Morgan
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta!!! I am a HUGE fan of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray! I love how you give famous events a new perspective, and I feel like I'm really learning as well when I read your books! How do you get inspiration for all of your different characters? They always seem so real, and though I have never been through what they are going through, they are always relatable! Thank you!!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Morgan!
I'm so happy that you loved the books. The inspiration for characters generally arises while I'm researching. I'll come upon a story or even just a small detail that will inspire a character and bring them to life for me. Many of the characters also come to life while I'm interviewing people who experienced the event. I try to interview as many people as possible while researching a book. I then weave their stories together into one character. That way, I'm representing a larger human and emotional experience.
I'm so happy that you loved the books. The inspiration for characters generally arises while I'm researching. I'll come upon a story or even just a small detail that will inspire a character and bring them to life for me. Many of the characters also come to life while I'm interviewing people who experienced the event. I try to interview as many people as possible while researching a book. I then weave their stories together into one character. That way, I'm representing a larger human and emotional experience.
More Answered Questions
Emily
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi, I love all your books, but I was wondering how you got inspiration for 'out of the easy' because the themes and settings which it is based on aren't very common for YA fiction. That was one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much, as it gave me insight into a different aspect of the past and how people lived. Were there any particular reasons that made you so interested in it? Thanks, Emily
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?
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