Lesley Gardner

Lesley Gardner asked Ruta Sepetys:

I'm a huge fan of historical novels and so i have to ask this; What made you want to write historical fiction?

Ruta Sepetys Hi Lesley -

Thanks for your question! It's lovely to hear from someone who also loves historical novels.

I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering secrets and lost 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

Maya

Maya asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! How do you get inspiration for your books?

Jillian

Jillian asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hello Ms. Sepetys, First off, I thourougly enjoyed both Between Shades of Grey and Salt to the Sea...the latter one being read by my book club who all loved it. (except Alfred...he's kinda a wack-job) Would you consider writing a book with another member of the Vilkas family now that Lina and Joana are written for? Who are your favorite authors? How do you get out of writer's block? Thanks, Jillian :)

Regular Nerd

Regular Nerd asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta, I am a very big fan of "Between Shades of Gray" and enjoyed it from the beginning to end. What inspired you to write Between Shades of Gray? What inspired you to write Out of the Easy?

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…

24,728 followers

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions