Celine

Celine asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta, I was wondering where and or how, you find inspiration for your books? They are all so wonderfully written! Thank you!

Ruta Sepetys Hi Celine!

History holds secrets and the inspiration for my books is found within those secrets. I have a list of historical topics/secrets that I'm dying to write about. So once I finish a novel, I revisit the list with my agent and discuss what I might work on next. Once I decide, I spend 2-3 years researching the history and then another two years writing.

Thank you for your kind words about my books being well written. I truly appreciate it!! :)

More Answered Questions

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I love your writing! Anyways, I wanted to ask, having recently finished "Salt to the Sea," did you make Joana one of your main characters because many people wondered about her in "Between Shades of Gray"? Or, did some other fact make that decision for you? I really loved getting answers to questions I had while reading "Between Shades of Gray," but why did YOU choose to include Joana? Thanks!

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hello! I absolutely love the novels you published and I cannot wait to read more of your work! I have a few questions: 1. How much time did you spend researching for your novels? Was it more or less than the time spent writing the actual book? 2. What is your favorite historical period? 3. Finally, how do you pronounce your last name? This would settle a debate between my friend and me.

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I've read Out of the Easy, Between Shades of Gray, and Salt to the Sea, and I loved all of them! I was wondering if you would ever consider writing a historical fiction series? Can't wait for more books from you! You're an amazing author!

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