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Tracy
Tracy asked Ruta Sepetys:

Where do you find your inspiration for these historical fiction books? The true events for these stories are not well covered in our school curriculums, but my students love the books! Is there a certain time period that peaks your interest? Are there certain stories that you feel compelled to bring attention to that have been ignored?

Ruta Sepetys Hi Tracy, thanks so much for your questions! Inspiration for my books generally comes from hidden or underrepresented parts of history. I'll become aware of the ideas through news articles, journals, or readers who suggest an idea to me. I have a list of 26 ideas for novels, many of them surrounding WWII as I am fascinated by that time period. Mostly, I am drawn to stories of strength through struggle. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for which parts of history make it into history books, and which events are simply forgotten, but I am inspired to bring hidden history out of the dark and to tell the stories we've forgotten.
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More Answered Questions

Linda
Linda asked Ruta Sepetys:

I loved Salt to Sea and was amazed at your ability to write in four points of view! Well done. Was there a method that allowed you to keep track of all four narrators?

Temi Sanusi
Temi Sanusi asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hello from Nigeria, Ruta Sepetys! My name is Temi, and I am a big fan of your work, especially Between Shades of Gray. That was a beautiful novel. :) My question is, when did you start writing, and what did you write about? Has it always been historical fiction?

Nikolae Keaveney
Nikolae Keaveney asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hello Ruta! You are my favourite author and you write my favourite genre-world war II-beautifully. I love your characters, especially Nikolai and Florian. Thank you so much for spending so much time perfecting these books. They really changed my life and I cannot be happier. My questions is, will you be writing more WWII related books? Hugs from Canada. :)

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…
Ruta Sepetys
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