Meet the Author with Ruta Sepetys

Introduction

• Host: Emily Godfrey
• Guest: Ruta Sepetys, New York Times best-selling author
• Notable Works:
  • Between Shades of Grey
  • Out of the Easy
  • Salt to the Sea (latest novel)

Writing Historical Fiction

• Quote: "Writing historical fiction is like being a detective."
• Key Points:
  • Many untold stories exist.
  • Research involves digging for clues and interviewing individuals.
  • Aim to give voice to those whose stories have not been told.

Overview of Salt to the Sea

• Setting: Winter of 1945 during WWII.
• Plot:
  • Evacuation from East Prussia as Hitler realizes defeat.
  • Follows four characters: two boys and two girls, all affected by war.

Inspiration for Writing Historical Fiction

• Background: Spent 22 years in the music industry before writing.
• Catalyst: A musician asked her about her story, leading to her writing journey.
• Resulted in her first novel, Between Shades of Grey, to represent many impacted by deportations.

Creative Liberties in Writing

• Authenticity: Strives to maintain historical authenticity while fictionalizing character journeys.
• Examples:
  • Accurate dates for significant events (e.g., ship sinking)
  • Creative liberties taken in character journeys and events along the way.

Maritime Disaster in Salt to the Sea

• Wilhelm Gustloff:
  • A lesser-known maritime disaster during WWII.
  • Carried over 10,000 people despite a capacity of 1,400.
  • Sunk by torpedoes, resulting in 9,300 deaths.
  • Raises questions about how history is remembered and preserved.

Character Development

• Research Process:
  • Conducted interviews with survivors and victims' families for authenticity.
  • Characters shaped by real people's experiences and emotions.

Writing Approach

• Narrative Structure:
  • Multiple perspectives from different characters to showcase various experiences.
  • Chapters alternate between narrators, enhancing pacing and emotional stakes.

Student Questions

• Character Relation:
  • Ruta relates most to Emilia, a character showcasing hope and kindness.
• Character Alfred:
  • Serves as a lens into the ship's experience; explores themes of visibility and rejection.

Conclusion and Messages

• Takeaway from Books:
  • Readers should understand the importance of facing hardships with courage.
  • Emphasizes the human experience and resilience amidst tragedy.

Final Thoughts

• Emotions during Writing:
  • Felt haunted by the stories and experiences being researched and written.
  • Sought emotional authenticity in characters and their journeys.

Interaction with Students

• Students shared thoughtful items they would pack if fleeing, demonstrating critical thinking and empathy for the characters' experiences in Salt to the Sea.

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Resources: Visit Ruta Sepetys' website for more information.