relatable? I'd like to add that Out of the Easy and Salt to the Sea made me realize my love for historical fiction dive well, and I love how you include such amazing romances that really get to me. Between Shades of Grey is on my to-read list still!
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