The only time a friend has ever helped me in the industry was how I got my first job - that was through Mike Figgis.

Only twice have I really had a hard time leaving a character. The first was my character in 'Rome' and then in 'Homeland.'

When I got the role in 'Homeland,' it really opened something up. Other people respected me more as an actor, doors were opened, and I understood for the first time that it wasn't personal. All that rejection wasn't personal.

'Lone Gunmen' was my first job, and I got a little cocky, thinking I'm brilliant and don't have to work that hard because it comes so naturally.

Many readers know my work first through 'Housekeeping,' simply because it was my only novel for a pretty long time.

It took a lot of time to find my stride, and it was really humbling.