Abby Jamison
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! My question is how did you find inspiration for your characters? And which of your main character's that you've written do you feel is your favorite? I absolutely love your books and your books made me enjoy historical fiction so much much!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Abby!
Thanks so much for your kind words!
It's so hard to choose just one favorite character, so I'll outline some favorites from each book:
Between Shades of Gray - Elena, the Bald Man
Out of the Easy - Willie, Cokie
Salt to the Sea - The Shoe Poet, Emilia
The inspiration for characters generally arises while I'm researching. I'll come upon a story or even just a small detail that will inspire a character and bring them to life for me. Many of the characters also come to life while I'm interviewing people who experienced the event. I try to interview as many people as possible while researching a book. I then weave their stories together into one character. That way, I'm representing a larger human experience. Creating characters is my favorite part of the writing process. Thanks for asking! :)
Thanks so much for your kind words!
It's so hard to choose just one favorite character, so I'll outline some favorites from each book:
Between Shades of Gray - Elena, the Bald Man
Out of the Easy - Willie, Cokie
Salt to the Sea - The Shoe Poet, Emilia
The inspiration for characters generally arises while I'm researching. I'll come upon a story or even just a small detail that will inspire a character and bring them to life for me. Many of the characters also come to life while I'm interviewing people who experienced the event. I try to interview as many people as possible while researching a book. I then weave their stories together into one character. That way, I'm representing a larger human experience. Creating characters is my favorite part of the writing process. Thanks for asking! :)
More Answered Questions
Marien
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I read your book a few years ago and I have never forgotten it! It was such a powerful and well-written book, but I was wondering how you were able to continue writing the book when you had writers block (if you even ever got it). How were you able to work past your own mind? I'm asking because not a second of the book was boring or slow and it was so interesting that I was able to read it in under an hour.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more