YOU

A gifted storyteller shares the method and memories behind her magic.

With chapters bearing labels such as “Plot,” “Character Development,” “Setting,” and “Voice,” award-winning teen historical fiction author Sepetys’ first foray into nonfiction may look at first glance like an ordinary book on the craft of writing, but the introductory line, “life is story in motion,” reveals a more sophisticated yet accessible approach: sideways, through the lens of memory. Her parents’ early struggles and lifelong artistry gave her the sense that plots were everywhere. Discussing characterization, she recalls her 12-year-old self asking permission to paint her entire bedroom “brown like poop” (she even saved up for the paint). They agreed—and offered guidance on choosing an accent color. Eavesdropping on strangers trained Sepetys’ ear to write dialogue, and she presents lowlights from her dating career as an exercise in character research. Each themed chapter ends with a recap of the main points presented, a set of writing prompts, and an intriguing set of “Stories To Uncover and Discover.” Diving further into the subject of revision, Sepetys relates an anecdote that reveals how knowing only one side of a story leads to misunderstanding and errors, critical information for anyone writing history, whether theirs or someone else’s. The dedication, hard work, and attention to detail that her fiction is known for show here in every carefully considered line, but most of all it’s her heart that shines through.

Instructive and inspiring for storytellers of all ages.