Renee
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I am a middle school student in Singapore. I absolutely loved you book Salt to the Sea, and I was wondering how you made it so emotionally compelling? I honestly could not put it down the entire time I was reading it. Thanks so much!!!
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Renee!
Thanks for your question and I hope all is well in Singapore!
In terms of making the book emotionally compelling - sometimes the sadness of the experience and history overwhelms me and leaks into my heart. Instead of trying to run away from it, I try to stay present within it so I can transfer that sense of emotion into the writing. That way, hopefully the readers will feel a sense of emotional truth while reading. Also, I generally write in fairly short chapters, hoping that will create compelling pacing and urge the reader to read "just one more chapter." :) Thanks for the question!
Thanks for your question and I hope all is well in Singapore!
In terms of making the book emotionally compelling - sometimes the sadness of the experience and history overwhelms me and leaks into my heart. Instead of trying to run away from it, I try to stay present within it so I can transfer that sense of emotion into the writing. That way, hopefully the readers will feel a sense of emotional truth while reading. Also, I generally write in fairly short chapters, hoping that will create compelling pacing and urge the reader to read "just one more chapter." :) Thanks for the question!
More Answered Questions
Jennifer
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I lover reading your books! I have read both Between Shades of Gray and Salt to the Sea and both have made my top reads list. Your character development is unparalleled. The characters come alive and jump off the pages for me. Where do the ideas for your characters come from?
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