Dalila Zulkarnain

Dalila Zulkarnain asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta ! I'm from Malaysia and I'd like to know what is your inspiration in writing ? I'll be very happy if you answer this :D Love,Dalila

Ruta Sepetys Hello Dalila!

In terms of inspiration, I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. My books contain themes of hope, courage, love, loss and the miraculous nature of the human spirit. I find those themes inspiring! :)

Thanks so much for asking!

More Answered Questions

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Ruta Sepetys:

You write such beautiful and heartbreaking historical fiction, what was your favorite part of doing research for both Between Shades of Gray and Salt to the Sea? Who was your favorite character to write? When you write a particularly sad or brutal scene, do you have to step back and take a break afterwards? Are you excited about the upcoming film based on Between Shades of Gray?

Jessica Pendrick

Jessica Pendrick asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hello! What is your writing process? Do you just find a topic that interests you, research it, then start writing, or is it more complicated than that? Thank you for writing such good books! (I loved Between Shades of Gray!)

Sam Dauphinee

Sam Dauphinee asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta!! I have always gravitated towards historical fiction stories for a good read, and I got to say, Between Shades of Gray is without a doubt one of the best I've read so far. My question is, was the story and the characters inspired or related to your personal life or bloodline? The profound emotion and heartbreak in the piece is heart wrenching. Thanks for the great story.

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…

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