I read the same amount of nonfiction and fiction.

Prayer means that, in some unique way, we believe we're invited into a relationship with someone who hears us when we speak in silence.

I can never tell what I'm doing when I'm in the middle of publication because I have no confidence. I have terrible self-esteem, along with boundless narcissism.

I have a lot of faith. But I am also afraid a lot, and have no real certainty about anything. I remembered something Father Tom had told me--that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.

It was simple reality - most competitive tennis players in my day were privileged, spoiled, entitled and white. Also, many of them were beautiful, fit, tan and of good stock - great big hair and white teeth and long legs. Then there were the rest of us.

Your experiences will be yours alone. But truth and best friendship will rarely if ever disappoint you.

So Rita and I decided that the most subversive, revolutionary thing I could do was to show up for my life and not be ashamed.