Taylor Swift: I write under the moon

Taylor Swift has written some of her best songs in the moonlight.

The country pop star is often struck by inspiration in the middle of the night. Taylor sometimes feels too excited to wait until morning to write down the lyrics.

"Usually songs hit me in the middle of the night and I end up writing [them] before dawn, so there's no time to call somebody," she told the new edition of Billboard.

Taylor has been named Billboard's Woman of the Year. The 21-year-old musician will received the honour at Billboard's Women in Music luncheon at Capitale in New York City today. She will also be interviewed by Katie Couric.

"Taylor has shown the power of good song-writing with music that has transcended genres, and we're thrilled to recognise all of her successes over the past year by honouring her with the Billboard Woman of the Year Award," Bill Werde, Billboard's Editorial Director, said.

Taylor has had a hugely successful 2011.

She was named Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards and received the Entertainer of the Year prize at the Country Music Association Awards.

She has also performed around the world with her Speak Now Tour and has reportedly auditioned for a role in the new musical movie Les Misérables.

© Cover Media