I Grew Up Just Outside Of Austin,

I Have Successfully Avoided Being Stereotyped Into A Specific Category. I've Worked Very Hard At That, And I'm Proud Of Not Being Easily Lumped Into Anybody's Preconceived Notions Or Expectations.

My Very Best Friend Died In A Car Accident When I Was 16 Years Old. That Was The Hardest Blow Emotionally That I Have Ever Had To Endure. Suddenly, You Realize Tomorrow Might Not Come. Now I Live By The Motto, 'today Is What I Have.'

Young Women From A Very Young Age Are Taught That Life Will Be Easier If You Can Just Turn On The Charming Smile And Say Very Little And Be Complacent And Docile And Sweet.

I Want To Be Able To Create Characters For As Long As I Can And I Want To Tell Stories For As Long As I Can But Unfortunately I'm Not Given Those Opportunities Because I'm Often Boxed Into The Former Category...

There Is A Common, Puritanical Way That We Look At Things Where, If It Involves Sexuality, Somehow The Women Must Be Compromised. It's Just Chauvinistic To Deny Women Their Sexuality. It's About Empowering. It Comes Down To Choices. If The Choices Are Available And They're Making That Choice, They're Not Being Exploited.