Click here to ask S.E. Hinton!

[Nina]

Hey Ms.Hinton! I read your book 'The Outsiders' in class this year and I really loved it. It's pretty hard to get me to cry, and 'The Outsiders' made me. I liked the book so much that I decided to read ahead in class, and when I got really into it, I bought the book on my Dad's iPad even though I only had a few chapters left. I'm glad I read those chapters at home, because they made me cry.
I have a few questions to ask you.
1.Is there any character in particular that you feel like you can relate most to in 'The Outsiders'? Are your characters ever inspired by you as a person?
2.Does it bother you that 'The Outsiders' has been banned in certain school districts, and what is your opinion on banned books?
3.Do you have any advice for those who would like to become writers in the future?
Thanks so much for your time, and I really enjoyed 'The Outsiders'. It has touched so many people.

Nina :)

[Juli]

S.E. wrote: "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..."


She asked who you would cast today in a remake of the movie?

[Kenna]

Dear Ms. Hinton.
I read the Outsiders this year in my middle school language arts class and loved it. I know you have written a lot of other books and a lot of them have been huge hits. But, out of all the books you have written which one is your favorite? Also, did a particular author inspire you to be a writer?
Thank you,
Kenna

[S.E., Author]

Marla wrote: "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 bo..."

The Outsiders was not an over-night success. My first royalty check a year after it was published was for #10.00 I didn't have to suddenly deal with
fame or money.
How many writers get to have an Outsiders in their
lifetime? Not many! I'm certainly not going to complain that my first book is the one I will always
be known for.

[S.E., Author]

Lewis wrote: "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..."
Usually I go through a couple of drafts of one version.
Rumble Fish was a short story, then narrated by Steve,then the final one told by Rusty-James. That Was Then was written 2 pages a day, and I did very
little revision. It depends on the book.

[S.E., Author]

Penelope wrote: "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 r..."

My connection to the TV show Supernatural is one of
mutual admiration. I wrote Eric Kripke my first
ever fan letter--it turned out he is a fan of mine.
I was allowed to visit the set, and have been going
back twice a year for five years. Needless to say, I
have many friends there. Love being friends with the show!

[S.E., Author]

Shelly wrote: "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...."

Because I didn't feel like I was good at it any more.

[S.E., Author]

Katelynn wrote: "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 midd..."

Katelynn wrote: "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 midd..."

I currently read a lot of non-fiction, history, memoirs, etc. A few of my favorite books are Emma,
Fire From Heaven, Kirsten Laravnsdatter

[S.E., Author]

Cassandra (Irene) wrote: "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 prev..."

I read both Fitzgerald & Austen long, long after I
began writing. The biggest influence on my writing is
the act of reading--anything.

[S.E., Author]

Jennifer wrote: "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 ..."

Yes, I've read many of Paul Zindel's books. But he
wasn't writing when I was a teen-ager, so they didn't
influence my stuff

[S.E., Author]

Jen wrote: "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 t..."

You're welcome!

[S.E., Author]

Margaret wrote: "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)..."

Sure, once in awhile I hear from someone who doesn't
like my writing--but that is fair. I don't like everything I try to read either. (Though I don't write the author to say so.)

[S.E., Author]

Kyle wrote: "Ms Hinton

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

Sure. Hawkes Harbor was very different, the one
I am writing now is very different, too. I'd like to
try a western someday.

[S.E., Author]

Suzanne wrote: "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 an..."

Never considered a different ending for any of my
books. I just tell the story that comes to me.

[S.E., Author]

Jerry wrote: "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 anywhe..."

Nope, I've written every book differently, trying to
find an easy way. So far there isn't one.

[Kristen]

I love the book The Outsiders! How did you come up with a great book like this. I loved it my 8th grade year. I love the book and the movie it was great. Great job of making the book. I was so exicited to read it. I'm a huge fan of your books. My name is Kristen. Your my favorite author. I love the book The Outsiders. Great Job, Keep It Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[S.E., Author]

Joseph wrote: "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 writi..."

I would love to claim that I wrote Ordinary People but
I did not. I have never taught anywhere, if you don't
count my student-teaching in college.

[Leslie]

I'd like to read a western written by SE Hinton.

[S.E., Author]

Traci wrote: "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 fo..."

I wanted to really break out of my usual book & write
an adventure book; it was very fun. It was like,
"Ok, Jamie can be a smuggler, a gun-runner, finally meet up with something that really scares him..
And maybe the worst thing that happens to him turned
out to be the best thing. All the characters were so
different I loved writing the dialog. Dialog is my favorite thing to write.

[S.E., Author]

Vickie wrote: "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 wa..."

It's like an actor getting into a part for me. After
I chose my narrator, I have to BE him.

[S.E., Author]

Susan wrote: "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 ge..."

The Soc vs greaser thing was going on in my high school.
When a friend of mine was beaten up on his way home fromschool, I started a story about a kid who was beaten
up on his way home from the movies. 1st draft--40
pages long, single-spaced typed.

[S.E., Author]

Susan wrote: "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 ..."

None of my actors were famous at the time of shooting
The Outsiders movie. But it was very apparent they would
be. Fun kids & I loved them all.
My students have never supported my work because I've
never had any students.

[S.E., Author]

Fayla wrote: "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..."
I have no idea where I got the name Ponyboy. Or
any other of the "weird" names. But when I finished the book they seemed to suit the characters, so I left them

[S.E., Author]

Jill wrote: "Hello Ms Hinton,

I never cry. Haven't shed a tear in years, except once: the ending of "Hawkes Harbor".

Now please don't take this the wrong way, because I mean this as nothing but praise but I..."

I asked the "powers that be" for permission to write
Hawkes Harbor before I began it. After spending a year writing it, they decided it wasn't "gothic"
enough, but I could publish it without any reference
to DS.
Kell Quinn was my absolute favorite character to write. Glad you liked it!

[S.E., Author]

Maddie wrote: "Hi S.E. Hinton!!!
I want to start off saying you are my favorite author. I absolutely love The Outsiders, I fell in love with each and everyone of the characters. They help me make tough decisions ..."
Alot of people throw That Was Then against the wall
when they finish it. Good, they got it! I don't
start with a message in mind, years later people write me & tell me what the message was.
I like Sam's hair on Supernatural. I think it suits him.

[S.E., Author]

Anthony wrote: "Dear S.E. Hinton,
My name is Anthony Dailey and I'm an aspiring writer. I haven't sent anything out recently to be rejected because I'm mapping out a few of the stories. So far I've only read The O..."
I'm working on a paranormal suspense comedy novel right
now.
True, if you don't send things out they can't be
rejected. They can't be published, either.

[S.E., Author]

Martin wrote: "Hi Ms Hinton, Is the idea of demonstrating the power of art and its potential as an agency for change something you thought about when writing your novels?

Best,
Martin Genet
Christchurch New Zea..."
nope

[S.E., Author]

Katie wrote: "Hi Susie,

As your books have been published all around the world with different covers, I wondered if you collect all the different art covers they have? I know authors don't often get a say in th..."

No, I don't collect them, but I get surprised sometimes
when I come across a new one. The hardcover cover of
Some Of Tim's Stories is my favorite cover of all time.

[S.E., Author]

Caroline wrote: "Hello Ms. Hinton!

I feel honored to have the opportunity to teach The Outsiders to my 8th graders this upcoming school year, and I believe your passion and perspective are strongly evident through..."

I don't like it when teachers tell kids the is only
one way to read a book. "The sunset is a symbol of..."
There are as many different interpretations of a book
as there are readers.
And PLEASE DO NOT tell the kids to write me & if they
get an answer it will be extra credit. There is no
way I can answer all my e-mails, and I am not responsible for anyone's grades.
That being said Teachers are My Heroes.

[S.E., Author]

Mack wrote: "What's your favorite movie adaptation based on your work?"

I like the movie versions of Tex, the Outsiders,
and Rumble Fish. But Rumble Fish is a piece of art.
And it's Mr Coppola's movie, not mine.

[S.E., Author]

Aaron wrote: "How do you approach the moment in a novel or story where pivotal action or change must occur in order for the protagonist to now face a challenge...what I mean is does this come along naturally as ..."

I don't "over-think" as I write. I have a story and
write what comes next. If you read enough, this will
lodge in your unconsciousness & you won't have to think about it.

[Ayesha]

Are the characters in your books inspired by people you've met or know?

[S.E., Author]

Amy wrote: "Hi - Do you ever get tired of it all? i would, especially after writing that book. Sometimes I get tired being the best teacher ever, and
i just want kids to know I would love them anyways. It mu..."

If I am tired of writing, I take a break. you have
a very tough job, one I couldn't do.

[S.E., Author]

Joshua wrote: "HI, my question for you is what is your favorite young adult books?"

Of mine? Don't have one, well, maybe a little partial
to TEX Of all I've read? A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

[S.E., Author]

Carli wrote: "Oh my goodness hi this is so amazing. I read the Outsiders this year and when I told my teacher and my friends about this they were soooooooo jelous!!! So anyway I love love love the Outsiders and ..."

I just get my ideas from staring out the window.
The Cat In the Hat is the best book on writing I've
ever read.

[S.E., Author]

Beth wrote: "Dear Ms. Hinton,

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer questions. I first read The Outsiders in middle school, and have since reread my own copy many times (I am now a college graduate, ..."

This sounds lame, but it is true. I don't know how
I do anything. I just do it.

[S.E., Author]

Tami wrote: "I am a lover of books and I pray that you will have the Outsiders along with all of your other titles printed in book form for future readers. The love of books is a personal thing and books that c..."

I hope they stay in print. That's up the audience.

[S.E., Author]

Dassi wrote: "Hello Ms. Hinton,

I'll just start by stating the obvious. Like all the other posters here, I am a huge fan of you and your books. I discovered Outsiders a year ago, and instantly fell in love with..."

I have had so many letters telling me about the symbols
in the book, they must be there. But I did not put them there consciously.

[S.E., Author]

Dassi wrote: "Hello Ms. Hinton,

I'll just start by stating the obvious. Like all the other posters here, I am a huge fan of you and your books. I discovered Outsiders a year ago, and instantly fell in love with..."

And I had nothing to do with the TV series. Supposedly
I did, but I didn't.

[S.E., Author]

Wong wrote: "Greetings, Miss Hinton!

I've read your book The Outsiders 2 years ago in my middle school Literature class. I loved it all the characters in the book. That was Then, This Is Now broke is a book th..."

You probably won't. But you'll enjoy your school years more. Try to take something practical once in
a while.

[Kira]

i must firstly say a simple "thank you" for the wonderful books you've written for us to take in and enjoy… i loved the puppy sister too!
when my best friend and i were ten years old, we discovered the outsiders first… later, i was ecstatic to learn that i "had" to read it in 7th grade. i'd already read it about 7 times by that point! i've been through probably 6 copies of the book since i first bought it at the book fair in 5th grade, my original wrapped in paper towels in a container now lol. Also in 7th grade, i discovered that you had written MORE stories. the outsiders does remain my favorite - for a multiple of reasons… probably mostly because it WAS the first book of yours I read – but also because it was easy to lose myself in, like I knew the characters personally...and it got me through some tough times growing up. it was just…special.
now, my husband and i don't have children yet… we're hoping to adopt, but in the meantime, we have 6 nieces. two of whom are old enough to read your books…and i have begun to introduce them and to watch them get lost themselves in your words. the younger 4 i read the puppy sister too and they LOVE it.
a long long time ago, i had a creative writing assignment in college. our assignment was to chose our favorite book, and to either change something in the book, making it have a different outcome, or to continue the story where it left off. i chose the outsiders - and since NO way could i change anything you wrote, lol, i chose to make one slight change, making dallas have a little sister, and the story i wrote picked up after yours ended, in her point-of-view... well, it's been a long time (happily, i received an "A" lol) my question to YOU would be kind-of two parts… when you're finished writing your stories, over the years do you kind-of continue them on even though you don't write about them any longer, or once you're finished don't you think about the characters like that any more… and also, if you would continue them on…where did Pony and the rest of the remaining outsiders crew end up? (I mean, past our glimpse of Pony in "That Was Then, This is Now")
THANK YOU for taking the time to read all of these posts and to take part in this! it's pretty cool for all of us!

[S.E., Author]

Steve wrote: "Ms. Hinton, My name is Steve and I'm a fan of your books. But I've always been curious about one thing pertaining to Rumble Fish. As we all know Rumble Fish was originally an 80 paragraph short sto..."
The first version of the book was narrated by Steve, and
I've lost it. The short story was third person omniscient.

[S.E., Author]

Isaac wrote: "I've notice over the last few year, Young Adult has become the realm of violent fantasy/distopia novels. Do you think this is driven by the young readers, or parents? I've noticed that most of the ..."

I don't know anything about YA lit these days. I don't
read it.

[Carli]

S.E. wrote: "Carli wrote: "Oh my goodness hi this is so amazing. I read the Outsiders this year and when I told my teacher and my friends about this they were soooooooo jelous!!! So anyway I love love love the ..."

Thank you so much for answering my question this means so much to me I'll take your advice to heart.

[Paula]

we now have a third generation of a reader of The Outsiders in our family - keeping it Gold xxx

[S.E., Author]

Shallowreader wrote: "Hello,

I read and reread all your books in the 80s and loved them as they were my comfort. I suggested to my son that he read The Outsiders too and he is now using it as his extra text for a spee..."

One reason I can't write a modern book is that I can't
keep up with technology.

[S.E., Author]

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

I was a wise child. I'm not kidding.

[S.E., Author]

Beth wrote: "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..."

No, though that could be the case. "Learning disabilities" weren't thought of much in those days.
Probably Soda would be called "hyper"
wasn't

[S.E., Author]

Kate wrote: "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..."
I'm not much on pushing myself, especially these days.
One way to keep things "fresh" is not doing YA anymore

[S.E., Author]

A. wrote: "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 w..."

It wasn't really hard in high school. I'd been writing
for many years, and it was more fun than school work
or "hanging out" For me, anyway