I feel more influenced in my own work by dreams than I do by other writers' works in a way. Or by popular culture movies - what else is there to write about than love and loss?

Art has definitely influenced how I think of design both as individual items and as a body of work.

I listened to the radio so I was influenced by everyone from Michael Jackson to Milli Vanilli. But thankfully my dad had a collection of Cat Stevens albums while my mom was listening to jazz.

Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.

I influenced the BG style by not being able to draw perspective. The BG artists developed cool graphic painting styles to make my bad backgrounds look like they were that way on purpose.

The eventual place the American army should take on the western front was to a large extent influenced by the vital question of communication and supply.

What influenced me was Tori Amos who was unapologetic about expressing anger through music and Sinead O'Connor. Those two in particular were really moving for me and very inspiring before I wrote 'Jagged Little Pill.'

Growing up in New York has influenced my style so much and I have an amazing relationship with my stylist Estee Stanley. We have so much fun with the whole process. She picks out dresses I try things on and play dress up and we get creative to see what works.

I think all writers of my age who are brought up on films probably by the age of 16 have seen many more films than they have read classics of literature. We can't help but be influenced by film. Film has got some great tricks that it's taught writers.