[on _The Outsiders (1983)] I have so many incredible memories of that time, it was just magical to see everything come together. And we had had a lot of fun (probably too much) on set with the boys, many who were just getting their acting careers started. And yes, I am in contact with all of the actors and Francis Ford Coppola. Tim Hunter, and Tim Zinnemann, the director and the producer of Tex (1982), are still some of my best friends. [2016]

(on her son becoming a teenager) It was so strange because the three of us were so compatible, going to restaurants and falling out of our chairs, laughing. When he became a teenager, I was dumbfounded by the hostility. It was like someone shut off the light switch. I was really hurt. You had to walk on tippy-toes.

(on why she quit teaching) I could write and help a lot of kids, or teach and help a few, and go nuts.

(on the cast of The Outsiders (1983)): I was a mother to all of them, and I wouldn't take any guff from any of them. If one of them acted up, I'd crack the whip and say, 'I'm going to cut your lines.' They were these goofy teenage boys, no adult guidance, no nothing. They wore me out.

If you want to be a writer, I have two pieces of advice. One is to be a reader. I think that's one of the most important parts of learning to write. The other piece of advice is `Just do it!' Don't think about it, don't agonize, sit down and write.