Ruta Sepetys
Hi Mason! Thanks for the question!
I actually have wanted to be an author since I was very young. I wrote my first book in 3rd grade. But after a while, I lost my courage to write and feared I didn't really have a talent for it. When I picked up writing again, I did not start with historical fiction. I wrote a mystery for young readers and shortly after wrote the first chapter of "Between Shades of Grey." An agent read both the mystery and the first chapter, and told me that historical fiction was my most authentic voice. I am drawn to and inspired by hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. I don't know if there is one person who inspired me to write, but many of my characters have been inspired by survivors I have met, or historical figures whose stories I have been able to learn through my research.
I actually have wanted to be an author since I was very young. I wrote my first book in 3rd grade. But after a while, I lost my courage to write and feared I didn't really have a talent for it. When I picked up writing again, I did not start with historical fiction. I wrote a mystery for young readers and shortly after wrote the first chapter of "Between Shades of Grey." An agent read both the mystery and the first chapter, and told me that historical fiction was my most authentic voice. I am drawn to and inspired by hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. I don't know if there is one person who inspired me to write, but many of my characters have been inspired by survivors I have met, or historical figures whose stories I have been able to learn through my research.
More Answered Questions
Hannah Ward
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I have read all three of your novels and loved every single one! The way you write historical fiction makes me feel as if I've traveled back in time to the 1940s or even to New Orleans. Someday I want to be able to write historical fiction novels as well as you do. Do you have any writing/researching tips for an aspiring historical fiction author? Thank you so much for writing such beautiful stories!
Suraj
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! Apart from reading "Between Shades of Gray", I have also noticed that your other books too have a plot surrounding the 20th century and the World War. Everytime I've read the plot of one of your books, you have brought a story which revolves around a bunch of hapless people caught in the middle of a war. What is it that you're trying to tell through their lives? FYI, I loved your book.
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