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!! :)
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Paloma!
Thanks for your question about character building. Many of the characters come to life while I'm interviewing people who experienced the event I'm writing about. I try to interview as many people as possible while researching a book. I then weave their stories together into one character. Since the survivors and witnesses inspire the characters I just try to reflect back on my meetings to "stay with" the character. I take lots of notes during the interview and try to record the interview if permitted. Thanks again!
Thanks for your question about character building. Many of the characters come to life while I'm interviewing people who experienced the event I'm writing about. I try to interview as many people as possible while researching a book. I then weave their stories together into one character. Since the survivors and witnesses inspire the characters I just try to reflect back on my meetings to "stay with" the character. I take lots of notes during the interview and try to record the interview if permitted. Thanks again!
More Answered Questions
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.
Christen
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! My name is Christen and I'm a high school student from Portland, Oregon. When I read "Between Shades of Gray," it lit a flame of inspiration to begin writing. I was wondering who/what inspired you to start writing? I was also curious about any advice you have on creating a character with depth and conflicting emotions and thoughts, but still making it clear and precise. Thank you.
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