When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.

I was a 'young adult' when I wrote 'The Outsiders,' although it was not a genre at the time. It's an interesting time of life to write about, when your ideals get slammed up against reality, and you must compromise.

I could write and help a lot of kids, or teach and help a few and go nuts.

When I see a movie with someone it's kind of uncomfortable.

I grew up here and my friends are here. There's nothing wrong with here.

I was a tomboy and most of my close friends were male.