Janis Joplin is definitely one of my biggest influences. She taught me how to feel music, and I don't think there's anyone like her that could bring such pain and emotion to a song.

Commitment. Someone who'll go the distance. I need somebody with staying power who'll make me go weak in the knees. Commitment. And everything that goes with it. I need honor and love in my life from somebody who's playing for keeps.

I believe in equality for everyone. I believe everyone should have the right to love and commit to whomever they want. [...] All I know is that in God's eyes we are all the same. I just wish we could see through the eyes of God more often.

Keep on shining, keep on smiling, don't lose faith, and don't lose heart. When you're crying, just keep trying to remind yourself, you're a shining star, yes you are.

I've never heard a song written from a stepmother's point of view, about their family.

I'll get into conversations with other people, and all of a sudden they will say something that sparks that... either the titles to me, or just the conversation itself will spark an idea for a song.

I think I'm realizing I've always been able to move people, just getting people to talk.