I was the oldest child, and both my parents worked, so I had a great deal of responsibility from a very young age.

I was always inventing characters and making up stories.

How weird it was to drive streets I knew so well. What a different perspective.

And I really wanted a driver's license. I was 43, had my learner's permit and had failed the test once already - but that was in Riverhead, on Long Island.

I still consider myself a feminist.

The first song I wrote was the first song I remember thinking, "Well, maybe I can do something here." The very first one. By the second one I knew I could do something.

I always thought that if I was popular I must be doing something wrong.