Nicole
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hey, Ruta! I'm from Lebanon and have read Between Shades of Gray. It's amazing, I love historical fiction especially those of WWII. So my question is: were you always interested in history and how did it influence your writing career exactly? If you wanted to write other historical novels, which different period would you choose? Why?
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Nicole!
So thrilled that you are sending a question, all the way from Lebanon! :)
I wasn't really interested in history as a subject in school, but I've always been fascinated by historical secrets. Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering 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!
There are many periods I'd love to write about. I'd love to write a novel set in the '20's and a novel set during the Depression. Those two time periods are rich with both strength and struggle.
So thrilled that you are sending a question, all the way from Lebanon! :)
I wasn't really interested in history as a subject in school, but I've always been fascinated by historical secrets. Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering 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!
There are many periods I'd love to write about. I'd love to write a novel set in the '20's and a novel set during the Depression. Those two time periods are rich with both strength and struggle.
More Answered Questions
Mindi
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
One of my favorite lines from Salt to the Sea is when Alfred thinks that there is so much ugliness in the world, and we should not be forced to face it. The novel itself forces the reader to face the ugliness of the world, but to embrace the love and beauty that exists despite--or in spite--of it. How does this theme reflect your view of the function of art, especially YA literature, if at all?
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