Morgan
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta!!! I am a HUGE fan of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray! I love how you give famous events a new perspective, and I feel like I'm really learning as well when I read your books! How do you get inspiration for all of your different characters? They always seem so real, and though I have never been through what they are going through, they are always relatable! Thank you!!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Morgan!
I'm so happy that you loved the books. 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 and emotional experience.
I'm so happy that you loved the books. 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 and emotional experience.
More Answered Questions
Andreea Drăgan
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi, Ruta! I'm from Romania and we have here translated Between Shades of Gray at Epica. I read your book and I cried so much and I saw a video with Salt to the Sea and I cried again. It's not a question, but I want to say that romanians are in love with your work! Are there any chances to come in Romania one day? :D
Olivia
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I loved OotE and BSoG! I'm an aspiring author and avid writer. I love to write LGBTQ fiction, and I also want to tackle writing historical fiction one day. But I have a firm belief that LGBTQ people deserve to see characters like them in fiction who don't die sad and alone, and I'm not sure how to combine these two genres while still retaining that principle. Do you have any tips? Thank you!!
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