Andrew
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
What encourages you to search so deep for forgotten and obscure historical events? I loved Salt to the Sea, and it was a very surprising event, I had never even heard so much as a whisper about it. What inspires you to write these untold stories?
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Andrew!
Thanks for your question.
I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. "Salt to the Sea" and "Between Shades of Gray" both contain themes of hope, courage, love, loss and the miraculous nature of the human spirit.
Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering secrets, 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!
Thanks for your question.
I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. "Salt to the Sea" and "Between Shades of Gray" both contain themes of hope, courage, love, loss and the miraculous nature of the human spirit.
Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering secrets, 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!
More Answered Questions
Marie
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I love writing and creating things and making them my own art. I can turn trash into art.Everything I write is straight from my heart it God given gift comes natural to me. If I put my poems and books anywhere should it be copyright through post office or it all ready copyright online when you put it up? thanks for your help.
Mandy Perret
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
As a teacher, I find the history of the Holocaust and important topic to cover. I have used your book Between Shades of Gray. I am wondering if you could please share some resources about Latvian Jews affected by the Holocaust that I could use with my high school students? Through my personal studies, I have learned the more questions you answer about the Holocaust, the more questions arise.
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