Click here to ask S.E. Hinton!

[Savannah]

I can't believe this! I love your work and I'm only 13, can't wait to see what else u put out there. Are you going to write more books? What is your favorite book you wrote? My favorite would have to be (like most of your readers it seams) the outsiders. I read it this year and fell in love with the compassion you write with. You are one of my favorite authors, will you write any series? I sure hope so because when I pick up your books I can't put it down. This might sound odd but what's your favorite color? I don't know why I want to know that but I just sort of do! I wish you luck in any future writing you might do. I know there is most likely a one in a million chance you are reading this but if you are, I want to thank you for reading it, I can't imagine how much mail you must get, and for you to read this one, thank you!

[Gabi]

Hi S.E Hinton!! I just finished reading The Outsiders in my 8th grade ELA class. It was an amazing and we analyzed the many themes supported in the book. I have a few questions:

1. How did you come up with the plot of the book? Was it based on any personal experience or just something you'd thought would be cool?

2. Why did you choose the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" and what message were you trying to convey through the poem?

3. Overall, what was the morale of the story, if any/what did you hope your readers would gain aside from an amazing book read?

Thank you so much, and I'm very excited to read your latest novels <3

All the best,

Gabi Gonzalez
New York City

[Heather]

Hi my name is heather and i completely obsessed with your book the outsiders. You are one of my inspirations to write and i found the way you showed what disturbed you through your writing was truly incredible. My questions are a) call me crazy but are there any outsiders merchandise i can buy somewhere? ( i know it sounds silly but me and my friend have a special connection and share a great passion for the book together and we would love to have t-shirts and necklaces!) also how did you get the inspiration to create the character dallas(he's my favorite)! finally, do you have any tips on writing stories? I've begun and have been accepted into a summer writing program and even have had a few poems published but still get blocked at times. Thank you so much.
Stay gold- Heather

[Hannah]

Hi my name is Hannah and I'm 14. I really loved the book the outsiders and I really wanted to know how you came up with the general idea of the book and the characters.

Thanks,
Hannah

[Jessie]

Ms. Hinton,
I am a 7th grade teacher and have read your book The Outsiders and Rumblefish many times. One thing my students observed in both novels, is that there seems to be a strong friendship/brother unit in both, with both sets of parents either not in the picture or flawed. Is there a reason behind writing specifically about the bond between brothers/friends? My students absolutely loved your novels; they will remember the tiniest of details. Thank you for teaching them that, "nothing gold can stay."
Mrs. B.

[Christine]

I'm so excited! S.E.Hinton! Wow! I just want you to know, as many others have shared, your books helped shape me to the person I am. I read your books (devoured them, actually!) when I was 13 years old. These were the stories that gave me a love of books and a passion for reading that continues today. I remember staying up all hours of the night to read under my sisters night light!

I'm now in my 40's with teenage children of my own that I have tried to pass the love of reading to. My question is, Do you think e books will make reading more accessible to young people or will the technology alienate youth not able to afford ereaders?

[Sarah]

I'm so excited for this! You've been one of my favorite authors since I first read your books in sixth grade.

What is your writing method? How do you edit your work? Any editing tips for aspiring writers?

[Lyn]

First, hello! I find it ironic that my icon/avatar has been the same quote since I first joined this site, and that this quote happens to be the first and last lines of your book "The Outsiders."

I have no idea what I should ask.

When I first got handed "The Outsiders," I'll admit I wasn't very excited, as you would expect from a 13-year-old who had to read a book for school. I loved to read books, still do, but there was always that dread that the book the school had assigned would be very disappointing. My father encouraged me to read it, becoming very excited when I mentioned the title. I thought this was the funniest thing, because my dad is not a reader. That he would remember a book that he read in his teens was unbelievable to me. By the time I finished your book, however, it was very believable.

It's been almost four years, and I can still quote the book and mention small details about it as though I had only read it yesterday.

Okay, for some questions now...

1. Do you feel satisfied after finishing and publishing a book, or do you find yourself wishing that you could go back and edit certain parts? I have read from some authors that they find themselves feeling this way.

2. When you first began writing "The Outsiders," (though this could pertain to any of your books), did you ever imagine that it would reach the amount of fame it has? Did you even imagine that it would be published?

3. Did you find it difficult to put yourself back out on the shelves with a new book, meaning did you find yourself worrying that your other books would not quite meet the same level of fame or that they would be criticized for not being as great?
(I apologize about the poor wording of this question. I almost want to take it back, but I truly am curious. I am taking this from the criticism I have seen lately over the major differences between J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series and "The Casual Vacancy."


Sorry that I have so many questions. A few minutes ago, I didn't have any.

Thanks for answering some questions, even if they're not mine. I also wish to thank you for the spectacular books you have written. You are definitely one of my role models, and you provide inspiration for my own writing. "The Outsiders" was truly a big part of my childhood.

Thanks once again!

Lyn

[Lauren]

Hello Ms. Hinton,

I have read your book the Outsiders and enjoyed its unique plot.
My question to you is, many writers seem to disagree with the public that their most fameous work is not their best work. What do you think is your best work?
I would love to read it.

[Sophia]

I wish that we could ask about the outsiders D:

[Tracy]

My question is why do you think you tend to write in male voices so easily? ( I feel like I do this as well).

[Joaquín]

Big fan of yours. Your books defined my taste for coming-of-age literature along with Salinger's Catcher. I was wondering:

1- In all of your works I have read you portray a male narrator, any particular reason?

2- What does the "Rumble Fish" represent to the Motorcycle Boy?

3- Why is it that the majority of your main characters (Rusty-James, Ponyboy and Tex) are troublesome or hard-to-deal-with students at school? (that is: misconduct, laziness, aggressiveness)

Thank you, thank you so very much for your attractive writing style and amusing topics. I hope you write another work similar to these. Me and my literature teacher from Secondary school salute you, all the way from Uruguay, South America.

Sincerely,
Joaquín Requena

[Sophia]

What do you think is your best work?

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Why do always find it so easy to write in a male perspective?

Were all of your characters based off of real people?

Out of all of your books, which one would you want to be apart of in real life?

[Andrea]

I'd like to ask what is easier for you to write from a girl's point of view or a Guy's point of view?

[Timi]

We read The Outsiders as a class when I was in middle school about 30 years ago. I was entranced. In my imagination, I used to pick up the story line where you left off, creating a "Part 2" in my own mind. Like most of your readers, I went on to read many of your other books. Fast-forward three decades, and I now make my living as a writer and editor. I also have a 12-year-old son who was recently introduced to The Outsiders in school. He is equally enamored of the book and has requested that I ask you your opinion of the movie.

[Kris]

I loved The Outsiders and Tex and still do. My question is what age did you decide you wanted to be a writer and what age were you when you got your first book published?

[Mariya]

Hello,

I read your book "The Outsiders" in seventh grade. Thank you, it was a magnificent novel. Did you develop the whole plot before you began writing or did you begin writing and decided on the ending in the process?

Thank you,

Mariya Dekhtyar

[Jayme]

Hi! My name is Jayme. I'm 12 and just read 'The Outsiders' outside of school. I didn't really think it was a book that I would like but after I started reading it I was hooked! I couldn't put it down! I must say it's actally my favourite book! :)

1. How did you feel when you first found out that your book was going to be published?

2. How did you come up with all the situations they went through?

[Suzy]

I was introduced to your book, The Outsiders. when my eldest daughter was 12. We read the book and then passed it down to my other kids when they became that age! We followed it up with "That Was Then And This Is Now". It was as thou we were reunited with friends:)
Thank You, for memories so sweet, now my chidren are young adults in Colleges.

[Monica]

I just want to say hi and that The Outsiders is my all time favorite books. I lost my copy and when I saw one at a book sale I purchased it. I like to read it almost every year. I don't have any questions right now. You are a fantastic author!

Monica

[Jake]

Dear S.E. Hinton,
First of all, I would like to thank you. The Outsiders was one of three or four books that made me want to become a writer. I also have come to respect you as a huge Supernatural fan as well. So I have these questions for you:

What advice can you give young writers ?

What was your reaction to the Season 8 finale of Supernatural ?

Thank you very much and happy writing,
Jake

P.S. If you haven't watched the season finale don't respond to the latter question.

[AnnMarie]

I am so thrilled to be invited in to this group! S.E Hinton was a favorite writer of mine as a teen, and her stories to this day still hold that special place in my heart. I graduated HS in 82, so that is a long time!

It amazing how the story lines and characters come back to me as if I've just read them. Truly amazing reads. Yep, fangirling when no one knew was fangirling was way back then!

My favorite was That Was Then, This Is Now. I loved Bryon and Cathy. I loved Bryon and his relationship with Mark.

My question -

I always felt in the end when Bryon turned Mark in, he did it to help Mark and not so much because of Cathy's brother. I've had many arguments with friends over this.

Please settle a 30 yr dispute! What was Bryon's real reason?

Thanks again for the invite and the opportunity to ask S.E Hinton questions about her stories.

[Ceara]

Hi Ms. Hinton! My name is Ceara and I first read The Outsiders in my 7th grade english class (and now I am in 11th grade) and I just want to thank you for being a Marvellously Fantastic author! I admire you so much and I love how not cliche your books are and that they are perfect for both boys and girls. They are books I always recommend. Everyone else asked my questions so I look forward to seeing your response! Thank you again! (Especially for taking the time to answer our questions!)

[Carolyn]

S.E. Hinton,
I noticed that many of your books except the Outsiders are up for discussion, yet all the posts I am reading are about the Outsiders. Sorry, but mine kind of is too. I know I have read a couple of your other titles, but the Outsiders has stuck as one of my all time favorite stories. I am 37 and read it for the first time at 13. I work in a high school/jr high visually impaired class. When we had a little free time this year, I took it upon myself to start reading The Outsiders to the kids, some of whom are totally blind. I truly enjoyed watching these kids light up as I read, laughing at certain words they didn't know, and asking lots of questions. We only got a couple chapters in but they were hooked and we will finish next year. I think it is time to start rereading your other titles now, because I really remember liking them. So glad you are on here, what a fun treat for us!! Thank you! Are you still writing? I have not kept in the loop on that, but I certainly hope you are.

[Pamela]

Hi Ms. Hinton - I will add my own gushing of your work. I read your books and could so relate to being an outsider and loved the character of Ponyboy. Were you an outsider growing up? Was your worked based on personal experiences of not having what is considered a normal family experience as that of Ponyboy and his brother?

[La La]

Thank-you Carolyn for asking if she is still writing!!

[Rose]

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to send a message to S.E. Hinton! Thank you so much! Like so many have already said, I read THE OUTSIDERS when I was 10 or 11 for the first time, and I must've read it a hundred times since. It remains one of my all-time favorite books, and I was thrilled when my twin boys, now 17, read the book in their 8th grade class. I am an author myself (4 published books), and I count you among my biggest influences. I even wrote a blog post about this on my publisher's blog site: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/2012/...

I do have a topic I'd love you to address: How do you feel your writing has changed over the years? Do you feel you are a better writer than you were when you wrote THE OUTSIDERS, and in what ways do you feel your writing has improved?

Thank you so very much for this wonderful interaction. I send you much love and many blessings.

Rose Vanden Eynden

[Mrs. Mulligan]

There is a problem when I use The Outsiders for instruction with my 8th grade students. No other book contains the same magic for them. The mixture of danger, love and heartbreak that you were able to put down on paper in that novel was the recipe for a perfect reading experience for this age group. Having the novel as a common text helps the students form a strong bond as a reading community. Although we read some other terrific books throughout the year and the students really begin to appreciate the beauty of language in a story well told, I repeatedly get the same request from my students: "I want to read a book like The Outsiders." I finally have decided on my reply: "There isn't one."

[Sophie]

Ms. Hinton,
I read The Outsiders as a class novel in 7th grade and Tex on my own in 8th grade, and I enjoyed both of them. Here are a few questions I have for you:

1. As a woman, is it hard to write a book from the perspective of a teenage boy?
2. How did you go about getting The Outsiders published? Was it hard?
3. When you were writing The Outsiders, did you tell your friends that you were working on a novel? If so, how did they react?
4. Was it hard to find time to write a novel in high school?

[Alura]

Hello Ms.Hinton!
I think you write very amazing books. I loved "The Outsiders" and "That Was Then, This Is Now". My question would be, how did you. Get inspired to write both books and how do you make the stories touch the hearts of the audience?

[Lisa]

What steps did you have to take to write/publish/market The Outsiders? At the time it came out, you were so young, and a girl to boot. :) It must have been fantastically difficult to get heard.

Also, what is the most important lesson you'd like young people who read your book to learn? I read The Outsiders every year with my 7th and/or 8th grade students, and I'd like to see if I am leading them in the right direction in my lessons....

Thanks for the inspiration. My most reluctant readers are happy to read your books!

[RedPath]

Hi Ms. Hinton! My name's Usha and I've only read a few books by you. But I've fallen in love with your style and your stories from the first book onward. Your stories are so complex and layered and I often find myself pondering and chewing on them days after I've finished (especially Rumble Fish). I enjoy writing, so naturally I have a few questions on your experiences as a writer.

I think I read somewhere that you wrote one of your books as a teenager. I'm sixteen years old and I find that incredibly inspiring. How did you not lose hope (in your story, in your ability as a writer, etc.) while you were writing?

How do you manage to weave such complex stories like Rumble Fish? Do you sit down and map everything out, or do outlines?

Have you ever written something outside of your comfort zone, as far as perspective and point of view of the narrator/character? If so, how did you go about writing it?

What is one of your biggest problems with books aimed at teenagers and the like today? What do you think would help improve the quality of "Teen" books?

I'm sorry my questions have very little to do with your books. You are a wonderful author and I can't wait to get my hot little fingers on more of your books. Thank you so much for writing them!

[Jenny]

Hi Ms. Hinton, thank you so much for doing this for us. :) The Outsiders was my inspiration in learning to love writing, and the story has made a huge impact on me from the moment I picked it up. Needless to say, it's one of my favourite books of all time and is definitely one that will stay with me for the rest of my life. So thank you, so so much for writing it. It's absolutely a timeless classic, and a story that needed to be told.
My question is this: What is your personal favourite line/scene from the Outsiders? Who's your favourite character?
Thanks again!

[Aaron]

Your novels are the reason I read for fun! After working my way through all of your books that I could find as a kid, I was compelled to find other authors that would bring me as much pleasure as you have. For that and the countless hours of reading that you inspired, I want to thank you.

I am wondering if you are an avid reader, and who's writing you enjoy the most? Also why do your books focus so heavily on young men and not women?

[[deleted user]]

Your books are so real - just what students need to make connections to life. However, I do wish for some solid, engaging YA stories that don't have a single profane word in them. I don't object personally, but as an educator, I encounter so many families who won't let their children read anything with profanity. Though I encourage them to consider the whole picture, the true depiction of life, many still say no. Their kids miss out on high quality books with relevant, engaging themes like those you write. Please consider a few more titles that fit this group of families.

[Katie]

Hi, I'm a fifteen year old girl and and an aspiring writer/high school English teacher. My question is: Did you ever expect the phrase "Stay gold, Ponyboy" to become such a widely used term? I use it all the time and I think it's a very significant phrase, and it represents many things for me. Looking forward to a reply!

[Hi]

i dont have a question, just thought id say that i really loved your books growing up. each one brings back such nostalgia when i read them and i honestly still tear up at the end of the outsiders. so excited for june 17th!

[Char]

Hi Ms. Hinton,

Like everyone else here, I am a huge fan of your books.

I remember you saying in an interview that Tex was written more maturely than any of your previous books. I found myself enjoying Tex more than your other books because of this growth in your writing style. However, when I read Taming the Star Runner, I was slightly disappointed with the style as it seemed more simplistic and more like how Rumble Fish was written.

Do you agree with my opinion (why or why not?) and are you planning to write more YA novels?

[Deanna]

I read somewhere that you were just a teen yourself when you wrote the Outsiders. I absolutely loved the Outsiders book and movie when I was a teen. All the characters were so believable and lovable with Ponyboy being my favourite. However, one of my sisters loved Johnny Cade and my other sister loved Soda. Which character was more true to the type of boy you would've fallen in love with and what or who was your biggest real life inspiration for writing this book?

[Tamara]

Hello, S.E. Hinton. Thank you for doing this for us here at Goodreads.

I have a two-fold question, as a writer of young-adult characters for both fiction and film.

When you were first writing, essentially as a young-adult yourself, The Outsiders was published for that age-range. Subsequently, your novels were all deemed YA. How did you feel about that then, and how do you feel about that now (no referential pun intended ;) ).

Further, in today's fiction market, it's difficult to convince publishers that just because a character is a young adult, it doesn't have to follow it's a YA-genre MS. Since your novels have endured and transcended age groups, what advice do you have for those of us creating characters in that youth bracket?

Thank you, again, for taking time to answer some of our questions.

Best,
Tamara

[Jasmin]

I enjoyed The Outsiders more than any other book I've ever read. It taught me not to judge a book by it's cover.
Not knowing if this question as been asked or answered, I wanted to ask if there has ever been a consideration on a sequel of The Outsiders.

[Allison]

Hello S.E.! I'm wondering how you choose names for your stories - are there any special influences to these choices?

[Sibella]

Hey Ms. Hilton, I have been a huge fan of your book "The Outsiders" ever since I read it a while ago. My question for you is,

Who was your favorite character to write about in "The Outsiders?"

Thanks :)

[Laura]

Dear S.E. Hinton,

Not so much a question as a big 'Thank You' for one of my favourite books.

I first read 'The Outsiders' when I was about eight in the 1980s. I don't remember how I found it - probably in my local library (in rural Ireland). I subsequently bought it and all of your other books as soon as I could. While I really enjoyed the others, it has been 'The Outsiders' that has stayed with me and that I have read and re-read, all through my life.

I cry every single time.

It amazed me to read that you had written it when you were only seventeen, according to the Lions Teen Tracks edition.

If I have a question at all, I suppose it's 'What ever happened to Ponyboy and the other characters when they got older?' I know he pops up really briefly in another one, but I want to know what happens to him later on, if you know / have ever speculated? Also, did you know a real Johnny or Dally, or were they purely from your imagination?

What did you think of the film? I saw it a few years ago, about twenty years after I'd read the book, and loved it. Especially Patrick Swayze as Darry.

Thanks again!!! Love that book.

Regards,

Laura.

[Rebecca]

Hi lady!! It is my honor and pleasure to be able to say I have spoken to you. I, of course, read all your books when I was in high school in 19 (mumble mumble mumble).

Our English teacher who is one of my friends still on Facebook, required that we read The Outsiders, and I read all the rest afterwards.

There are certian lines from each of the books that have stuck with me my whole life. The conversation Johnny has with Ponyboy when he comes to understand the poem about Southern gentlmen riding bravely into death. That image and conversation has stuck with me for about 30 years since I read it.

And the line from Tex about people who go and people who stay has been a constant in the background of my life. Your words gave depth and expression to an overly sensative teenager struggling to find herself.

So, I guess, I don't really have a question, I just wanted to tell you ... thanks.
Becki

[kpcrossan]

S.E Hilton, I have a question and its not really about your book but I'd like your opinion. I'd like to be an author but my parents won't go for it. The tell me it's harder than most jobs. Is this true and if it is should I still follow it?

I love the Outsiders.

[Tiffany]

Hi, I'm Tiffany, and I also love The Outsiders. I love that a female author wrote a book about male characters through a male's perspective. How did you come up with the idea for the book, and how did you gain knowledge about the lifestyle of the characters you wrote about? Also, what did you think about the movie adaptation of your book?

Thank you for your time! You are definitely an inspiration to aspiring female authors everywhere!

[Jack]

Your ability to create absolutely rich characters and places with your words has stuck with me since I read the Outsiders, lo these many years ago. =) I *loved* Rumble Fish, and still do - it changed the way I thought about life and what was expected of me at a very important time in my life.

What do you wish to do in the future? You have changed from angsty to pretty much the polar opposite, and that is a lot of fun, too. Just curious if you intend to continue on that path.

Thank you for sharing with us; it's a real treasure. =) I have a nice new copy of Hawkes Harbor sitting here with me.

[Carolyn]

The first S.E. Hinton book I read was "The Outsiders" when I was in fifth grade and I was immediately hooked. In my first year of middle school, I re-read "The Outsiders" at least fifty times because I felt such a connection with the characters. I have since read everything you have published and I will soon be teaching high school English.

Here are a few questions I have always wanted to ask you:

1. Have people ever made assumptions that "S.E. Hinton" was a male author?

2. You started writing "The Outsiders" when you were very young and it was published when you were 18. What recommendations do you have for young aspiring novelists, especially in terms of editing and publishing?

3. How do you approach the writing process? Do you set certain daily page goals?

4. What do you consider to be your best accomplishment in life, professionally and personally?

5. Have your personal experiences affected your writing?

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to answer questions!

[Jan]

Hello. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to ask S. E. Hinton a question. That Was Then, This Is Now is my favorite followed closely by The Outsiders. What wonderful stories with such accurate portrails of the times.
Who are/were your writing idols when you where just starting out?
Thanks for being such an inspiration.