Lindsey
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Ruta, I absolutely adored Between Shades of Gray. As a teacher, I'm always discussing different tools that writers use to get their ideas on paper. Would you be willing to share some details about your writing process? For example, how often do you write? How do you decide the sequencing and the point-of-view in your books? Thanks!
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Lindsey!
Thanks for this question about the writing process. History provides a framework for me and I love creating characters and inserting them into that framework. I outline very loosely, take tons of notes, keep a journal for each novel, and even record voice notes.
My process also involves:
• carefully researching the topic
• interviewing witnesses or survivors
• spending time thinking about the characters and story
• spending hours writing and achieving a state of creative flow
• revising, revising, and revising some more
Thanks so much for asking!
Thanks for this question about the writing process. History provides a framework for me and I love creating characters and inserting them into that framework. I outline very loosely, take tons of notes, keep a journal for each novel, and even record voice notes.
My process also involves:
• carefully researching the topic
• interviewing witnesses or survivors
• spending time thinking about the characters and story
• spending hours writing and achieving a state of creative flow
• revising, revising, and revising some more
Thanks so much for asking!
More Answered Questions
Peggy
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi, Ruta, I have enjoyed reading Salt and I have enjoyed sharing it with so many others. My daughter's comment was typical, "That book didn't even need a bookmark!" Clearly it takes a huge amount of strength to emigrate as a refugee. We are seeing huge refugee migrations now. Were you struck by the parallels as you researched and as you observed the present-day happenings? Thanks for writing books that need 2 B read.
Ali
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello, Ms. Sepetys. I think your Salt to The Sea was THE first historical fiction novel I've ever read. And trust me, I cried at the end. Anyways, I was wondering, will you ever set a book in Iran? I'm from there and I actually never seen a YA novel or even any book (fictional) than is set in Iran. Is it possible for you to do that? And CAN YOU COME TO DUBAI PLEASE???? I live there and literally NO authors come. Thx!
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