I grew up in the Midwest; you don't know any screenwriters. It didn't seem like a realistic career possibility.

I normally ignore the History Channel.

Stripping toughened my hide, but exposing myself as a writer has been a lot more brutal.

People have always wanted to be recognized, and that's human nature. But people used to want to be recognized for their accomplishments, and now they simply want to be visible.

For me, stripping was an unusual kind of escape. I had nothing to escape but privilege, but I claimed asylum anyway. At twenty-four, it was my last chance to reject something and become nothing. I wanted to terrify myself. Mission accomplished.

For me, writing essays, prose and fiction is a great way to be self-indulgent.

The best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are.