Alex
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta!! So exciting to see you are accepting questions. Mine is that I am interested in writing a book (or my part of the book) using the same multi-person narrative that you did. I enjoyed Salt to the Sea so much, and wondered if you had any advice on the best way to go about doing that? since your character narratives flowed so wonderfully well with each other, which made it so nice to read. Thank you!!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Alex!
So thrilled to hear that you are interested in writing a book using a multi-person narrative. It was a challenge at times during STS but overall, I really loved the process and the flexibility it gave me to be in someone else's head every chapter.
I wrote the book in the exact order that you read it, swapping voices each chapter. But sometimes I would go back and read through only Joana's chapters, for example, to make sure that they had continuity and flow. I found that helpful and did it often. That might help you make sure the voice is consistent too. Hope that helps and all best wishes. You'll do a great job!!
So thrilled to hear that you are interested in writing a book using a multi-person narrative. It was a challenge at times during STS but overall, I really loved the process and the flexibility it gave me to be in someone else's head every chapter.
I wrote the book in the exact order that you read it, swapping voices each chapter. But sometimes I would go back and read through only Joana's chapters, for example, to make sure that they had continuity and flow. I found that helpful and did it often. That might help you make sure the voice is consistent too. Hope that helps and all best wishes. You'll do a great job!!
More Answered Questions
Sam Dauphinee
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta!! I have always gravitated towards historical fiction stories for a good read, and I got to say, Between Shades of Gray is without a doubt one of the best I've read so far. My question is, was the story and the characters inspired or related to your personal life or bloodline? The profound emotion and heartbreak in the piece is heart wrenching. Thanks for the great story.
Paloma Renteria
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hello Ms. Sepetys! My name is Paloma, I'm sixteen years old from Dallas, Texas. Between the Shades of Gray is one of my favorite books!! I was curious, do you find it difficult to get into character for a time you didn't experience first hand? How does that creative process work for you? Thanks a lot!! :)
Amena (Nerd in New York)
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hey Ruta! I'm from the U.S and I LOVE YOUR BOOKS! Out of The Easy is my personal favorite (I'm sorry I'm fangirling so much right now). I was just wondering what is your most favorite novel that you have written or someone else? Also, can I feature this on my blog?(http://floralpatternbooks.blogspot.com/)
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