Click here to ask S.E. Hinton!

[S.E., Author]

Ila wrote: "Mrs. Hinton: Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us!

1. In your biography it says that you were not satisfied with the literature that was being written for young adults before you wrote The O..."

There was nothing realistic being written for teens;
as a result I didn't read YA. (There barely was any)
I know authors these days have to self-promote, I
did very little, which is a good thing as I am not
good at it.

[S.E., Author]

Eden wrote: "Hi, my name is Eden and I've been a fan of S.E. Hinton ever since I read The Outsiders when I was 13 or 14. Afterwards, I bought every book I could find by S.E. Hinton.

I also started writing beca..."

The act of reading has been the major influence in my
life, not one particular author.

[S.E., Author]

Mehar wrote: "Hello my name is Mehar, and I absolutely love reading! We finished reading outsiders for our school and I loved it. I thought that I could be able to put my feet into the characters shoes and under..."

It took me about a year1/2 to write The Outsiders.
I wrote 3 drafts in that time. I think it's better
to write short stories to practice (a good short story is something to be very proud of) Maybe write
a group of stories about the same characters, and
plan to string them together later.

[S.E., Author]

Sibella wrote: "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?"

T..."
Actually, I liked all of them.

[S.E., Author]

Trevor wrote: "Hey S.E. Hinton! My name is Trevor, and I have read The Outsiders and fell in love with it. I felt like the characters were real, and I was apart of Ponyboy's gang. I have three questions for you. ..."

I've had writers' block once--after the publication
of The Outsiders I was aware of the audience for
the first time. My boyfriend (now husband) made me write 2 pages a day until I finished That Was Then.
How I got published is a long story. But you won't
get published because you are young. You won't be
rejected because you are young. Your book just has to be a good as the ones being published.

[S.E., Author]

Wahku wrote: "Hello, Ms. Hinton!

Your books are amazing. Every year at school, we have an Outsiders party after the 8th graders finish reading the book. I am so excited that I'll be teaching 8th grade next year..."

I don't have any teaching ideas. I have to concentrate
on writing ideas. I can't see me dressing up for any
kind of party. I'm an introvert & don't like parties.

[S.E., Author]

LilyCharlotte wrote: "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 th..."

I was very involved with 3 of my movies, Tex, Rumble
Fish & The Outsiders, and I loved Francis' idea of
the black & white for Rumble Fish.

[S.E., Author]

Gapeach wrote: "Thanks Cynthia for inviting me.

Ms. Hinton, it is a true honor for me. As many others have stated, your work made a huge impact on my life. After finding The Outsiders, I flew through everything e..."

I really don't speculate on "what if". When a book is
done, it is over for me. I told Emilo (who wrote the
screenplay & starred in That Was Then) that the studio would never allow the book's ending. I was right

[S.E., Author]

Joshua wrote: "I understand that a lot of people are going to ask questions regarding The Outsiders, Tex, Rumble Fish, and their respective tones, situations, characters, and movies, but the first of book of your..."

Actually, That Was Then is my best-seller, after The Outsiders.

[S.E., Author]

Genesis wrote: "Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. I'd like to know which of your books is your favorite and if you have any future plans for writing.

I read The Outsiders when I was about 10 and th..."

I like different things about all of them But Hawkes
Harbor was a blast to write, and Some of Tim's Stories
is my best writing yet.

[S.E., Author]

Nicole wrote: "I have been teaching "The Outsiders" for the past four years to middle school students and I never tire of reading your book. You are the only author that my students get excited about after I tell..."

I got The Outsiders published when a friend of a friend's mother gave me the name of her agent. I hadn't
really thought about getting published before.
I don't read YA so I don't have a recommendation for you.

[S.E., Author]

Monica wrote: "Hello Susan,

My name is Monica and I'm from Barcelona, Spain. I read The Outsiders for the first time when I was 14 and it really had an effect on me. I cried for the first time reading a book and..."

There are still "cliques" in high school, and I think
there always will be. The characters are all fictional.

[Lucas]

Hi Ms. Hinton,

First, I would like to commend you on your insightful debut novel, The Outsiders. I read it recently in English Class as a fun culminating book before we left middle school and now plan on reading your other works.

I have a couple of question my classmates and I gathered:

1. How did your family and classmates react to the shocking truth of The Outsiders and its immediate success?

2. Despite your conflictive teenage years in Oklahoma, you remained there most of your life and even raised your son there. How has the issue of social divide changed over the years and how did you imbue a sense of individuality in your son, stooping him from letting himself fall into a stereotypical group? With regards to this, when did your son read The Outsiders for the first time and how did he react?

3. How do your later novels compare to and how were they affected by The Outsiders?

Thank you so much for writing such a beautiful and universal book!

P.S. "Stay gold, Ponyboy" is my class's "motto" and a major theme in my graduation speech!

[S.E., Author]

Jonathon wrote: "Ms. Hinton,

I'm not sure if you actually read all of these or just pick some of them at random, however I would like to thank you for introducing me to Robert Frost when you included, "Nothing Gol..."

I didn't "chose" to be a writer. I just am one. I
knew from an early age I would be a writer or a cowboy,by the time I was a teen-ager realized being
a cowboy was too much hard work. Success is never
a given in any field. Sometimes a day job is needed
for writers.

[Madeleine]

Thank you for setting this up!
What inspired you to bring in Gone with the Wind, one of my favorite books? Had you read the book or seen the movie at the time? In the edition that I have you answer a few questions, and you said you were fifteen or so when you wrote it. (Or started plunking it out). Where the characters based on people you knew, or were they made up? Did anyone help you write it, of offer their opinions?

[Mel]

Hello Ms. Hinton,
Thank you for your wonderful books! I love all of them. I have 2 questions for you. After "Taming the Star Runner", your next book was a children's book. Any particular reason for the switch in genre? Also do you have any more books coming out?
Thank you, Melinda Primrose

[S.E., Author]

Jonathon wrote: "Ms. Hinton,

I'm not sure if you actually read all of these or just pick some of them at random, however I would like to thank you for introducing me to Robert Frost when you included, "Nothing Gol..."

Hawkes Harbor (for adults!!) was the most fun to write.
I was never just "typical high school girl" I had been writing for eight years before I wrote The Outsiders--I was always a writer. I don't pay attention to "being famous" Though it is a thrill to
be an answer on Jeopardy.

[S.E., Author]

Katie wrote: "Do you consider yourself to have just the right amount of anonymity as an author but still have the level if fame where you can visit your favourite television shows?

Do you have any favourite fa..."

I guess you are referring to the TV show, Supernatural.
It is the only TV set I visit. I have to admit, it is
very cool to be welcomed there. And I like being
anonymous,I am rarely recognized outside of my city,
and even here most people just wave. So yes, I like
the balance in my life, and I've worked for it.

[Nic]

Hello ms. Hinton, my name is nic and I,am a big fan of your work and I really love "the outsiders".

My question is where do you get the inspiration to write such wonderful works of fiction.

[S.E., Author]

Madeleine wrote: "Thank you for setting this up!
What inspired you to bring in Gone with the Wind, one of my favorite books? Had you read the book or seen the movie at the time? In the edition that I have you answer..."

I brought in a lot of books in The Outsiders. Pony
certainly was a literate kid! Yes, I'd read Gone
With The Wind may times by then.

[S.E., Author]

Mel wrote: "Hello Ms. Hinton,
Thank you for your wonderful books! I love all of them. I have 2 questions for you. After "Taming the Star Runner", your next book was a children's book. Any particular reason for..."

I was busy being a mother at that point, and couldn't
think about teen-agers. Both Big David, Little David,
and The Puppy Sister were based on things going on in
my home. Right now I am working on an adult paranormal suspense comedy.

[Kate]

Hello Ms. Hinton,

Your books are such a large part of my childhood/adolescence and I have read each of them multiple times. I want to first take this unbelievable opportunity to thank you for all of the wonderful stories that were such a gift for this tomboy!
I have always wondered if you chose to go by S.E. Hinton to keep readers from knowing immediately that your books were written by a woman and if you find it easier to write make or female characters?
Again, thank you for the gift of your stories and for participating in this Goodreads group allowing the inner twelve year old in me to squee and gush.

[S.E., Author]

Kate wrote: "Hello Ms. Hinton,

Your books are such a large part of my childhood/adolescence and I have read each of them multiple times. I want to first take this unbelievable opportunity to thank you for all ..."

My publishers suggested I go by my initials, just so
the first reviewers wouldn't pick up the book, see
the subject matter, and decide "a girl wouldn't
know anything about this" & review it that way.
After that, (it worked) no effort was made to conceal
I am female. I find it easier to write from a male
point of view. I grew up with guy friends, and really
didn't understand the female culture at that time.

[Kayla]

Hi Ms. Hinton,

Thank you for doing this. We work at a library and we do a book club with 26 boys between the ages of 16 and 18 at a juvenile hall in San Mateo,CA. We are currently reading The Outsiders, which they really like and were excited when I told them that you would be answering questions. Here are a few of their questions:

1. Many of these boys grew up in bad neighborhoods and experienced much of the prejudice that the greasers did in The Outsiders. Though many of them want to write, some are discouraged because of what people think of them. What motivates you to write?
2. What advice can you offer to teen writers about the writing process and getting published?
3. Many of these boys know they messed up, but because they were in jail they are put into a certain category by society. How do you think people like Ponyboy or these boys can overcome the stereotype they are put in?
4. Would you be willing to do a Skype interview with the boys and the girls unit perhaps? We could read another one of your books in the coming months, and it would be a special part of the last meeting. Please let us know. You can reach us by emailing figard@smcl.org.

Thank you so much for doing this!
Kayla Figard, Adam Lipman(San Mateo County Library)and the boys from Elm 7.

[Emma]

Hi! I had a question about The Outsiders. I was wondering, why were the children at the abandoned church in the first place? Obviously if pony and johnny had to break down some wood to get in, what business did the kids have there? And dally wasnt dumb, he wouldnt have sent them to a chuch that is in full use? Just a little confused. Thank you, SE. Love you,
From Pennsylvania

[S.E., Author]

Rebecca wrote: "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 i..."

How can your parents stop you from writing? They can't.
Go to school,figure out a job you can do, and write
all you want. It is hard to make a living at, but
you can always write.

[Hope]

Hi S.E. Hinton!!! Im such a huge fan of your writing and books :) I was just wondering who was your favorite character from the outsiders?

Thanks so much,
Hope Gibbons

[S.E., Author]

Valerie wrote: "Hi Ms. Hinton!

I grew up in Okmulgee and I was a young teen when the films were being made for your books. It was an exciting time to be in and around Tulsa!

I have read that your favorite auth..."
As adult I read a lot of history, memoir, and very little fiction. I am still friends with all my Outsiders actors, Tim Hunter and Francis Coppola, my
directors. Made some very solid friendships.

[S.E., Author]

MrMustacheoCrafts wrote: "Hi, my name is Jessica. I LOVE The Outsiders! I just wanted to know, is there anything that you put in the book that you wish was put into the movie?
Thanks,"

I thought the movie did a great job of capturing the
book, the "Complete Novel"DVD especially.

[S.E., Author]

Sarah wrote: "I'd like to know how you managed to tap into the male teenagers angst so brilliantly? And did you have any say in who portrayed the characters on film?

Great cameo in The Outsiders!!
Thank you f..."

It's just easier for me to write from the male point
of view. I recommended Matt for The Outsiders & Rumble Fish, but he would not have been cast if the
director didn't think he was right for the part.

[Fariha]

Hi Mrs. Hinton,
My name is Fariha Ahmed, and I read The Outsiders with my class in 6th grade. I actually think our school is advanced, because we were only 11 when we read it, and I think people who are 14 should read it.

Anyways, I kind of see the conflict between the "greasers" and the "socs" in everyday life, but mostly in 7th grade because everyone wants to be popular. I mean, it's not a bad thing, just that sometimes I feel like the "socs" are too popular and the group keeps on growing and growing and overpowering the "greasers", which, you guessed it, I'm a part of.

I don't know why I'm telling you this, I just feel like I should. I feel like society is changing in so many ways, and how much money you have affects if you're popular or not. I mean, I'm not saying anything bad about them, it's just that they're all the same. They can be nice, but most of the time they are snobby. Again, I don't know why I'm telling you this, but I just feel like I should.

On to the questions:
1) Were you a Greaser or a Soc when you were younger?
2) Do you think society is becoming something like The Outsiders?
3) Was The Outsiders written to see what money could do to everyone in the future?

[S.E., Author]

Natalie Joy wrote: "Hi, Ms Hinton! My name is Natalie, and I really like your book "The Outsiders." My question is: Where did your ideas come from? I'm writing a book right now and I'm sorta stuck. I know where I want..."

The middle is the hard part for me, too. I suggest
you write a scene you know you will need, then
another, and string them together. (I learned this
trick by working in the movies)

[S.E., Author]

Mani wrote: "Hi Mrs.Hinton, I'm a big fan of the outsiders and read in middle school for English class. I've re-read this book so many times you would not believe. I love this book so much, my favorite characte..."

I'm never going to write a sequel to The Outsiders.
The story ended where it ends. I could never re-capture
that feeling again.

[S.E., Author]

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Ms. Hinton,

I'm a big fan of your books. I absolutely love your book The Outsiders. I first read it in English class in middle school. I loved it. I can't out how many times I have re-read it..."

He might be dead by now, after all he is 60-something.
If it's not in the book, it's not cannon. Feel free
to make your own version of what happens to the characters.

[S.E., Author]

Kaitlynn wrote: "Hello! my name is Kaitlynn and my mom and aunt first showed me the Outsiders, i loved it and i have read it over 10 times and then i was a bit like Tex when my mom said you had written more books I..."

I am horrified when people tell me they read Rumble
Fish when they were ten. No way could a ten year old,
or a 16 year old, can understand it. Read it again
when you are 25. You still won't understand it, but
you will "get it".

[S.E., Author]

Juli wrote: "Dear Ms. Hinton,
I love assigning your book in my 8th grade Lit. class because it is the one book that unites all of us, readers and non-readers alike. It doesn't matter how strong a reader each ..."

Please tell me what #48 is because I am lost and
wandering around in here.

[Theresa]

from one of my students: Where did you get the wisdom that is expressed in The Outsiders? What inspired you?

[S.E., Author]

Sue wrote: "I read The Outsiders and Rumblefish as a young teen. While The Outsiders is my all time favorite movie - followed closely by Fahrenheit 451.

Is there anything about The Outsiders movie you would h..."

I was very involved in the movies The Outsiders, Tex,
and Rumble Fish. I scouted locations, helped with wardrobe, taught Matt to ride for Tex, ran lines
with the actors on Outsiders, sometimes wrote scenes
for Rumble Fish just as we were getting ready to shoot them. I'm very happy with all three.

[S.E., Author]

Tate wrote: "HI,
um,
oh god there are a lot of messages on top of this"

Yes, and I can't find some of them. There's always
a chance.

[S.E., Author]

Kathy wrote: "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!"
I wasn't interested in dating him! HA! I wrote him
as a person who was telling the story.

[S.E., Author]

Sherri wrote: "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 thi..."

I sure didn't get that memo. I expect a lot of Outsiders
questions.

[Alejandra]

Hello, Mrs.Hinton. I've read most of your books and I consider you to be my favorite author. I love the mood you portray in your books. They all have a sense of reality and hope. No other author has been able to portray these moods and topics very well in their literature. It is utterly impossible to find books similar to the ones you have written. As I read your books, I became attached to the characters in them. They were all universal personas. Ever since I read your books, I became a writer myself.
At one point in your life, have you ever wanted to spend a day with the characters in your books?
Have you ever wanted them to be real?
Also, how were you able to make the story line for The Outsiders? Was the story line inspired by a dream you had or an actual event you witnessed?
Most importantly, have you ever wanted to write another story about Ponyboy, but this time portraying him as a grown adult?

[S.E., Author]

Taylor wrote: "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 ..."

It amazes me that is still being read (it sold more
last year than ever before) and that it is read in so
many different languages. I guess it hits a universal
note with a lot of readers; everyone identified with it.

[S.E., Author]

Ashley wrote: "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-han..."

I don't know what happened to M&M. When I am through
with a story I start thinking about new characters.
The golden-eyed cowboy got around. I don't know about
that.

[S.E., Author]

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 ..."
Mickey Rourke did a great job of playing The Motorcycle Boy. It wasn't an easy part.

[S.E., Author]

Jill wrote: "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 ano..."

Yes, writing came naturally to me. I started about
the same time as I learned to read. READ & PRACTICE!

[Beth]

Ms. Hinton,

I am a huge fan and have had the pleasure of teaching several of your books. First I would like to say thank you for the gift of your books. Teens that absolutely hate reading adore your books, I use them as my secret weapon mid year. You have a gift for character development and love spending time discussing the richness of your writing.
For the past ten years I have taught The Outsiders and in some cases other books. I love that each year I discover something new about The Outsiders. This year a student made an observation about Sodapop that I found very interesting. He thought that Soda may have had a learning disability which caused him to not do well in school. It led to great analysis and discussion. So, my question is: did you write the character that way?

Thank you so much for your time.

Best wishes,
Beth Gesualdi

[Kate]

Hello Ms. Hinton,

Thank you for taking time to do this discussion group!

My question for you would be how do you push yourself as a writer? What things did you do to help define your voice early on in your career and what do you do now to remain fresh and innovative?

Thank you,
Katie

[A.]

I've read "The Outsiders" as a high school requirement, university requirement, and for personal enjoyment. My question is: how hard was it for you to learn how to write a novel/novella while you were still in high school?

Thank you for your time,

A. Hotzler

[Katie]

Is it true you were failing your English literature class at the same time as you were writing The Outsiders? Did your teachers support you in your writing?