Jenna
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I'm only 14, so I don't know much about college or majors etc. I was wondering what you took in college to become a writer, and do you have any advice for aspiring authors? (By the way, "Between Shades of Gray" is one of my favorite books of all time!)
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Jenna!
In college, I was an International Finance major with a French minor. I did not take literature or English classes, mainly business classes. But I have always been an avid reader and that was great "study" for becoming a writer. In terms of advice for aspiring authors - I always suggest that writers think back on their own experiences of love, loss, joy and even humiliation. Those triumphs and scars are part of our individual emotional truth and if we write about them - and through them - the work will have a feeling of authenticity. Also, don't forget about rhythm in your writing. Read your work aloud, listening for rhythm and flow. If you stumble as you're reading aloud, revise the sentence.
In college, I was an International Finance major with a French minor. I did not take literature or English classes, mainly business classes. But I have always been an avid reader and that was great "study" for becoming a writer. In terms of advice for aspiring authors - I always suggest that writers think back on their own experiences of love, loss, joy and even humiliation. Those triumphs and scars are part of our individual emotional truth and if we write about them - and through them - the work will have a feeling of authenticity. Also, don't forget about rhythm in your writing. Read your work aloud, listening for rhythm and flow. If you stumble as you're reading aloud, revise the sentence.
More Answered Questions
Sofiarodal
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi! I'm Sofia, i live in Colombia and i want you to come,please!!! I'm sure you would like my country is so pretty and have many natural places. To finish i want to ask what thing make you decide to told us the hidden story of the Second world war and Lithuania In your book Between shades of grey?
Sara Knight (Plowman)
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
This question contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[
Hi! I was wondering what happens to Jonas at the end of Between Shades Of Gray? BTW that is my all time favorite book...I have read it 24+ times in the past 4 years!!! I also am proud to say I am also Michigan native!! I love your work soooooooo MUCH! Thank You for being the world's greatest author who has inspired me to learn more about the unknown Holocaust of Lithuania!!!
~Sara
(hide spoiler)]
~Sara (hide spoiler)]
Nicole Alycia
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi! First I want to say you have become one of my favorite authors over the last year, all three of your books have been fantastic! Question: Are you currently working on a new book and if so, can you hit at what it might be about? Maybe just a time period reference? I'm hoping you'll write another book like Out of the Easy! It was such an interesting read with such a fantastic main character!
Ruta Sepetys
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