Miranda July

When living in Portland, she worked as a tastemaker for a local ad agency, during which time she suggested the name "Coke II" for a new beverage. Much later, Coca-Cola rewarded her idea with a check for $25,000, which Miranda says arrived in the mail as a complete surprise.

When I was very little, I probably wanted to be more normal. I probably wanted the Laura Ashley bedroom, and instead I got thrift-store everything.