I wasn't encouraged to write just stand there and sing and I never thought I was a writer. I always figured if I couldn't write something as good as "He Stopped Loving Her Today," then what's the point?

I can't tell you how freeing it is to have my own label. For the first time in my career, I have total control.

I just don't conform very well.

I don't like modern country music. It's not what I'm into, is all. I'm old-school.

I can find some way to make poetry out of my life's experiences.

I think a lot of people think that my parents' deaths is why I write such sad songs, but that's not true. Those songs may just be the woman I am.

I write about what I know.