Annie
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta Sepetys first of all I would like to say your books are amazing, I love all of them! I was wondering what age did you begin to write and what led you to write historical fiction? Also do you have any books in progress, if so what historical time period?
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Annie! Great questions!
I wanted to be an author when I was very young. I wrote my first book in 3rd grade. But after a while, I lost my courage to write and feared I didn't really have a talent for it. When I picked up writing again I did not start with historical fiction. I wrote a mystery for young readers and shortly after wrote the first chapter of "Between Shades of Gray." An agent read both the mystery and the first chapter and told me that my authentic voice was in historical fiction. I'm so grateful for his advice!
I am currently working on a novel set in Spain in the 1950s. It reveals bits of unknown history during the reign of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco and I can't wait to share it!
Thank you for asking!
I wanted to be an author when I was very young. I wrote my first book in 3rd grade. But after a while, I lost my courage to write and feared I didn't really have a talent for it. When I picked up writing again I did not start with historical fiction. I wrote a mystery for young readers and shortly after wrote the first chapter of "Between Shades of Gray." An agent read both the mystery and the first chapter and told me that my authentic voice was in historical fiction. I'm so grateful for his advice!
I am currently working on a novel set in Spain in the 1950s. It reveals bits of unknown history during the reign of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco and I can't wait to share it!
Thank you for asking!
More Answered Questions
Shauna George
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta. Read "between shades of grey" a few months back and loved the book so much. I read later that this was based on events that occurred within your family during WWII. I am sure that retelling these painful events were very difficult. I am very intrigued to find out how you managed to do this? Also how differnrt is Salt of the Sea from Between shades of grey?
Jisoo
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
I absolutely enjoyed Salt to the Sea, and have also previously read Between Shades of Grey, which I also loved. Regarding Salt to the Sea, I loved the characters and their back stories (and how you revealed them), and was wondering what inspired you to create these characters with the background you gave them? Also, what motivates you to write in general?
Xhena
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I am a HUGE fan of Between Shades of Gray. It captivated my attention. Very well written! I have recommended your books to many friends and few took my advice and absolutely fell in love with your books and bought them right away! :) I have never been a fan of historical fiction but I've loved yours! I was wondering if you'd be able to come to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada? I'd be thrilled! Thanks! ~Xhena
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