With every interview, there's always an unanticipated challenge, and with Stevie, it was simply that she called an hour earlier than expected. I'd gone to a party the night of the interview, thinking that I'd return with two hours to prepare. Instead, the phone rang at 10:00 PM. I'd just gotten my notes out. It was Stevie's assistant. Stevie was ready. And therefore, so was I.

She said hello. The voice was exactly as you'd imagine it: gravelly, honey-and-whisky, smoked-ten-billion packs-of-cigarettes, would-you-stay-if -she-promised-you-heaven.

At first, it was tricky getting Stevie to talk about all of our favorite Stevie preoccupations. Because it's not apparent at first how game she'll be. Her tone is very matter-of-fact. You ask the questions straightforwardly, and she responds with answers ornate in detail and description. She'll talk about the candles, the incense and the fireplaces in her house, but it's all in a tone that's very decisive, very "no apologies."