Derek

Derek asked Ruta Sepetys:

How did you get started as a professional writer? What was your experience in having your first novel published?

Ruta Sepetys Hi Derek,

I wanted to be an author when I was very young. I wrote my first book in third grade. But after a while, I lost my courage to write and feared I didn't really have a talent for it.

Prior to becoming an author I worked for twenty years in the music business. Through working in music I learned that failure is a prerequisite to success. Having the freedom to fail brought me back to writing.

I did not sell the book on a proposal. I wrote (and rewrote) "Between Shades of Gray" countless times before it was sold to a publisher. It was a journey that took many years, but I really enjoyed it.

Thanks for asking!

More Answered Questions

Joanna

Joanna asked Ruta Sepetys:

Do you get to have input on the book cover? I loved the book but if it had not been chosen for a book discussion, I probably would not have picked it up because the cover is so underwhelming.

Akie L

Akie L asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi! I was wondering what your favourite type of pie is. ? :D

ANN ♥

ANN ♥ asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hello Ruta! I am a huge fan of your work! Between Shades of Grey is my absolute favourite book. In fact, I loved it so much I read it more than once! I'm so excited for it to hit the big screen! I know that you will be touring Canada some time in May 2016. I wanted to know if you will be coming to Toronto, Canada to do book signings? I would love to meet you in person! Thank you!

All answers from Ruta Sepetys…

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