Rhuta D
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I discovered you when I was searching for an author who shares my name. I ordered and devoured 'between shades of gray' - I loved it. I currently work in a law firm, but I dream of someday writing something wonderful for someone else to discover. Would you have any advice for an aspiring writer? I'd also love to know what your name means. Mine (Rhuta) has its origins in Sanskrit and means 'eternal truth'.
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Rhuta!
Wow, our names are so similar! The meaning of your name is beautiful. Lithuanian women named Ruta are named for the little green Rue flower.
I worked in the music business for 20+ years before becoming and author. So if I can do that, you can definitely transition from law to writing. Lawyers write a lot. :) In terms of advice, I always suggest that writers think back on their own experiences of love, loss, joy and even humiliation. Those triumphs and scars are part of our individual emotional truth and if we write about them - and through them - the work will have a feeling of authenticity. Also, don't forget about rhythm in your writing. Read your work aloud, listening for rhythm and flow. If you stumble as you're reading aloud, revise the sentence.
Hope that's helpful!
Wow, our names are so similar! The meaning of your name is beautiful. Lithuanian women named Ruta are named for the little green Rue flower.
I worked in the music business for 20+ years before becoming and author. So if I can do that, you can definitely transition from law to writing. Lawyers write a lot. :) In terms of advice, I always suggest that writers think back on their own experiences of love, loss, joy and even humiliation. Those triumphs and scars are part of our individual emotional truth and if we write about them - and through them - the work will have a feeling of authenticity. Also, don't forget about rhythm in your writing. Read your work aloud, listening for rhythm and flow. If you stumble as you're reading aloud, revise the sentence.
Hope that's helpful!
More Answered Questions
Hallie
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta!! The book club I am in at school just got done reading Between Shades of Gray (and all of us who read it loved it). The big discussion question was of all the symbolism in the book. We found some like the pocket watch/ the man with the watch, the handkerchief, her sketches are just a few. My question to you is was there any symbolism you absolutely wanted in the book to stick out to readers?
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