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
Derek
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
If you could only choose three, what would you choose as your favorite novels from other writers? I'm a slow reader but I'm always looking for good recommendations. I loved Between Shades of Gray and I really like that you try to incorporate some of the more obscure parts of history than a lot of other historical fiction. Thanks!
Cora Berry
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I first read "Out of the Easy" when my friend made me promise I would read it because she enjoyed it so much. After reading it I checked out "Between Shades of Gray" and could not put it down. I was absolutely taken by your writing and by Lina. I'm not sure I can put into words how much I liked it! Not going to lie, I cried for hours after finishing it. Did you always know you wanted a career as an author?
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