Bookishhijabibookworm
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello! I am a big fan of The salt and the Sea and Between the Shades of Grey. You are an inspiration to me. Do you have advice for a writer? I am an aspiring writer that is trying to finish at least one story this year! I have many that I have started but never finished, because if writers block! -S.J
Ruta Sepetys
Hello!
Thanks for your question. In terms of advice, 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.
Also, when I'm writing and I feel a bit "stuck" I leave my computer and take a walk or listen to music. Engaging another part of my brain for a few minutes seems to work the knots loose. Any form of exercise or physical activity also helps.
Thanks again!
Thanks for your question. In terms of advice, 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.
Also, when I'm writing and I feel a bit "stuck" I leave my computer and take a walk or listen to music. Engaging another part of my brain for a few minutes seems to work the knots loose. Any form of exercise or physical activity also helps.
Thanks again!
More Answered Questions
Natty
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta, Very excited for your next book coming out have read both Between the Shades of Grey and Out of the Easy..loved both for their individual stories. I have a couple of questions. 1) Is there any travel time scheduled to come to Australia this year? If not, how do we make it happen? 2) When you are writing your main female characters, is making them strong willed an important characteristic? :) Nat
Lisbeth
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi! I read "Between the Shades of Grey" for a book club at my school. It is now one of my favorites. I love how you captured events in history and made it a beautiful story. What were some of the challenges when writing the a novel based on historial events? What inspired you to develop Lina as a beautiful, artistic, intelligent, and strong character? If, you could change anything about the novel, would you? Thanks!
Mandy Perret
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
As a teacher, I find the history of the Holocaust and important topic to cover. I have used your book Between Shades of Gray. I am wondering if you could please share some resources about Latvian Jews affected by the Holocaust that I could use with my high school students? Through my personal studies, I have learned the more questions you answer about the Holocaust, the more questions arise.
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