Inspiration Behind The Outsiders

At fifteen, I began writing The Outsiders after witnessing a friend, a greaser, being attacked by other kids. This incident sparked my anger and inspired me to create a story about a boy who faces similar challenges. I did not have a grand plan; it was more of a cathartic release. The characters, like Ponyboy and Johnny, were influenced by real-life friends, though they are not direct representations of them. While writing, I often felt a deep connection to Ponyboy, as his thoughts mirrored my own. I was a tomboy in my teenage years, playing football and forming close friendships with boys, without the need to fit into a specific group.