Lisa Hobson
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi there, I adored 'Between Shades of Grey' as someone with Latvian ancestry. I wondered how easy it was for you to research the lives of ordinary people in this time period ( I had a nana who always wanted me to write her story but I wouldn't have known where to begin)? Thanks, Lisa Farrell
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Lisa,
It's always so wonderful to hear from others with Baltic heritage or a connection to the Baltic experience.
My first bit of advice would be to dig through family archives, relatives, and friends to find photos, journals, or any personal mementos. A single photograph could unlock a whole story for you. If possible, I would also encourage you to interview any and all elderly family members left. Their story and memories are so important! You might also go to the library and use Ancestry.com online. Through Ancestry you can research the ship that your family came over on and even print the passenger manifest. Once you know the name of the ship, you can check to see if anyone on Ancestry has posted photos or stories from their experience on the ship. You can also research census reports of each household. Hope that helps!
It's always so wonderful to hear from others with Baltic heritage or a connection to the Baltic experience.
My first bit of advice would be to dig through family archives, relatives, and friends to find photos, journals, or any personal mementos. A single photograph could unlock a whole story for you. If possible, I would also encourage you to interview any and all elderly family members left. Their story and memories are so important! You might also go to the library and use Ancestry.com online. Through Ancestry you can research the ship that your family came over on and even print the passenger manifest. Once you know the name of the ship, you can check to see if anyone on Ancestry has posted photos or stories from their experience on the ship. You can also research census reports of each household. Hope that helps!
More Answered Questions
Samantha
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I just recently finished Salt to the Sea and I have to say, it was really amazing. I loved how all the characters felt so real, and I could tell there was a lot of thought put into the story. Anyway, I would like to know what motivated you to become a writer? Also, do you have any favorite authors or books that you loved growing up?
Paolo Panlaqui
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I'm a high school student from the Philippines. I loved your book Salt to the Sea and I can't wait to dive into your other books. I was wondering if you recommend this book to some of my friends because we studied WWII and when I read it, it was very accurate? What made you write a history novel instead of any other genres. Thank You! (PS: When will you come to the Philippines?)
Maha Qadri
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi! Gotta say that I'm a huge fan and you've actually made me really interested in history. Before your novels, I actually some sort of vendetta against. But of course that's changed now. Anyway, my question: what made you want to write historical fiction specifically? Of all the genres, what was the allure? Thanks in advance and of course keep up the AMAZING work!
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