Click here to ask S.E. Hinton!

[Xandra]

How did you come up with such detailed characters? By the end of the story you feel like you know them really well, like friends.

[Kathy]

Did you write Ponyboy as someone you'd want to be, or someone you'd want to date? I know I was madly in love with him when I first read it as a teen!

[Sherri]

Thank you for taking time out to speak with us Ms. Hinton. I am curious, the discussion description here states you will talk about every book (I think) that you wrote EXCEPT The Outsiders. Was this an oversight? What do you think about it being the primary book you are known for? Also, why did you choose to write all of your books from a male perspective? Thank you again and I look forward to your answers.

[Taylor]

Hi there.
First off, like so many here, The Outsiders is my favourite book, I have several copies that are completely worn out from being read too much. I first read it when I was about 14 and was so amazed by the fact that a teenager was able to write such an inspiring and beautiful story. In fact, it was this particular novel, and of course the rest that followed, that made me want to become a writer. I'm now almost 20, studying Creative Writing at University. So a big thank you from me for that gift.

I was just wondering about your thoughts on the fact that story is still being received today? I talk to so many people and am overjoyed at the fact that even after all this time how more and more different people from different generations are falling in love with the characters and the story, and still being able to relate to it in some way or another. Also, is there any advice you could give to aspiring writers out there?

Thank you so much,
Taylor Kendal

[Amelia]

Hi there, Ms. Hinton! I know this is QUITE the long note, but I'm doing this in part because I know my mom has immense respect for you and would include these details herself if she had a Goodreads account. Bear with me, I promise there IS an ultimate question!

As soon as my mom heard I was reading The Outsiders in school last year, she was too excited for words. She said that you were the cool, popular author when she was young and she was "so jealous" that we got to read your books in school. We all read The Outsiders and then separately picked two other books out of Tex; Rumbleflish; That Was Then, This Is Now; and Taming the Star Runner. I picked the latter two.

My mom was such a fan of "The Outsiders" that it was the topic of her college thesis paper. She discussed the varying themes in the book and she told me how she loved that the underdogs won and came out on top. I then read the book aloud to my eleven-year-old cousin over the summer because it was her required summer reading. She too fell in love with it. This year, I encouraged my friend to read it as well, and she burst into my room constantly, always screaming about "Johnny killed a man!" or "OH WHEN THEY'RE IN THE CHURCH IT'S SO SWEET MY BABIES" or "No the fire and Johnny baby is he going to be ok???" and finally "YOU SAID IT WOULD BE OKAY".

But I've determined that there lies the true magic of your book. How does it feel to have written a novel that stretches two generations and can ensnare the hearts of eleven and sixteen-year-olds alike?

With applause and infinite respect,
Amelia, a second generation fan,
and in part, my mother, Kay (who thinks you are AMAZING)

PS: Any opinions on John Green? Have you ever read his work? I think he is the... well, the YOU of my generation.

[Ma-Ri]

Hi Ms. Hinton~!
My name's Maria I love your books especially the outsiders it's so amazing to read~! And I just wanted to tell you are my writing rolemodel there's some questions I wanted to ask you..
1.)how did you come up with the background of Socs & Greasers?
2.)how did you come up with the title and plot for the book?
You are simply amazing~!^_^ and your voice for the characters in "The Outsiders" absolutely brilliant
Hope to read your books in the future
From your fan,
Maria

[Ashley]

Hello! I first read Th Outsiders about 18 years ago, when I was 10. After that, I read your books (up to Taming the Star Runner) every few weeks for the next several years. I pretty much single-handedly wore out my library's copies before I finally got my own!

My question is this: whatever happened to M&M? Did he ever get better and have a family?

Another question: did the golden-eyed cowboy have any other children that might make an appearance in your work someday?

[Yebin]

I was required to read "The Outsiders" this semester and I absolutely LOVED IT!!! I had to read ahead although my better self kept trying to remind me that the teacher told us only up to chapter 4... I cried with Ponyboy, laughed with Sodapop, and fumed with Darry. I even wrote a report about him! So here's my question: I know that you wrote this book at 16. Why did you write it? Was it just for fun? A school report? An overwhelming urge to write it after witnessing a certain event?

Thank you and I love you,
Yebin

[elie88]

Hello Ms. Hinton
I am a huge fan of Rumble Fish, both the book and the movie

My question is, how did you make the Motorcycle Boy to be such an epic and cool character?

also what did yo think of Micky Roorks' performance as the motorcycle boy?

[Allie]

I love The Outsiders and immediately sought out all of your other works in middle school. As I began to re-read them years later I was surprised at the depth of them which allowed me to love the story in a new way.

What sparked the idea for Rumble Fish?

[Jill]

I've been a fan since I first read Outsiders as a teenager, and think often of Ponyboy quoting Robert Frost "Nothing gold can stay"... It actually inspired me to read Robert Frost, which opened another world for me :).

My question is, What inspired you to start writing at such a young age? I've often thought about writing, but just don't even know where to begin. Is it just something that came naturally to you?

[Leenah]

Hello, Ms. Hinton! I've read your book, The Outsiders, and practically fell in love with it. It made me cry and not many books can do that, so I would like to thank you VERY MUCH for your amazing writing. I am Egyptian but live in Saudi Arabia and many of my friends read it as well, so I'd like to congratulate you : your influence is international! As for the question, I'd like to ask you, was there a certain message you wanted to convey behind Dally's suicide? And what are your thoughts and feelings toward suicide in general and Dally's in specific?

Oh, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Sodapop's name! And his nickname, Pepsi Cola? Brilliant!
Thank you!

[[deleted user]]

Wow. Hi, Ms.Hinton.
I've read all of your books and it's hard to say which one has impacted me the hardest. Tex has got to be a favorite along with Outsiders. I've always thought about taking up a career in writing,but you've really inspired me to try even harder. So,I guess my questions would be;

1.)What would your advice be to us aspiring writers?
2.)What made you carry over characters by adding previously made up characters in other books and mentioning them in later books?

Thanks,lots of love
Aleda Smith

[Amanda]

Hi! My name is Amanda!
'The Outsiders' one of my favorite books! I have a few questions.
1. Who is your favorite character and/or was your favorite character to write in 'The Outsiders'?
2. Where do you draw inspiration from?
3. Could you tell us a little bit about your writing process and/or any weird quirks/habits you have while writing?
Thank you! :) Stay Gold! <3
~Amanda Leigh

[Sandy]

Hi, Ms. Hinton

Was the man in the car, who picked Ponyboy after Johnny died, anybody? Or just a nice guy?

[Maleeka]

Hello! I would really like to respect your time and make this quick. I only read the book "The Outsiders" with my class and i loved it! I am personally a fan on the fantasy genre but your book inspired me to read more realistic fiction. What makes it so great? Well its the characters. I love how each of them have their own story and how each character changes and we get to know more about their lives. My only question to you is this:
"How do you make your characters so alive?"

Thank you for helping me understand people through your characters,
Maleeka Zainab.

[Jeaneane]

Was it more difficult or easier to begin another book after The Outsiders?
Also, after the success of your first book, did you splurge on something you had always wanted?
I think it was great that you had a cameo part in The Outsiders movie! How fun was that? or was it?

[Marla]

I too loved The Outsiders when I read it many, many moons ago. Both my daughters read it and enjoyed it when they were in Jr. High School.

1. The Outsiders is a best selling "modern classic" YA book, how did the success of your debut novel influence your life and your writing?
2. You were so young when you received so much acclaim for The Outsiders, did you ever wish that you had been older or that it wasn't your first novel that was so successful?
3. My language arts teacher told our class that you used the pen name S.E.Hinton because you didn't want boys put off because the book was written by a female. Is this really the reason? Whose idea was it?

Thank you for inspiring a love of YA books in generations of young people, Marla

[Penelope]

Hello! I am sure you hear this a a lot, but I absolutely LOVED The Outsiders. It's my number one favorite book, I own a copy, I had a mini version made on a necklace, even made my own wooden book replica of it. You are a brilliant woman. And even more brave and an a genius for writing all male character books. And the truth is, no one could have doen a better job! I just wanted to say that I follow you on twiter and I always wondered what your connections to the show Supernatural were? And alsowould you ever come to Georgia for book signings er anything? Thank you so much!

[Ashrakat]

Hello, Ms. Hinton!
I've read your book, The Outsiders, and all I can say is wow! To write such a book at the age of sixteen is a true accomplishment.

And this brings me to my question: How did you feel after The Outsiders had gone viral, especially since you originally never intended to pubish it?

Also, were Dally and Darry's names intended to be similar or was that simply a coincidence? And is there story behind the peculiar names of Sodapop and Ponyboy?

Thank you.

[Shelly]

I personally liked all your books, but no one has mentioned "That was then, this is now" which sort of followed up on the Outsiders. I think I identified more with it because it was in my own era... but I still connected with the Outsider characters and the Rumblefish characters too. Tex stepped away from all of that and still I found my self connected with your characters.

Later in life I read that you had chosen to step away from those kinds of books and try to do something different. So my question is this because I have always wanted to ask someone who's been successful in something and has chosen to leave that venue - WHY? Why would you change something you are so good at?

[Trinity]

Hello, I just want to say thank you, especially for your book "that was then this is now". It let me see in new perspectives and the honesty was beautiful and refreshing. You're are great
xo

[Gillian]

S.E. Hinton, me and my twin sister both read your book, the outsiders in 7th grade. At first I wasn't sure whether you were female or male. But when I found out that the author was indeed female, I simply just said cool. May I ask why you chose to use your first two initials, or beacuse why you had too? Thanks! I really appreciate it!

[Kim]

Love all your books! My question is did you really know a Rusty James and Motorcycle Boy in real life? I loved the books Rumblefish and The Outsiders. And now so do my nieces.

[Katelynn]

I'm going to echo many others - "The Outsiders" is one of my favorite books. As a 7th grade English teacher, I've easily read it 40 times (if not more) - usually out loud to audiences of rapt middle schoolers. Thank you for inspiring countless generations of students to read and write.

My question: what sorts of things are you reading currently and what are some of your favorite books of all time?

[Ken]

I taught your books, particularly THE OUTSIDERS, to my middle school students for 20 years. I often taught it along with ROMEO & JULIET and WEST SIDE STORY and I always felt like those two works must have had an influence on you when you were writing it. Am I correct at all?

[Minh]

Dear Ms Hinton
I've got to read The Outsiders for year 9 English, and by far it was the best school-assigned book ever. All the questions about characters and the books have been asked by many previous readers, so I won't mention them here. It is said that you enjoy reading Jane Austen and F. Scott Fitzgerald and I love their books too. How did those two authors influence your writing?

Thank you!

[Jennifer]

Yes, I read them all but the one that haunts me to this day is Rumble Fish.
The only other author from my young adult reading years that made a similar impact was Paul Zindel. Did you ever read any of his books? And, of course, what did you think?

[Jen]

Howdy, Ms. Hinton!
I read your books back when I was in middle school. I fell into a great crush on Ponyboy! I cannot say that I became a great fan of your writing, life took a great and terrible turn for me around that time. However, the Outsiders and Ponyboy have stuck with me. I am truly blown away that I am included in this discussion!!! Your writing is one of the markers for my own writing, though we write different genre's. I know I will enjoy my experience in your discussion! Thank you for inviting me!

[Margaret]

Hi, Ms Hinton
Everyone seems to love your books, and I am definitely one of them. In fact, you are the number one reason I became a writer myself. But I wonder, how often did you, (or do you still) come across people who DO NOT like your books and aren’t afraid to tell you so? And does the criticism still get to you? I mean, after all, a good writer puts their whole heart and soul on paper for everyone to read, and it’s painful to have that criticized.

[[deleted user]]

Ms Hinton

Would you ever consider writing a book from another genre? Like psychological suspense for example?

[Katherine]

I have a two questions:
1)what made you write (the outsiders) book? 2)How can you relate this book that you wrote to your life(connection to your life and the book)

[Suzanne]

Ms. Hinton, thank you for making my adolescence so much more enjoyable. I did have one question regarding The Outsiders. Did you ever consider a different ending that was less gritty/realistic and more fictional sunshine and rainbows? I remember crying buckets at the end of the book, but even as a twelve year old kid, I understood that would probably be how it would go down in real life...someone would die. Did you purposefully write it that way, and what message were you wanting to convey about life?

[Lewis]

I taught The Outsiders to kids and they loved it. It was direct and real for them (even as English kids).
I've read most of your books and could ask questions about all of them but I'll settle for one.
How many versions do your books go through?
I think it's fascinating to learn how writers go about their business. Most readers think a book arrives on an author's typewriter(computer) fully formed in one glorious write through.

[Jerry]

I also have a general writing question: I read that you got over writers block and wrote 'That was Then... by disciplining yourself to write 2 pages a day before you did other things or went anywhere. Are still writing every day or do follow this routine when you are writing?

Thank you for the great hours of reading!

[Lea]

Like so many others here, I was so excited when I received the announcement that you were doing this discussion. I read Tex in Ninth Grade and quickly read The Outsiders and Rumblefish. I love that the stories are so accessible to every generation and gender. I remember finding out you were a woman and being so impressed/relieved that you wrote such amazing male characters and dealt with more than romance and shopping. I am now a teen librarian, and your books are always a good way to reach readers who think their is nothing out there for them.

I'm excited to see that there are other titles I missed. I was wondering if you are still writing (hope so!), and how you feel about being an icon for female writers and readers?

Thanks!
Lea

[Ari]

elie88 wrote: "Hello Ms. Hinton
I am a huge fan of Rumble Fish, both the book and the movie

My question is, how did you make the Motorcycle Boy to be such an epic and cool character?

also what did yo think of ..."

The movie was a fantastic adaptation. Even Copeland's score was perfect.

[Lily]

Dear Ms. Hinton,

I am so excited and honored to have been able to receive such an opportunity as to comment on your amazing work. I read The Outsiders in eighth grade and, upon my finish of the book, immediately looked for and read all of your other work! I am inspired by your achievements, especially at such a young age. I have read The Outsiders numerous times and equally enjoyed your other books.
I have three questions:

1. The Outsiders was written because the seperation of teens by social status and "groups" was an issue you faced in your childhood that, like Ponyboy, was important to you. Do you see issues in teen society today that you would feel strongly about that you would be able to write what could be called a "modern version" of The Outsiders? What would this issue be, or would it be the same issues you discussed in The Outsiders?
2. I am not sure if you had any say in it, but the movie version of Rumble Fish was in black and white. Is this because this is how the Motorcycle Boy sees the world, and to set the mood for the audience to really see the world as the Motorcycle Boy would see it?
3. What inspired you to write Some of Tim's Stories? It is very different, though still the same, from your other stories. I really enjoyed it, though!!

Thank you so much! I love your books so much and could not imagine life without having read your books!

[Weina]

I've read the book "The Outsiders" and it's one of my favorite books. However, I have a different sort of opinion about the movie/adaptation.

What is your opinion of the movie/adaptation?

Also, what do you think is the most important message of the book, The Outsiders?

Do you have any favorites among the books you have written? What books do you like reading yourself?

Thank you!

[[deleted user]]

Hello S.E. Hinton! My name is Sarah. and this year in English Language Arts my class read your book. Its a tradition in our school to read The Outsiders during Seventh Grade. I really enjoyed your book, and remain a huge fan today. Your other books were also of an interest to me, and I will no doubt in my mind love your other books too.

[Anne]

Hi Ms. Hinton!
I'm also a younger fan of The Outsiders. I thought it was an amazing book.
I also heard that you wrote this book as a teenager! Wow. That is awesome! Did the idea of the Outsiders come from a personal experience? Did writing the book impact you?
I can't wait to try your other books!

Thank you S.E. Hinton!

[Paige]

Hey Ms. Hinton.
It's an honor to speak to you! I would ask many, many questions but I'll just stick to a couple.:)

"Outsiders"
1.) Has any of the events in this book ever happen to you personally or has it happened to someone you known in your life?
2.) If not, for the first question, how did you come up with the great plot and descritive details?

Lastly, I liked ohw you tied the beginning to the ending with Phonyboy writting this novel. VERY CREATIVE & PRICELESS!!<3 Thank you for writting a life changing book.
Love,
Paige Browning

[Joseph]

1. One of your books Ordinary People happens to be one of my all time favorites. It was also changed into a movie and it won the Academy Award for best picture. Did you have any input in the writing of the movie? If so, how much?
2. I was a teacher in a California Continuation School and I read that you also taught in a continuation. How many years were you a teacher in a continuation school?

[Traci]

Hello Ms. Hinton. I am a huge fan of your books and have been for a long time. Thanks for taking time out to answer some of our questions. I have a couple.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your newest book "Hawks Harbor"?
2. Are you planning on writing another novel in the future?
3. How did you feel about the movie "The Outsiders"? How did you feel about it's adaptation onto the screen from your book.

Thanks again,
Traci

[Vickie]

Dear Mrs. Hinton,
Like many people I read The Outsiders in middle school. It made me want to write also. I can't tell you how excited I was when my daughter came home from school and told me she was reading The Outsiders.
My question is: how do you develop such believable male teenagers?
Thank you,
A hopeful writer

[Marianna]

Dear Susie,
1-You are truly the mother of the Young Adult Genre. What message would you give young adults today about the use of cyberspace as a means of bullying or harassment.
2-Many people are unaware of your children's writing, such as The Puppy Sister. What was your inspiration for writing picture books?
3-You always said to be a writer you must be a reader. As a writer, I completely understand. What books are/were your muses?

[Susan]

Regarding the inspiration for The Outsiders, is that based upon your own experiences during a tumultuous era or based upon an interest in the era itself? This story is timeless and speaks to all generations because the main ideas presented, still occur today in society.

[Susan]

In addition to the book, the movie accurately portrayed the characters, they were dead on accurate as to who I pictured in my mind and your cameo appearance with Dally was good to see. How does it feel to have had your book made into a movie that casted first roles for many of the most famous actors/actresses today?

In addition, how wonderful of your own students to support you in publishing your work!

[Fayla]

Hi Ms Hinton! I'm a huge fan of The Outsiders and it's one of my all-time favorite books. The question I'd like to pose has already been asked so I truly hope you answer it.

As soon as my youngest sister started reading The Outsiders, my brother and I told her that Ponyboy's parents named him that because it was their desire for him to run like the wind, which was a metaphor for him to escape the life they were certain he would have. She read the book several times trying to find that information before we told her we made it up.

My question is what was the inspiration for Ponyboy's name?

Thank you very much for your time today and time it took to write your books.

[Nik]

The fact that you are taking the time to do this is awesome, Ms. Hinton.
My questions would be...
Which of your writings did you anticipate would be the most popular and why?
Does it ever confuse/surprise/anger you that "The Outsiders" gets so much of the fame and attention even though you have so many other works?