Andrew
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
What encourages you to search so deep for forgotten and obscure historical events? I loved Salt to the Sea, and it was a very surprising event, I had never even heard so much as a whisper about it. What inspires you to write these untold stories?
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Andrew!
Thanks for your question.
I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. "Salt to the Sea" and "Between Shades of Gray" both contain themes of hope, courage, love, loss and the miraculous nature of the human spirit.
Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering secrets, hidden facts, and hidden heroes. Sometimes history can be perceived as boring. But through characters and story, historical statistics become human and suddenly we care for people we've never met, we can find their country on a map, and then - the history matters. Through historical fiction we can give voice those who will never have a chance to tell their story. That inspires me!
Thanks for your question.
I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. "Salt to the Sea" and "Between Shades of Gray" both contain themes of hope, courage, love, loss and the miraculous nature of the human spirit.
Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering secrets, hidden facts, and hidden heroes. Sometimes history can be perceived as boring. But through characters and story, historical statistics become human and suddenly we care for people we've never met, we can find their country on a map, and then - the history matters. Through historical fiction we can give voice those who will never have a chance to tell their story. That inspires me!
More Answered Questions
A Goodreads user
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Would you consider writing a follow-up to Between Shades of Gray?
Lindsay Detwiler
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I'm a high school teacher, and one of my students suggested that I read Between Shades of Gray. I loved it so much that I read the entire book in a single day! I was just wondering if you could tell me about your writing process. How do the ideas for your novels come to you? Do you outline first and then write? Do you write every single day or only when you feel inspired?
Sandy Jones
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Just wanted to say how excited I was to meet you at TeenBookCon in Houston this last Saturday. I took my high school book club members who all loved reading Between Shades of Gray. Your Keynote address was very insightful and entertaining. You didn't talk much about your family and I was wondering if you have any children? Thanks again for taking the time to meet your fans! A New Fan, Sandy
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