Lex
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! My name is Alexa and your book has become such a major part in my life! It has sparked my interest in historical fiction and I even got both my parents to read it! My question is, where did you find your beginning inspiration for hidden history? Did you enjoy history back in school or was it mainly just your father's past that gained your interest? Thank you for your amazing novel!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Lex!
Wow, so grateful that you not only read the book, that you had your parents read the book. Thank you!
I love discovering secrets, hidden facts, and hidden heroes - and writing historical fiction is like being a detective. To be honest, I didn't love history in school. 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! And yes, initially it was discovering my own family's history that kickstarted my writing. :)
Wow, so grateful that you not only read the book, that you had your parents read the book. Thank you!
I love discovering secrets, hidden facts, and hidden heroes - and writing historical fiction is like being a detective. To be honest, I didn't love history in school. 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! And yes, initially it was discovering my own family's history that kickstarted my writing. :)
More Answered Questions
A Goodreads user
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta, I was wondering what is your power food or drink when writing stories. And, do you write notes for your novels in a journal or using some site on the internet to write them? I loved "Between Shades of Grey" by the way, and I can't wait to read "Salt to the Sea" since you are such an amazing writer! :)
Camille
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
In both "Between Shades of Grey" and "Out if the Easy" you created the protagonists Lina and Josie, both independent and strong teenage girls. I was wondering if you modeled them after a specific person you knew while you were in the process of writing them? If not, how did you come up with such authentic main characters? P.S- Both of those books are in my top 5. (Hopefully,"Salt to the Sea"will also make it on.)
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Apr 04, 2016 04:49PM · flag