#018: Ruta Septys — How to Write Gripping Historical Fiction, The Importance of Melody And Rhythm & Giving Voice to Underrepresented History.

Jul 23, 2022

55:51

forum

Ask episode

view_agenda

Chapters

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

In this episode we talk with the Carnegie winner and #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction, Ruta Sepetys, about the joy of writing historical fiction, building believable characters, the research process, how she finds objects from history to have by her side as she’s writing and why she writes her first draft like the world’s on fire. Plus, the importance of melody and rhythm in writing, the power of collaboration and dealing with critics.

ABOUT RUTA SEPETYS

Ruta Sepetys (Rūta Šepetys) is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction published in over sixty countries and forty languages. Sepetys is considered a “crossover” novelist as her books are read by both students and adults worldwide. Winner of the Carnegie Medal, Ruta is renowned for giving voice to underrepresented history and those who experienced it. Her books have won or been shortlisted for over forty book prizes, are included on over thirty state reading lists, and are currently in development for film and television.

QUOTES FROM RUTA:

“Tonight you might hear a song that you haven't heard in five years and you can sing every word to that song, every word. And that's because melody and rhythm make things memorable and powerful. Melody and rhythm are often overlooked and writers I want you to read your work aloud, listening for rhythm and flow”

RESOURCES

Connect with Ruta:

Twitter: @RutaSepetys

Instagram: @rutasepetysauthor

Ruta's Website - Ruta’s Website

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

Books by Ruta Sepetys: