Iris
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I adore your work and have become a devoted fan of historical fiction! I'm just curious as to how you choose character names. Do they have significant meaning for you or do you choose historically popular names? Thanks!!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Iris!
Thank you so much and I'm so thrilled to hear that you have become a fan of historical fiction. Hooray! :)
In terms of names, some I choose because they have familial significance (Jonas, Lina) and some I choose for rhythm. I look for a rhythm within a name that reflects the character's personality. And yes, I always research names historically to make sure they were used during the time period I am writing about. When I first wrote "Between Shades of Gray" the characters were called "Indre" and "Linas." But then when I researched I realized that those names were more contemporary in Lithuania so I changed the names to "Lina" and "Jonas."
Thanks for the question!
Thank you so much and I'm so thrilled to hear that you have become a fan of historical fiction. Hooray! :)
In terms of names, some I choose because they have familial significance (Jonas, Lina) and some I choose for rhythm. I look for a rhythm within a name that reflects the character's personality. And yes, I always research names historically to make sure they were used during the time period I am writing about. When I first wrote "Between Shades of Gray" the characters were called "Indre" and "Linas." But then when I researched I realized that those names were more contemporary in Lithuania so I changed the names to "Lina" and "Jonas."
Thanks for the question!
More Answered Questions
Anita
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I love your books & have recommended them to several friends. They move me to tears as they are so beautifully written. I write too, have had short stories and poetry published, & would love to know how you managed to get your first book published. Did you have to submit to many publishers? Did you get initial rejections? I am aware how difficult it is to get published & hope to have my first novel published soon.
Hannah Wood
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi! I read Between Shades of Gray in school this year and I loved it! I love how you actually took the time to research the topic. I would like to know what made you write this book on this particular topic? Why did you not want to write a fantasy book? I loved your book so much though. And I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. And read the rest of the books.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more