<http://schema.org/articleBody>
" DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A SONGWRITER? When I first got my record deal, I was like, &amp;#039;I just want to sing,&amp;#039; and I never put much thought into what really goes into a record. But as I got older, I developed a passion for writing. Before I wasn&amp;#039;t sure what I wanted to say, but now, I have had so many different experiences that they have given me what I want to get across in my music. SO HOW WAS THE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE OF WRITING SONGS? It was great! I worked with someone who has been with me since the first record, so she knows me really well. I have already told her the craziest things about my life, so I felt comfortable. We wrote most of the music on the balcony off my bedroom; we would just go up there and sit with our laptops and come up with ideas and melodies. It was the first time I used my most personal experiences--it was almost like a therapy session when I sat down and wrote with her. WAS IT HARD PUTTING YOUR FEELINGS OUT THERE LIKE THAT? It is scary to open up for the first time--but these feelings are human emotions that everyone goes through, so I know people will relate to it. Sometimes I got scared of being too honest, because being in the public eye I have always tried to hide my personal life. But I realized that isn&amp;#039;t healthy. I think people are going to learn a lot about me with this record. WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST DECISIONS YOU MADE USING THIS NEW WAY OF THINKING? I just filmed this indie movie with John Cusack. It is so crazy and out there--so it was a big step taking on a project that was so different than anything I have done. And, it was in Bulgaria. I went all by myself and without knowing anyone. But it was all worth it and life-changing in so many ways. HOW WAS IS IT WORKING WITH JOHN CUSACK? Oh, I love him--I have the biggest crush on him! He&amp;#039;s so cute, sweet, and smart. He gave me all these books to read before I left for Bulgaria. I love that he is just thinking all the time. And he is very nurturing--whenever I had a tough scene he was there for me.  Turn to page 128 of our May 2007 issue for more of our interview with Hilary Duff. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/interviews/a286/five-questions-with-hilary-duff/>