I like singer-songwriters, and I find sad songs comforting rather than depressing. It makes you realise you're not alone in the world.

It's much easier to write when you're sad. But you can end up isolated and depressed because you almost need to put yourself in that situation to have that angst to write from.

Ignore reality, there's nothing you can do about it.

Happy songs are very difficult to write. How many truly great upbeat songs are there?

I can understand why some people might look at me and say, 'What's she got to be depressed about?' I get that a lot in Britain, where mental health issues seem to be a big taboo.

I'm such a chameleon. I never get bored.

Saving animals is as simple as choosing synthetic alternatives instead of real fur.

If I start feeling down I'll gorge myself on pasta. That usually does the trick. It's the Italian blood in me.

Enjoy every moment: you never know when things might change.

It was only cool to have blond hair and be a surfer chick [in Sydney]. I could learn how to surf, but I still looked Italian. It took me a long time to realize that was a good thing.

Isolation is a big part of songwriting.

Real men are advocates for women's rights.

The only work that will ultimately bring any good to any of us is the work of contributing to the healing of the world.

Since most American students cannot simply pay their full tuition out of pocket, financing a college education often takes the form of loans, both private and from the government.

When you are risen on the eastern horizon You have filled every land with your beauty... Though you are far away, your rays are on Earth.

I always wanted to live to about 70. I thought that'd be a good age.

Set up your study or picture in an orderly fashion. This order should not cramp either the linearist or the colorist... Never lose sight of that first impression by which you were moved.

I never studied writing, but I'd always been a reader and had a secret fantasy about being a writer.

I love my kids with all my heart and the last thing I want to worry about is the air they breathe.

Historical experience is written in blood and iron.

I try to use all of my senses when describing a setting, and try to think of everything that would impact a character in any given scene.