Every child is so different. Their experience growing up and their experience relating to the world has so much to do with their temperament, and their likes and their dislikes.

When I was growing up, the place I felt least alone was when I was reading.

We didn't have a lot of money growing up, so my mom didn't buy a lot of extras, like sweet things.

I read a lot growing up. It was kind of my comfort, you know; I loved it. I love story. I love narrative. I was academic. I wasn't particularly athletic. I didn't make the drill team. I didn't go out for sports.

I remember seeing this picture my mother had of Dick Clark. It didn't inspire me to be an actor or anything, but when I did 'American Dreams' with Dick Clark, my mother came out, and she showed him this picture of them that was taken 35 years earlier. It was great.

I want to be a voice to young children and women and people of all ages to go for their dreams, to be resilient and have courage. Don't let fear motivate you. The American Dream says that all things are possible, and I genuinely believe that.

You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

My inspiration for interior design is more historical than traditional.