Schuyler Fisk took the path you'd expect the daughter of an Oscar-winning actress to take: into big-league movies. In 1995, when she was 13, the daughter of Sissy Spacek played the role of Kristy Thomas in "The Babysitters Club."

In 2002 she made an even bigger splash as Ashley in the teen comedy "Orange County" with Jack Black and Colin Hanks.

These days, Fisk is away from the cameras and in a different kind of studio, pursuing a career in music and singing/songwriting.

In January, she released her first full-length album, "The Good Stuff," exclusively on iTunes. Fisk is promoting that album on a tour with fellow songwriters Ben Taylor (son of James Taylor and Carly Simon) and Andrew Foshee.

Via e-mail recently, Fisk talked about the album, the tour and how acting comes in handy, even to a singer-songwriter.

Q. What are the traits of a great song? Cite a few examples of what you consider great songs, songs maybe you wish you had written.

A. Great songs come in many different forms, styles, genres and vibes. I think a good song is one that sticks in your head, is pleasing to listen to and is lyrically honest. I wish I had written every Beatles song. Also I wish I had written "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt.

Q. Your song "The Good Stuff" is my idea of a good pop song. It has a groove. The melody is very catchy and memorable. The lyrics are smart and thoughtful. It's well-crafted and about three minutes long. How long did you work on it that one? What do you think of it?

A. "The Good Stuff" took me about a day and a half to write. I knew I wanted to write a song about the little things in life that are really the big things. Basically appreciating what you have while you have it. It's harder than you think to remember that "the journey is the reward." "The Good Stuff" is probably one of my favorite songs I've written, for sure.

Q. Who are some of your favorite songwriters?

A. I think the Weepies are incredible songwriters. I also love Patty Griffin, Feist, Nick Drake, James Taylor ... so many.

Q. Who are some of your favorite singers?

A. Bonnie Raitt, Eva Cassidy, Billie Holiday, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Rickie Lee Jones.

Q. Who do people tell you sound like?

A. I've heard everything from Jewel to Emmylou Harris to Sheryl Crow to "you don't sound like anyone."

Q. Has anyone ever told you that sometimes your voice resembles Hope Sandoval's?

A. No one has ever said that.

Q. Who do people think you write like?

A. I don't recall anyone ever telling me who I write like. I haven't really thought about that.

Q. Talk about your fans and the people who come to see your shows.

A. My fans are the best! In general, they range in age from 7 to 70. I love meeting my fans at shows. It's my favorite part of the evening (besides playing the show). I am honored and humbled that they come out to see me play and listen to my music. It means more to me than they know.

Q. What will the new album sound like? Who produced it and who is on it?

A. It sounds like me! But really, it's the record I've wanted to make my whole life. I'm super proud of it. But as far as what is sounds like, listen for yourself and you tell me! It's out exclusively on iTunes right now. It was produced by Dave Bassett, a long-time collaborator of mine. Lots of wonderful musicians played on it. I got very lucky.

Q. Is there anything about acting that you miss? Does your acting ever come in handy when performing live?

A. Of course there are things I miss! It's a totally different outlet for me, but I'm really happy with my life right now making music. I feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. And, sure, my acting comes in handy when performing live. We're putting on a show! I mean, I think a lot of it is just being comfortable with yourself enough to get up there and pour your heart out through your music to the crowd.