Elena Smith
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ruta, I'm a high school student who enjoys writing some of her own stories, however I still make mistakes. I'm considering minoring in creative writing in college, just to see how it goes. Salt to the Sea became my favorite book ever, even after I gave myself a few days to be sure. My question for you is what system do you use to organize the characters and other details to prevent errors or plot holes?
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Elena!
So glad you enjoyed "Salt to the Sea!"
In terms of your question, below is a series of questions I ask myself when I'm building characters and a plot. Hope this is helpful!
1.) Inciting Incident
What event sets the plot into motion?
2.) The Prize
What is it your character wants?
3.) The Strategy
What does your character decide to do in order to get what he/she wants?
4.) The Conflict
Who are some of the people who are working against your character?
5.) The Stakes
What will be the consequence if the plan does not work?
6.) The Bleakest Moment
What happens to make things look hopeless?
7.) The Lesson
What does your character learn about himself/herself, others or life?
8.) The Decision
What does your character do because of what he/she has learned?
9.) The Hole
In what way does your character need to grow emotionally? (Although probably unknown to him/her)
10.) The Back Story
What is it that is haunting your character as the story begins?
So glad you enjoyed "Salt to the Sea!"
In terms of your question, below is a series of questions I ask myself when I'm building characters and a plot. Hope this is helpful!
1.) Inciting Incident
What event sets the plot into motion?
2.) The Prize
What is it your character wants?
3.) The Strategy
What does your character decide to do in order to get what he/she wants?
4.) The Conflict
Who are some of the people who are working against your character?
5.) The Stakes
What will be the consequence if the plan does not work?
6.) The Bleakest Moment
What happens to make things look hopeless?
7.) The Lesson
What does your character learn about himself/herself, others or life?
8.) The Decision
What does your character do because of what he/she has learned?
9.) The Hole
In what way does your character need to grow emotionally? (Although probably unknown to him/her)
10.) The Back Story
What is it that is haunting your character as the story begins?
More Answered Questions
alexgobed
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! First, I'm fourteen years old and I'm from Spain, so my english is not that good. Last year I read Between Shades of Grey and I absolutely loved it. And I have a question about this book. Who is your favourite character? Or who they are, if there is more than one? I was in love with Lina and his mother, but I'm curious to see who are yours. Thanks for your time!
Mandy Chilcote
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
As a middle school English teacher, Between Shades of Gray is one of my top recommendations for students who think they know WWII books. When I saw Salt to the Sea in the library, I snatched it immediately and am finding it hard to put down. I was surprised, though, to see another World War II book from you. Did the research for one lead to the idea for the other?
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