Uponabookcastle

Uponabookcastle asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I was so happy to see that you were answering questions. I was wondering how you chose the names for your characters, do they have any importance to you?

Ruta Sepetys Hello!

Thanks so much for asking this question. In terms of names, some I choose because they have familial significance (Jonas and Lina in "Between Shades of Gray") and some I choose for rhythm (Josie and Jesse from "Out of the Easy.") I look for a rhythm within a name that reflects the character's personality. I always research names historically to make sure they were used during the time period I am writing about. I was touring in Germany and met a high school student named Florian. I told him that I liked his name and was going to use it for a character. And Florian became a main character in "Salt to the Sea!"

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Hallie

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?

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! Salt to the Sea was the first of your books I've read and it was amazing! I'm so excited to read your other novels. Are you planning on writing any more books set around the same time period? I've always had a slight interest in WWII, but you've kind of added fuel to the fire, and now I want to know more! Also, have you any plans to do any signings in the UK? I would love that! Thank you, Carly :)

Alyssa Daniele

Alyssa Daniele asked Ruta Sepetys:

Will you ever write a sequel to Between Shades of grey? Perhaps outlining the end of Lina's time in Sibera and when she was released and when she reunites with Andrius?

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…

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