I wanted to be a cheerleader, like my sister was - all the most popular and beautiful girls are cheerleaders and I wanted that, and it demolished this vision of myself. That's when I found the piano, when music saved me; that's when I first attempted to write my own songs.

The river was always there inside of me, but I was very shy. I could see that this was my path. I felt destiny in my own music.

I struggled with being in the public eye, losing my anonymity when my star rose quickly in the late 90's. But I need the challenge of showing up and getting up there to spill my guts and connect with my loyal folks.

Being a writer is a very private, internal process. Ultimately I am more the writer, being an introvert.

I don't like to sit and bask in my own awards. Awards represent artistic death to me.

I'm used to adversity and working really well in difficult situations. It was hard for me to accept the success

I like women who can throw a ball and laugh loud and have some spine, and I like men who don't mind cooking dinner.