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I started writing more with my voice in mind.

I think my voice worked out fine, but it was a lot of work for me. And I was very self-conscious about it. I was a bit self-conscious about writing lyrics too.

I was a 'learn by doing' writer - I never took any formal writing classes. So it took a long time to figure things out and find my voice.

As thrilling as it was, speechwriting is ultimately frustrating for someone who wants to be a writer.

It took me six novels before I felt confident of my voice as a writer.

I was never a quick writer, but composed with great care and efforts.

And I had not much of a voice. I didn't play that great guitar either.

The only successful way to write, and the only one I have found, is to be the character. Give up on trying to control them. Writers always talk about hearing voices. That's what they mean.

Mostly singing was cathartic, writing was cathartic, therapeutic. I don't think I had a goal, particularly, to sing or put it out there for anybody.

I just wanted to be a songwriter. I did really not like the sound of my own voice.