I would run into the corner store, the bodega, and just grab a paper bag or buy juice - anything just to get a paper bag. And I'd write the words on the paper bag and stuff these ideas in my pocket until I got back. Then I would transfer them into the notebook.

My grandmother used to say to sneak up behind someone with a paper bag and pop it.

I was teased if I brought my books home. I would take a paper bag to the library and put the books in the bag and bring them home. Not that I was that concerned about them teasing me - because I would hit them in a heartbeat. But I felt a little ashamed, having books.

I keep 'The Paper Bag Princess' by Robert Munsch on my shelf to remind me that my prince will love me no matter what I wear. Cheesy!

I'd learned some things. I knew you weren't supposed to hold a good wine at the top - the paper bag falls off.

Every day, I woke up and had my bag sitting at the door. All I had to do was grab it when my agent called.