Hannah Wood
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi! I read Between Shades of Gray in school this year and I loved it! I love how you actually took the time to research the topic. I would like to know what made you write this book on this particular topic? Why did you not want to write a fantasy book? I loved your book so much though. And I'm looking forward to seeing the movie. And read the rest of the books.
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Hannah!
When I first got back to writing, I submitted a mystery novel and the first chapter of "Between Shades of Grey" to an agent and he told me that my most authentic voice was in historical fiction, and I'm so glad he did! I wrote about the topic in "Between Shades of Grey" because my father was involved and directly affected. He is a Lithuanian refugee, and his family's story inspired the book. 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 asking!
When I first got back to writing, I submitted a mystery novel and the first chapter of "Between Shades of Grey" to an agent and he told me that my most authentic voice was in historical fiction, and I'm so glad he did! I wrote about the topic in "Between Shades of Grey" because my father was involved and directly affected. He is a Lithuanian refugee, and his family's story inspired the book. 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 asking!
More Answered Questions
Kelsey Senteio
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! So far I have only read "Out of the Easy" from you and I absolutely LOVED it! I can't wait to read your other books. Your writing is beautiful and completely engaging. My question is: how did you get the idea for "Out of the Easy" and what is your writing process like? I am a Creative Writing minor and I'm really interested. Thank you so much! ~ Kelsey :)
Sydney Robertson
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ruta! I am incredibly fond of your novels and own all of them so I may read your beautiful words whenever I choose. When I am done reading one of your spectacular novels I ask myself questions about the world's current state, so thank you for helping me gain new perspectives. I am wondering what questions about this current state drive you to write historical fiction that explores the ways we have gotten here?
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