Law #15: Crush Your Enemy Totally — A Writer's Guide

The fifteenth law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Crush your enemy totally," emphasizes the importance of decisively eliminating obstacles or threats to your success. For writers, the "enemy" isn’t necessarily a person; it could be doubts, competition, bad habits, or outdated industry practices holding you back. This law is about resolving challenges thoroughly so they don’t resurface to derail your career or creative process.

Here’s how to apply this law constructively and ethically to your writing journey.

Defeating Self-Doubt and Fear

One of the biggest enemies a writer faces is internal—self-doubt, fear of failure, or imposter syndrome. To crush this enemy, you must confront it head-on.

1. Build Confidence Through Action:

• Fear thrives in inaction. Completing projects, even imperfectly, builds momentum and confidence.

• Example: Stephen King famously wrote every day, overcoming early rejections by focusing on his work ethic rather than fear.

• Application: Set small, achievable goals to create a sense of accomplishment. Finish what you start, even if it’s messy.

2. Silence Your Inner Critic:

• Overthinking and perfectionism can paralyze you. Shift your mindset to see mistakes as part of the process.

• Example: Neil Gaiman’s advice to "write badly with enthusiasm" reminds writers that first drafts aren’t meant to be perfect.

• Application: When self-doubt arises, remind yourself that revisions are where brilliance happens.

3. Celebrate Your Wins:

• Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, helps combat negative self-perception.

• Example: Keep a journal of milestones, like finishing chapters or receiving positive feedback, to remind yourself of your progress.

• Application: Share your accomplishments with supportive peers to reinforce your confidence.

Outpacing the Competition

In the crowded world of publishing, competition can feel overwhelming. The key to "crushing" is setting yourself apart and excelling in your lane.

1. Focus on What You Do Best:

• Instead of imitating others, double down on your unique strengths and voice.

• Example: Colleen Hoover’s ability to craft emotionally charged, relatable stories has set her apart in contemporary romance.

• Application: Identify what makes your writing distinct and emphasize it in your work and marketing.

2. Innovate Within Your Genre:

• Bring fresh ideas to the table by subverting tropes or blending genres.

• Example: Andy Weir’s The Martian combined hard science fiction with humor, creating a niche that resonated with readers.

• Application: Study what’s popular in your genre, then find ways to add your unique twist.

3. Be Relentless in Your Efforts:

• Consistency and persistence are often more impactful than raw talent alone.

• Example: Many successful self-published authors, like Michael J. Sullivan, built their careers through consistent output and reader engagement.

• Application: Treat your writing career like a marathon, not a sprint. Stay committed, even when progress feels slow.

Eliminating Bad Habits

Habits that undermine your productivity or focus are enemies that need to be crushed completely.

1. Identify Your Weaknesses:

• Pinpoint habits that drain your time or energy, like excessive social media use or procrastination.

• Example: If you spend hours scrolling instead of writing, set app limits or use website blockers during writing sessions.

• Application: Audit your daily routine and eliminate distractions.

2. Replace Bad Habits with Positive Ones:

• Substitution is more effective than elimination alone. Replace unproductive activities with ones that serve your goals.

• Example: Instead of zoning out with TV, use that time to read books in your genre or outline your next chapter.

• Application: Build a daily writing habit by dedicating a specific time and space to your craft.

3. Hold Yourself Accountable:

• Accountability ensures that bad habits don’t creep back in.

• Example: Join a writing group or partner with a fellow writer to share goals and progress.

• Application: Set deadlines for your projects and stick to them, even if they’re self-imposed.

Addressing Industry Challenges

The publishing industry has its own set of obstacles, from gatekeeping to shifting trends. To succeed, you must navigate these challenges strategically.

1. Embrace New Opportunities:

• Changes in the industry, like the rise of self-publishing or audiobooks, create new paths to success.

• Example: Authors like Hugh Howey (Wool) succeeded by self-publishing and later securing traditional deals.

• Application: Stay informed about industry trends and be open to experimenting with new formats or platforms.

2. Build Direct Connections with Readers:

• Traditional gatekeepers are less relevant when you have a loyal reader base.

• Example: Many authors use social media or newsletters to connect directly with their audience.

• Application: Cultivate your platform to reduce reliance on industry intermediaries.

3. Persevere Through Rejection:

• Every writer faces setbacks, but resilience is key to long-term success.

• Example: J.K. Rowling was rejected by multiple publishers before finding success with Harry Potter.

• Application: Treat rejection as part of the process. Learn from feedback and keep moving forward.

Ethical Ways to Crush Obstacles

While this law suggests eliminating challenges, acting ethically and professionally is essential.

• Don’t Undermine Others:

  • Focus on elevating yourself, not tearing others down.

  • Solution: Let your work speak for itself rather than engage in negativity or comparisons.

• Maintain Integrity:

  • Cutting corners to eliminate obstacles can damage your reputation.

  • Solution: Approach challenges honestly and persistently, ensuring your success is built on a strong foundation.

• Celebrate Collaboration:

  • Not every "enemy" needs to be crushed. Sometimes, collaboration is more effective than competition.

  • Solution: Seek partnerships where mutual benefit is possible.

Conclusion: Overcoming Challenges with Determination

Law #15, "Crush your enemy totally," is a call to address the challenges that stand in your way decisively. Whether it’s self-doubt, bad habits, competition, or industry hurdles, taking focused, strategic action ensures these obstacles don’t hold you back. By approaching this law ethically and constructively, you can build a writing career that thrives on persistence, innovation, and resilience.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #16, "Use absence to increase respect and honor," and how scarcity can enhance your value as a writer. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.