I used the physical scar of my breast cancer operation, the scar that I have across my chest as a metaphor for all kinds of scars.

I just want to show off my scar proudly and not be afraid of it.

One of the things that has always motivated me to write is the desire to get it out and look at it in an objective way, so that it doesn't cause me any serious pain by staying inside.

There was a French singer, Francoise Hardy - I used to look at her pictures and try to dress like her.

You know, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 I realized I had spent too long arranging my attitude.

It didn't matter as much because I'm a singer, not an actress, but my face is more acceptable in a way now than when I first came on the scene, because I'm part black.

The models for me were more the folk-rock singers of the '60s and '70s.