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
Amanda
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I am a grade 8 English teacher and I've read Between Shades... to one of my classes. They loved it (and the fantastic book trailer) and a few of my students have since purchased Out of the Easy because of Between Shades. What drew you to back to WWII with the writing of Salt to the Sea?
Louise
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ruta, I loved your latest novel salt to the sea and want to read your other works. Do you have anymore in the pipeline? As I am getting older my thirst for history is becoming..... should I say Unquenchable. I was not aware of the Wilhelm Gustloff and thank you for your awareness that it has brought to so many peoples attention. Will you be coming to the UK?
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