Jessica (The Mortal Jessica)
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I've read your books and absolutely LOVE how rich the history is and I love learning about all the different kinds of history that you write about. How do you come up with your amazing characters, and are they maybe based off of you or anyone in your family?
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Jessica!
Thank you for your kind words about my 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 experience. Aside from researching, creating characters is my favorite part of the writing process. Thanks for asking! :)
Thank you for your kind words about my 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 experience. Aside from researching, creating characters is my favorite part of the writing process. Thanks for asking! :)
More Answered Questions
Bailee Warber
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Ruta Sepetys, First of all I would like to say that your book Between Shades of Gray was obviously beautifully written. I couldn't put it down. On regards to that book, how do you create the personalities for your characters? Are they based off of real people? Do you get random inspirations for different characters? The characters that you portray in your books are so fascinating and lively! Thank you for your time!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more