I took a writing class in college, liked it, and my first year out of school I couldn't get a job, so I wrote a play.

People really do make the assumption that I had some weirdo Hollywood upbringing, but my parents are incredibly down-to-earth people who worked really hard to raise us in a way that was health.

You set up the story, but the characters start talking, and they go places that you didn't expect. You have to follow.

If I didn't find art valuable, I would stop doing my work and only work for justice.

From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much - the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York, and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me.

I was definitely considered different growing up. I learned that being me was all right because my family celebrated those differences.

It helps when 1 can send the children off to their fathers so I can support my new book with a national publicity tour. I started writing the book when my daughter was 5. It took me almost four years.

We're a very close family. Nothing changes.