I let characters be human and flawed and relatable.

I look for absurdly simple plots so that I can simply focus on the characters. Having an understanding of what dialogue's easy to say and hard to say - I think that that's helpful, too.

Plot is just not my gift. I'm fascinated with complex characters, and that doesn't mix well with complex plots. And by the way, when the plot is simple, you can move one piece around and make it feel fresh. 'Hell or High Water''s a good example: I don't tell you why the brothers are robbing the bank.

I love flawed female characters, duking it out.

I pride myself on making my own decisions, sir," she said. "I do not welcome gentlemen making them for me.

Human beings are flawed and complicated and messy.