Title: Write With Someone Better Than You (The Tennis Partner Rule)

By Thomas Fenton

If you want to get better at tennis, you don’t practice with someone you can easily beat. You play with someone who forces you to level up, who puts pressure on every swing, and makes you hustle for every point.

Writing is no different.

One of the smartest things you can do as a screenwriter is collaborate with someone better than you. Someone who challenges your structure. Someone who calls out your lazy dialogue. Someone who writes circles around you and makes you want to sharpen every sentence just to keep up. It’s not about ego. It’s about growth.

Working with a more experienced writer isn't about being the weaker link—it's about recognizing where you want to go and partnering with someone who's already navigated the terrain. You don’t have to agree on everything (in fact, you shouldn’t), but you do have to stay open. Watch how they solve problems. See how they attack the page. Learn their rhythm. Study how they take notes without getting defensive.

Some of the best growth I’ve had as a writer came from sitting across from someone who made me feel like I had to bring my A-game every single day. It’s humbling, sure. But it’s also rocket fuel. And I am looking at you, A.F. and A.M and S.B.

So if you want to get better at this—truly better—don’t surround yourself with yes-men. Find that writing partner who scares you a little. Who makes you rewrite that weak second act. Who makes you fall in love with writing all over again.

Just like tennis, if you want to win long-term, play with someone who forces you to get better. Every time.