All my battles were with male egos. I’m just looking for equality, not to dominate. But I want to be able to control my vision.

Ask anyone in America where the craziest people live and they'll tell you California. Ask anyone in California where the craziest people live and they'll say Los Angeles. Ask anyone in Los Angeles where the craziest people live and they'll tell you Hollywood. Ask anyone in Hollywood where the craziest people live and they'll say Laurel Canyon. And ask anyone in Laurel Canyon where the craziest people live and they'll say Lookout Mountain. So I bought a house on Lookout Mountain.

My goal as a writer is more to comfort than to disturb.

Some turn to Jesus and some turn to heroin.

It's in my stars to invent; I was born on Madame Curie's birthday. I have this need for originals, for innovation. That's why I like Charlie Parker.

When I came to California, it was the mecca of the world. Every young person on the planet wanted to be here.

I don't know how to sell out. If I tried to sell out I don't think I could.