What I Learned About Writing From Tennis

On back and forth, tactics, and winning scenes...

A writer once told me that every scene should either be a seduction, a negotiation or a fight. Which is a great way to view the flow of conflict or conflict resolution at every point of your character’s story. But the thing about conflict, and conflict resolution is, our characters need to employ tactics in order to win. If they stick to the same tactics, it’s a flat stalemate. But also, more importantly, there’s no stakes, no drive, no momentum.

Often, we tend to give the characters we love, or most identify with, or most resemble a version of us or our viewpoint the most compelling argument. Which means our readers, our viewers won’t be surprised at how things unfold. Nor will the characters. If one character has a compelling argument, and the other character doesn ‘t, well, is this going to work?