Law #39: Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish — A Writer's Guide

The thirty-ninth law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Stir up waters to catch fish," focuses on the power of controlled chaos and provocation. For writers, this law can be a valuable tool for sparking creativity, challenging norms, and engaging your audience. Stirring up waters doesn’t mean being reckless—it means creating the right kind of disruption to bring fresh ideas to the surface and energize your career.

Here’s how to apply this principle to your writing craft and professional strategy.

Disrupting Norms to Spark Creativity

When writing feels stagnant, introducing a little chaos can lead to breakthroughs. Challenging your comfort zone and the norms of your genre can inspire fresh, dynamic ideas.

1. Subvert Genre Expectations:

• Shake up your genre by reimagining common tropes and conventions.

• Example: Rian Johnson’s Knives Out turned the classic whodunit into a modern, socially conscious mystery.

• Application: Identify clichés in your genre and think of ways to twist or reinterpret them.

2. Experiment with Form and Style:

• Breaking free from traditional structures can unlock new storytelling possibilities.

• Example: Mark Z. Danielewski’s House of Leaves uses unconventional formatting and typographic experiments to immerse readers in its eerie atmosphere.

• Application: Try writing in a non-linear format, mixing media, or experimenting with unconventional narration.

3. Introduce Unpredictability:

• Add elements of surprise or randomness to your creative process.

• Example: Chuck Palahniuk’s transgressive fiction often blindsides readers with shocking twists and audacious storytelling.

• Application: Use writing prompts, shuffle scenes, or include unexpected developments to keep your story dynamic.

Using Creative Provocation in Marketing

Strategic disruption can capture attention and spark conversations about your work. Bold, provocative ideas often stand out in a crowded market.

1. Create Buzz-Worthy Moments:

• Stir up excitement with unique, attention-grabbing campaigns.

• Example: Colleen Hoover’s viral TikTok videos made her books a sensation among younger readers.

• Application: Launch creative book trailers, tease excerpts with surprising hooks, or invite readers to participate in unexpected ways.

2. Address Controversial Topics:

• Tackling bold themes can draw attention to your work.

• Example: Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give sparked critical discussions about race and justice, increasing its cultural impact.

• Application: If your work explores challenging themes, don’t shy away from engaging with your audience about them.

3. Engage Playfully with Readers:

• Create interactive experiences that invite readers to join the fun.

• Example: J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore platform offered quizzes, lore, and personalization to immerse fans in the Wizarding World.

• Application: Consider gamifying elements of your marketing, such as trivia contests or scavenger hunts based on your story.

Challenging Your Audience for Deeper Engagement

Provoking your readers to think critically or feel deeply strengthens their connection to your work.

1. Pose Big Questions:

• Stories that challenge readers’ beliefs or perspectives leave a lasting impact.

• Example: Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions about power and society.

• Application: Weave thought-provoking themes into your story and let readers wrestle with the implications.

2. Use Ambiguity Strategically:

• Open-ended conclusions and morally complex characters provoke discussion and debate.

• Example: The ambiguous ending of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go lingers with readers long after they finish the book.

• Application: Avoid tying up every loose end, encouraging readers to engage with your work on a deeper level.

3. Embrace Polarization:

• Not everyone will love your work, but strong reactions can amplify its reach.

• Example: Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho was polarizing but cemented his reputation as a bold and fearless writer.

• Application: Accept that divisive stories can generate passionate discussions and lasting impressions.

Stirring Your Own Waters as a Writer

Sometimes the chaos you need is internal—challenging yourself to think differently or break out of creative ruts.

1. Try New Mediums:

• Exploring other forms of storytelling can inspire fresh ideas.

• Example: Screenwriting, poetry, or graphic novels can teach new techniques that enhance your prose.

• Application: Experiment with different formats or collaborate with creators in other fields.

2. Set Constraints:

• Limits can fuel creativity by forcing you to think outside the box.

• Example: Writing a story in 1,000 words or crafting a narrative with no dialogue can spark innovative approaches.

• Application: Give yourself creative challenges to explore new storytelling methods.

3. Push Past Fear:

• Embracing risks can lead to breakthroughs.

• Example: Stephen King’s early rejections didn’t stop him from submitting work—and eventually, Carrie became his breakthrough novel.

• Application: Write boldly, even if it feels uncomfortable. The risks you take often lead to your most powerful work.

Avoiding Pitfalls

While stirring up waters can lead to innovation and attention, it’s important to avoid creating unnecessary chaos or alienating your audience.

• Don’t Stir Without Purpose:

  • Provocation for its own sake can backfire.

  • Solution: Ensure every bold move serves your story or brand.

• Avoid Overcomplicating Your Work:

  • Chaos within your narrative should be intentional, not confusing.

  • Solution: Balance unpredictability with clarity to keep readers engaged.

• Beware of Alienating Your Core Audience:

  • Drastic shifts in tone or style can confuse loyal readers.

  • Solution: Introduce changes gradually, respecting the trust you’ve built with your audience.

Conclusion: The Art of Controlled Chaos

Law #39, "Stir up waters to catch fish," is about using disruption to spark creativity, engage readers, and push boundaries. By embracing bold ideas and challenging conventions strategically, you can create stories that captivate and provoke thought. The key is to channel chaos with purpose, ensuring it enriches your work and strengthens your connection with your audience.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #40, "Despise the free lunch," and how valuing your craft and efforts can elevate your writing career. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.