Audrey asked Ruta Sepetys:

Between Shades of Gray is one of my all-time favorite novels. I love the book so much, but each time I read it, Lina's story wipes me out emotionally. I can't imagine having to get into her head and write about the horrors of her captivation. Was it hard to write about such a serious subject matter? Also, a bit less relevant to the book, but is a movie adaption actually going to happen? Thank you!

Ruta Sepetys Hello Audrey!

I'm so honored that "Between Shades of Gray" is one of your favorite novels. Thank you! You said that reading Lina's story wipes you out emotionally, well, I can totally understand. Writing Lina's story wiped me out emotionally - for two years. Yes, it was so difficult to write about Lina's arrest and life in exile. I was constantly asking myself questions like:
- In this lottery of life and death, who survives?
- How can human beings be so cruel?
- Why does the world not yet know this story of the people deported to Siberia?

In terms of the movie, the screenplay is finished. It was written by Ben York Jones and he is a tremendous writer. I'm very lucky. The director is beginning casting conversations now. So my fingers are crossed!

Thank you so much, Audrey, for your message and for supporting my writing. I just finished my third novel - It's a World War II story - and it will be published in early 2016. :-)

Sincerely,

Ruta

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