Movies can't ruin books. They can only ruin movies.

They shouldn't hate each other . . . I don't hate the Socs any more . . . they shouldn't hate . . .

I never base a character on someone I know. You can get ideas from real life, but every character you write is some aspect of yourself.

I had it then. Soda fought for fun, Steve for hatred, Darry for pride, and Two-Bit for conformity. Why do I fight? I thought, and couldn't think of any real good reason. There isn't any real good reason for fighting except self-defense.

My boyfriend suggested I write two pages a day. He wouldn't take me out if I hadn't done my two pages. That's how I wrote my second novel.

I really do like listening to stuff that's happened to other people. I guess that's why I like to read.

Johnny almost grinned as he nodded. "Tuff enough," he managed, and by the way his eyes were glowing, I figured Southern gentlemen had nothing on Johnny Cade.