Sydney
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ruta! I recently read "Between Shades of Gray" and was deeply connected to the novel. My grandparents shared many of the experiences you described, and I was amazed of how detailed you wrote while keeping the facts straight. My question is how did you research for this novel? Are there any new books to be expected in the near future? Thank you!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Sydney!
For "Between Shades of Gray," the research was particularly challenging because there was very little information in English on the deportations of Lithuanians to Siberia and Lithuanians hadn't spoken of the terror for decades. For research I first read all of the nonfiction sources available. I speak with academics and historians. I then travel to the country where the story takes place to research the landscape, the culture, and the people. I generally interview many people while researching a book. I then weave stories from many people together into one character so that way I'm representing a larger human experience and not just one person.
Thanks for asking!
For "Between Shades of Gray," the research was particularly challenging because there was very little information in English on the deportations of Lithuanians to Siberia and Lithuanians hadn't spoken of the terror for decades. For research I first read all of the nonfiction sources available. I speak with academics and historians. I then travel to the country where the story takes place to research the landscape, the culture, and the people. I generally interview many people while researching a book. I then weave stories from many people together into one character so that way I'm representing a larger human experience and not just one person.
Thanks for asking!
More Answered Questions
Ciara
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I loved your books and all the insight, creativity and passion I found in them. My question is: Where did you find all your inspiration to write your books? What do you suggest to writers who are struggling to find some inspiration? Thank you for your time and for writing such amazing books!
Karyn Buchanan
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta, As an English Teacher, I can tell you that my kids love your book Between Shades of Gray. I loved your latest book Salt to the Sea! How do you make history come alive? How do you research your novels? Thank you for the beautiful books. I cherish them. Karyn
Kayla
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
You're my fave author. I absolutely love your stories. I always form an emotional conncetion with the characters and end up crying as a result. I have just finished reading Salt to the Sea and I realized that Joana is the cousin Lina talked about in Between Shades of Gray. When you were writing Between Shades of Gray, did you know that you were going to write another book book on Joana's story or was it sponteous?
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