Law #3: Conceal Your Intentions — A Writer's Guide

Story Marc
Feb 5
4 min read

The third law in The 48 Laws of Power is "Conceal your intentions." This sounds manipulative, but for writers, it’s about harnessing the power of subtlety, misdirection, and mystery—both in storytelling and your professional life. This law is a masterclass in intrigue, a skill every writer should cultivate to hook readers, outmaneuver industry challenges and build a sustainable career.

Let’s explore how this law applies to authors on and off the page.

Creating Intrigue in Storytelling

Great stories thrive on mystery and surprise. When you conceal your intentions as a storyteller, you keep readers guessing and fully engaged.

1. Mastering the Art of Foreshadowing:

Concealing your intentions doesn’t mean withholding information; it means carefully planting clues that reveal their significance later.
Example: In Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, the true nature of Amy’s disappearance is hidden beneath layers of misdirection, with clues sprinkled throughout. The twist feels earned because the groundwork was laid subtly.
Application: Drop small, seemingly innocuous details early in your story that gain new meaning as the plot unfolds.

2. Subvert Expectations:

Readers love surprises, but they hate feeling cheated. Conceal your intentions by leading them down one path, only to reveal a different but logical outcome.
Example: George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series excels at making readers invest in certain characters or outcomes, only to pull the rug out from under them in shocking yet narratively consistent ways.
Application: Build tension by setting up expectations, then twist them in a surprising and inevitable way.

3. Build Layered Characters:

Characters who conceal their true motivations create dynamic, unpredictable stories. These layers add depth and keep readers intrigued.
Example: Walter White begins as a mild-mannered teacher in Breaking Bad, but his hidden ambition and ruthlessness gradually surface, transforming him into a complex antihero.
Application: Let your characters’ true intentions unfold gradually, revealing new dimensions as the story progresses.

Using Subtlety in the Writing Industry

Concealing your intentions isn’t about deception; it’s about strategic communication and pacing your reveals to maximize impact. This applies to how you navigate the publishing world.

1. Pitch Strategically:

When querying agents or pitching publishers, focus on your story’s hook rather than revealing every twist and turn.
Example: Instead of summarizing your entire plot, craft a compelling query letter that teases the core conflict and raises questions.
Application: Use the "less is more" approach. Give enough information to intrigue, but leave room for curiosity.

2. Build Suspense Around Your Career Moves:

Creating intrigue isn’t limited to your stories; it works for your personal brand, too. Tease upcoming projects without revealing everything.
Example: Announce, "Big news coming soon!" on social media to generate anticipation before a book launch or other major milestone.
Application: Give your audience a reason to stay engaged by sharing just enough to keep them guessing.

3. Protect Your Creative Process:

Sharing too much about your work-in-progress can lead to unnecessary feedback or even discourage you. Keep some aspects of your process private until you’re ready to share.
Example: Instead of explaining your entire plot to friends or online forums, talk about the themes or general direction to gauge interest without overexposing your ideas.
Application: Stay selective about who you share early drafts or ideas with, focusing on trusted critique partners or beta readers.

Engaging Readers with Mystery

Your audience craves stories that surprise, challenge, and immerse them. Concealing your intentions can strengthen your connection with readers by keeping them invested.

1. Tease, Don’t Tell:

Your book blurb, marketing copy, and even chapter titles can create intrigue. Raise questions rather than provide answers.
Example: A thriller blurb might end with, "But what she uncovers is far more horrifying than she ever imagined…" leaving the reader desperate to know more.
Application: When promoting your work, focus on the stakes and unanswered questions that will draw readers in.

2. Make Endings Meaningful:

A satisfying ending doesn’t mean everything is tied up neatly. Leave a bit of mystery or ambiguity for readers to ponder.
Example: In Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, the ending leaves readers reflecting on the story's ethical implications and emotional weight, rather than delivering a clean resolution.
Application: Close your story in a way that answers core questions while leaving room for interpretation.

Potential Pitfalls

Concealing your intentions is a powerful tool, but it’s easy to misuse. Here’s how to avoid common missteps:

Don’t Confuse the Reader:
- Withholding too much information can leave readers frustrated. Balance mystery with clarity.
- Solution: Provide enough context for readers to follow the story, even if they don’t know the whole picture.
Avoid Overpromising:
- Teasing big twists or revelations that don’t deliver can damage your credibility.
- Solution: Ensure your story’s payoff matches the buildup.
Be Mindful of Oversharing:
- Revealing too much about your creative process or career moves can dilute the impact of your work.
- Solution: Share selectively and strategically to maintain intrigue.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Subtlety

Law #3, "Conceal your intentions," is a reminder that mystery and subtlety are potent tools in storytelling and career-building. Whether you’re crafting a plot twist, pitching a novel, or teasing your next big project, leaving just enough unsaid can captivate and intrigue your audience.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll dive into Law #4, "Always say less than necessary," and explore how restraint and precision can elevate your writing and public persona. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.