Emily Rose
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
How do you find inspiration for your books and their characters? Does the research you complete have any effect on a characters behavior? I loved "Salt to the Sea", and love and appreciate how you can still understand and enjoy your novels, even if you have no prior knowledge on the history they were inspired by. Thank you for making them just as enjoyable as educational!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Em!
Thank you, that's a huge compliment! I work very hard to present the stories and characters in a way that is engaging and informative, without feeling too instructive.
Yes, 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 experience. And yes, the research definitely influences a character's behavior.
Thanks for asking!
Thank you, that's a huge compliment! I work very hard to present the stories and characters in a way that is engaging and informative, without feeling too instructive.
Yes, 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 experience. And yes, the research definitely influences a character's behavior.
Thanks for asking!
More Answered Questions
Lex
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! My name is Alexa and your book has become such a major part in my life! It has sparked my interest in historical fiction and I even got both my parents to read it! My question is, where did you find your beginning inspiration for hidden history? Did you enjoy history back in school or was it mainly just your father's past that gained your interest? Thank you for your amazing novel!
Olivia
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I read "Salt to the Sea" as part of tumblr's Reblog Book Club. As you might have seen, there was a lot of discussion about the character of Alfred. What are your personal thoughts/feelings about him? I for one found him interesting--and deeply unsettling--and could clearly see why someone like him would be drawn to the Nazi party.
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