Jisoo

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?

Ruta Sepetys Hi Jisoo, thank you for reading my books! When I am researching for novels, I try to interview as many people as I can who lived through the time period I am writing about, or to interview historians who have spent years researching the time period and events. I then weave stories together into one character so that I can represent a larger people group and not compromise any one person's story, so their backgrounds are woven together from the stories I heard or read from survivors of the time. In general, I have always wanted to be a writer, but I am drawn to hidden history and I am determined to tell the stories of those who are unable to tell their own. Thank you for asking!

More Answered Questions

Jessica (The Mortal Jessica)

Jessica (The Mortal Jessica) asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I've read your books and absolutely LOVE how rich the history is and I love learning about all the different kinds of history that you write about. How do you come up with your amazing characters, and are they maybe based off of you or anyone in your family?

Jose Mariaud

Jose Mariaud asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I'm from Mexico, and I was facinated with your writing, I think you are a great Story-taller, so, have you plan writing a high fantasy book? Or a contemporary? That will be amazing!

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Ruta Sepetys:

Hi Ruta! I read a review copy of Salt to the Sea and it is now without a doubt one of my favourite books EVER. I am a history student at university, WWII being one of the areas which I find most interesting and devastating to study, and you captured that devastation, and the utter strength of humanity so well! Did you base your main characters on historical accounts that you've read or are they purely fictional? Ari x

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