Law #16: Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor — A Writer's Guide

Story Marc
Feb 6
4 min read

The sixteenth law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Use absence to increase respect and honor," is about understanding the value of scarcity. Knowing when to step back can enhance your mystique, build anticipation, and make your work feel more valuable in a world saturated with content and constant social media presence. This principle applies to how writers interact with their audience, release their work, and maintain professional relationships.

Let’s explore how to use absence to elevate your writing career strategically.

Creating Anticipation with Scarcity

Scarcity can turn your work into a sought-after commodity. When something feels rare or exclusive, people value it more.

1. Space Out Your Releases:

Releasing books or stories too frequently can lead to burnout and diminish their perceived value.
Example: George R.R. Martin’s long gaps between A Song of Ice and Fire installments have kept fans eagerly awaiting each release, creating a sense of event around each book.
Application: Focus on quality over quantity. Plan your releases to allow time for anticipation to build.

2. Limit Overexposure:

Being too available, especially on social media, can reduce your mystique and dilute your presence.
Example: Authors like Donna Tartt, who release a book every decade and rarely give interviews, maintain an aura of exclusivity that adds to their appeal.
Application: Set boundaries for your online presence and focus on meaningful, curated interactions.

3. Use Exclusive Content Strategically:

Offering limited-edition books, signed copies, or exclusive bonus content can make your work feel special.
Example: Many authors create special editions with unique covers or additional chapters to drive demand.
Application: Reserve exclusive content for loyal fans or special occasions, enhancing its value.

Building Mystique and Respect

A well-timed absence can enhance your reputation by making you seem more thoughtful, selective, and deliberate.

1. Be Selective About Appearances:

Overexposing yourself at events or in the media can dilute your impact. Fewer, high-quality appearances can make you more memorable.
Example: J.D. Salinger’s refusal to engage publicly after the release of The Catcher in the Rye added to his mystique and literary legacy.
Application: Choose appearances that align with your goals and enhance your brand rather than accepting every opportunity.

2. Let Your Work Speak for Itself:

Sometimes, silence can say more than words. Avoid over-explaining or defending your work publicly.
Example: Haruki Murakami rarely explains his books, allowing readers to interpret them freely, which adds to their allure.
Application: Resist the urge to respond to every critique or question. Trust your work to stand on its own.

3. Create a Sense of Mystery:

Holding back specific details about your projects can intrigue readers and industry professionals.
Example: Teasing a new project without revealing too much builds anticipation and keeps people guessing.
Application: Share just enough to pique interest but leave room for curiosity.

Strengthening Professional Relationships

Absence can also be a powerful tool in interacting with agents, editors, and collaborators. It prevents overfamiliarity and keeps your values clear.

1. Don’t Overcommunicate:

Constantly checking in or seeking reassurance can make you seem insecure.
Example: An author who respects an editor’s time and only reaches out with purposeful communication is more likely to be respected.
Application: Be professional and concise in your interactions. Avoid excessive emails or messages.

2. Step Back When Necessary:

If a collaboration isn’t working, stepping back can reset the dynamic or give you clarity.
Example: If you’re clashing with a co-writer, a brief pause can help both parties approach the project with fresh perspectives.
Application: Recognize when distance is needed and use it to maintain professionalism and perspective.

3. Value Your Time:

Not making yourself overly available signals that your time and energy are valuable.
Example: Successful authors often set clear boundaries with their teams, ensuring their creative time is protected.
Application: Prioritize your schedule and communicate availability clearly to collaborators.

Leveraging Absence in Marketing

Absence can be a powerful marketing tool when used strategically. It builds anticipation and excitement for your work.

1. Create Pre-Launch Hype:

Announce a book well in advance, then go silent to let the anticipation build.
Example: Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea was teased for years after the success of The Night Circus, creating a wave of excitement upon its release.
Application: Plan a promotional timeline that includes periods of silence to build suspense.

2. Take Social Media Breaks:

Occasionally, stepping away from social media can make your returns feel like an event.
Example: An author who temporarily leaves Twitter might return with a significant announcement that captures attention.
Application: Use breaks strategically, framing them as time spent focusing on your craft.

3. Reward Loyalty:

Reward long-term fans with special reveals or exclusive news.
Example: A surprise email to newsletter subscribers announcing a secret project can delight loyal readers.
Application: Use absence to make your reappearances feel meaningful and rewarding.

Avoiding Pitfalls

While absence can be powerful, it must be balanced carefully to avoid alienating your audience or losing relevance.

Don’t Disappear Completely:
- Extended absences without communication can make readers forget about you.
- Solution: Stay minimally active with periodic updates to maintain a connection.
Avoid Being Elusive Without Reason:
- Absence should serve a purpose. Being unavailable without explanation can frustrate collaborators or fans.
- Solution: Communicate your reasons for stepping back when appropriate, such as focusing on writing.
Balance Mystery with Accessibility:
- Too much mystery can make you seem unapproachable.
- Solution: Maintain a balance by engaging meaningfully when you do appear.

Conclusion: The Power of Strategic Absence

Law #16, "Use absence to increase respect and honor," reminds us that sometimes less is more. By stepping back strategically, you can build anticipation, maintain your mystique, and make your work feel more valuable. Whether spacing out your releases, limiting your online presence, or curating professional relationships, using absence wisely can elevate your career.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #17, "Keep others in suspended terror: Cultivate an air of unpredictability," and how unpredictability can work to your advantage as a writer. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.