Everyone faces challenges from the fierce competition as well as the manipulative crooks that are rampant throughout the music business.

Being a songwriter requires versatility while being an artist requires you to create a cohesive body of work. I truly enjoy both.

Taking constructive criticism from others is required to get to the next level.

My strength is in my ability to be versatile.

No matter what you're going through, there is no temporary feeling or circumstance that can take away the core of who you are.

Home is a place from which you can draw strength.

The people who come out on top in music business have persistence. It is key! Fall down seven times; stand up eight. It takes a lot of courage and an unwavering belief in yourself and your abilities.

I have certainly faced my fair share and will likely come across more. These experiences have been fuel for my music. Facing these challenges has forced me to recognize my own inner strength.

Knowing how to market yourself and your press materials is key.

In Europe, radio stations are owned by a variety of different entities, so there is less uniformity on radio programming and more opportunity for artists to get radio play and break overseas.

Many artists who sign deals in the US and UK get the benefit of worldwide promotion and have a better shot at breaking globally.

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.

Beware the things of this world that can mean everything or nothing.

Our presence in Afghanistan is not worth the price of any more American lives or treasure.

I know this is going to sound cheesy and like I'm trying to be Miss America, but the most important responsibility a celebrity has is to set an example and be a role model.

I've done all the dumping, which is not a good thing. It's funny, because I married someone who has always done it as well. I believe I met my match.

And of course, in my writing, there is the constant theme of music, love of, preoccupation with, music. Music is the single thread making my life into a coherency.

You're either in love with what you do, or you're not in love.

Persecution is not wrong because it is cruel; but it is cruel because it is wrong.

You shouldn't imagine things that you haven't a shred of proof happened.

It is better to be frightened now than killed hereafter