I'm beyond excited that I was given the opportunity to interview one of my favorite authors, Ruta Sepetys. I was able to meet her at the North Texas Teen Book Festival, and she's extremely sweet and an overall lovely person. Without further ado, let's get to the interview!

Hi Ruta! Before we get started, can you talk about the books you've written so far?

I've written three historical novels: Between Shades of Gray, Out of the Easy and Salt to the Sea. They are all published through Philomel which is a division of Penguin Young Readers Group

What inspired you to go into writing? Specifically, historical fiction?

I am drawn to hidden history and stories of strength through struggle, so I look for topics that contain those elements. Writing historical fiction is like being a detective. I love discovering secrets and lost heroes. Sometimes history can …show more content…
There are many periods I'd love to write about! I'd love to write a novel set in the '20's and a novel set during the Depression.

Are there any characters you've written about that have been your favorite?

I absolutely loved writing the character of Josie Moraine in Out of the Easy. The odds are stacked against her, but Josie is a fighter. She decides that she—and she alone—will be the author of her own destiny. She will learn to fly, even though she's been born with broken wings.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about being a writer?

My favorite part is the research. I love researching hidden history! I also love listening to readers share their interpretation of my books. I think the reader's interpretation is more important than the author's explanation. A book is different to every single reader. Each reader may read the same text, but they create characters and setting in their own mind and therefore no two are alike. That's fascinating to me!

Besides writing and history, what are some of your other