I write about real people in disguise. If anything, my characters are toned down-the truth is much more bizarre.

I write about the American dream: if you set your mind to do something, you can do it. My fans know they're getting the real thing.

I'm writing about real things. Real people. Real characters. You have to believe what I write about is true or you wouldn't pay any attention at all. Sometimes it's me, or a composite of me and other people. Sometimes it's not me at all.

I try to write about real women, real people - in other words flawed characters.

Usually when I write a script, I have in mind some real people that I'm writing about, who don't always act in the film afterward.

Real people - the interesting ones, anyway - don't remain static, and neither do the ones I write about. Changes take place, and they react to them.