Camille
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
In both "Between Shades of Grey" and "Out if the Easy" you created the protagonists Lina and Josie, both independent and strong teenage girls. I was wondering if you modeled them after a specific person you knew while you were in the process of writing them? If not, how did you come up with such authentic main characters? P.S- Both of those books are in my top 5. (Hopefully,"Salt to the Sea"will also make it on.)
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Camille!
Thank you for recognizing both Lina and Josie as strong women. The character of Lina was inspired by a survivor I met while researching in Lithuania. She had such a strong spirit and survived 15 years, over ten in the Arctic. The character of Josie was somewhat inspired by my own mother who was incredibly wise and strong.
So honored that my books are in your Top 5. Thank you!! :)
Thank you for recognizing both Lina and Josie as strong women. The character of Lina was inspired by a survivor I met while researching in Lithuania. She had such a strong spirit and survived 15 years, over ten in the Arctic. The character of Josie was somewhat inspired by my own mother who was incredibly wise and strong.
So honored that my books are in your Top 5. Thank you!! :)
More Answered Questions
A Goodreads user
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Do you have any advice for young writers relating to how to make plot/conflict realistic, new/unique, relatable, interesting, etc?
Wendy Kendall
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta, Thank you for taking questions. I so enjoyed Out of the Easy. The characters were amazing and the descriptions lifted me out of my life for awhile, and gave me a real feel for the people and place. Your dialog and also your text read almost lyrically. I was wondering if you have any musical background or inspiration in your writing? I'm looking forward to now reading more of your books. Wendy
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