Savannah [eaton_nightlock] asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I'm an 8th grade student, and I read your book 'Between Shades of Gray' two years ago, and it has been one of my favorite books since! I was just wondering, what made you want to start writing about topics like those in BSG? Thank you so much, I'm a huge fan of you and your books, hopefully we can meet some day and discuss more! I can't wait to read Salt to the Sea!

Ruta Sepetys Hi Savannah,

Thanks for your question! I'm so happy that you enjoyed "Between Shades of Gray!"

In terms of what inspires me to write about these topics - 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!

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