Alanis Over, Not Out

When Alanis Morissette recently took time out to talk to us about her forthcoming effort, it was clear that the singer/songwriter had a lot to say about the entertainment industry. And she should -- she wrote her first song when she was 10, in 1984, went on to star in "You Can't Do That On Television" (our fave! for real!) and then made dance records before she could even turn 20.

After the hoopla of never-ending hitmaker "Jagged Little Pill," the Canadian-American has had to face tough ordeals in the music industry, from self-image issues to negotiating licenses to one of America's biggest brand names, Starbucks.

"There have been so many times I've wanted to close up shop. Often, I'd work out the cricks and continue participating in all sorts of facets," she said. She's 33 now, how many times has she wanted to jump ship and leave music behind entirely?

"Six times."

And how many of those were over the last five years?

Morissette could only laugh. "Can I just make them into one long one?"

The singer also mentioned she has officially started writing her long-rumored memoirs/autobiography. "I wouldn't mind doing more public speaking and movies. Or be a painter and take photos. Sometime I'm just inches away..."