Family moved to a log cabin in Paducah, KY when she was six

Moved to Nashville, TN where she acted in theater productions and supported herself as a waitress

Settled in Los Angeles; studied acting and worked as receptionist at a commercial and music video production house

Began producing pop music videos for acts such as Alice Cooper, Robert Cray and Winger

Production coordinator for the "Rigoletto" segment of the anthology "Aria"

Scripted and produced first feature, "Thelma & Louise"

Signed a two-picture writing and directing deal with James L Brooks's Gracie Films (July)

Scripted "Something to Talk About" starring Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid

Announced plans to make her directorial debut with the feature "Virgin of the Rodeo"; never produced

Feature directorial debut with "The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood"; also wrote adapted screenplay

Helmed the comedy, "Mad Money" co-starring Diane Keaton, Katie Holmes and Queen Latifah