Lindsey
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Ruta, I absolutely adored Between Shades of Gray. As a teacher, I'm always discussing different tools that writers use to get their ideas on paper. Would you be willing to share some details about your writing process? For example, how often do you write? How do you decide the sequencing and the point-of-view in your books? Thanks!
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Lindsey!
Thanks for this question about the writing process. History provides a framework for me and I love creating characters and inserting them into that framework. I outline very loosely, take tons of notes, keep a journal for each novel, and even record voice notes.
My process also involves:
• carefully researching the topic
• interviewing witnesses or survivors
• spending time thinking about the characters and story
• spending hours writing and achieving a state of creative flow
• revising, revising, and revising some more
Thanks so much for asking!
Thanks for this question about the writing process. History provides a framework for me and I love creating characters and inserting them into that framework. I outline very loosely, take tons of notes, keep a journal for each novel, and even record voice notes.
My process also involves:
• carefully researching the topic
• interviewing witnesses or survivors
• spending time thinking about the characters and story
• spending hours writing and achieving a state of creative flow
• revising, revising, and revising some more
Thanks so much for asking!
More Answered Questions
Adrienne
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
In Salt to the Sea, you have four different narrators; what was the writing process like to write four distinct voices? How did you stay true to the characters' voices and not mix up whose voice was whose? Also, you have three really lovable characters and one creepy one--was it harder to write Alfred than the other three? Thanks for writing such powerful, meaningful books.
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