Law #31: Control the Options: Get Others to Play with the Cards You Deal — A Writer's Guide

Story Marc
Feb 7
4 min read

The thirty-first law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Control the options: Get others to play with the cards you deal," is about shaping choices to guide outcomes in your favor. For writers, this principle applies to how you present your work, interact with readers and industry professionals, and manage your career. By carefully framing decisions and opportunities, you can maintain control while empowering others to feel involved and invested.

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

Controlling the Narrative

As a storyteller, you already know the power of framing—the way you present information shapes how it’s perceived.

1. Create the Illusion of Choice in Your Stories:

Give readers multiple layers of interpretation to increase engagement.
Example: In A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin presents morally complex characters, leaving readers to decide who’s truly “good” or “bad.”
Application: Craft stories that encourage readers to form their own opinions while subtly guiding them toward the themes or messages you want to emphasize.

2. Control Reader Expectations:

Set expectations early and deliver on them in ways that surprise and satisfy.
Example: Agatha Christie’s mysteries often manipulate reader assumptions, leading to twists that feel both shocking and fair.
Application: Use foreshadowing and red herrings to guide your readers’ focus while maintaining narrative control.

3. Offer Clear Stakes and Outcomes:

Readers stay invested when the stakes are clear and the potential outcomes are compelling.
Example: Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games presents high stakes with survival as the ultimate goal, keeping readers hooked.
Application: Ensure your story’s stakes are tangible and relatable, giving readers clear options to root for.

Shaping Reader Engagement

The way you interact with your audience can shape their loyalty and investment in your work.

1. Frame Your Marketing Strategically:

Present your work as the solution to a specific need or desire.
Example: Colleen Hoover’s emotionally charged marketing appeals to readers seeking deeply personal, cathartic stories.
Application: Highlight what makes your work unique and how it fulfills your audience’s expectations.

2. Encourage Participation:

Involve readers in your creative process to foster connection and investment.
Example: Many authors run polls or contests, allowing fans to influence elements like character names or settings.
Application: Offer your audience curated choices, so they feel included while you maintain control over the outcome.

3. Curate Your Online Presence:

The way you present yourself on social media shapes how readers perceive and engage with you.
Example: Authors like Neil Gaiman balance professionalism with glimpses into their creative lives, building a loyal following.
Application: Craft your social media presence to reflect your brand and guide interactions in a positive direction.

Navigating Industry Relationships

In professional settings, framing options strategically can help you maintain control while fostering collaboration.

1. Guide Negotiations with Publishers and Agents:

Frame proposals to highlight mutual benefits.
Example: When pitching a series, emphasize how its longevity benefits both parties—readers get more content, and publishers secure long-term revenue.
Application: Present clear, favorable options while positioning yourself as a valuable partner.

2. Offer Solutions, Not Problems:

Make it easy for others to say “yes” by providing actionable suggestions.
Example: If an editor has concerns about a manuscript, propose specific revisions that address their feedback.
Application: Anticipate potential objections and frame your responses to resolve them proactively.

3. Maintain Professional Boundaries:

Control the dynamics of professional relationships by setting clear boundaries.
Example: Respectfully decline opportunities that don’t align with your goals while expressing gratitude for the offer.
Application: Stay focused on your priorities and guide conversations toward mutually beneficial outcomes.

Crafting Your Career Path

Taking charge of your career means framing opportunities and decisions in ways that align with your long-term goals.

1. Choose Your Projects Wisely:

Select opportunities that align with your brand and aspirations.
Example: Brandon Sanderson’s decision to focus on epic fantasy reinforced his reputation as a master of the genre.
Application: Evaluate potential projects based on how they contribute to your overarching vision.

2. Control the Release of Your Work:

Strategically plan how and when you share new material.
Example: Authors who release exclusive content to Patreon supporters build loyalty and excitement.
Application: Create a release schedule that balances accessibility with exclusivity.

3. Plan for the Long Game:

Make decisions that serve your long-term goals, even if they require short-term sacrifices.
Example: J.K. Rowling’s decision to write under a pseudonym allowed her to explore new genres without overshadowing her previous work.
Application: Stay focused on your ultimate vision and make choices that support it.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Here’s how to avoid missteps when applying this law:

Don’t Manipulate Unethically:
- Guiding choices should empower others, not exploit them.
- Solution: Frame options transparently and with mutual benefit in mind.
Avoid Overloading with Options:
- Too many choices can overwhelm and frustrate others.
- Solution: Present clear, limited options that make decision-making easier.
Stay True to Your Vision:
- Over-adapting to others’ preferences can dilute your voice.
- Solution: Offer choices that align with your values and goals.

Conclusion: Mastering Strategic Choices

Law #31, "Control the options: Get others to play with the cards you deal," emphasizes the power of strategic framing in storytelling, reader engagement, and career management. By shaping choices thoughtfully, you can guide outcomes while empowering others to feel involved and valued. When applied ethically, this principle strengthens your relationships, enhances your creative impact, and positions you for long-term success.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #32, "Play to people’s fantasies," and how tapping into your audience’s desires can create unforgettable stories and a devoted readership. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.