I think I'm most proud of the fact that I was able to overcome the insecurities that were going to keep me from living my dream, which was just learning to turn off those little voices in your head that tell you you're not capable of doing something.

I really enjoy the moments with Alter Bridge where I can step out and play lead and have fun.

It's not like I'm writing full songs or full parts and setting it aside for Slash because, generally, I like him to make the first move and hear where he's coming from and what his concepts are, and then I build from there.

I think that's my goal as time goes on, is to just try and pay it forward.

Her mother, Laurie Simmons, is a contemporary artist, and my stepmother, Cindy Sherman, is a photographer, so they've known each other forever. Lena and I were often at the same dinner parties when we were kids.

I did a minor in creative writing in college, but I didn't start writing until I stayed at home with my own children.

I came from a big family... a big family of Southerners.

When I was young, I asked my priest how you could get to Heaven and still protect yourself from all the evil in the world. He told me what God said to his children. You are sheep among wolves. Be wise as serpents, yet innocent as doves.