“WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?” I asked Jim Whitehead, when I agreed to teach the graduate fiction workshop in the fall of the year 2000. I had blithely agreed to teach it; then, a week before school began, I panicked and ran to Jim for advice. He founded the creative writing program and nursed it for thirty-four years. Now he was retired but still available for advice.
“Be a coach,” he told me. I liked that answer. I was raised by an athlete and spent my youth listening to lectures on playing to win. My own sport was tennis so the best things I know are slanted toward singles tennis.
Here is what it says over the desk where I write.
Play to win
First serve advantage
Never let them see you sweat
Take care of business
Slow down
Stay calm
Send a message
Don’t let up
Practice, practice, practice. Matches are won on the practice court
Andre Agassi runs up hills on Christmas Day to get ready for the FIFTH SET AT WIMBLEDON
Stretch the lead. Once Steffi starts winning you cannot stop her
Move your feet
Get in position
Focus
Get your racket back
Keep your eye on the ball
SERVE THE WHOLE