Law #41: Avoid Stepping Into a Great Man’s Shoes — A Writer's Guide

The forty-first law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes," highlights the pitfalls of following too closely in someone else’s footsteps. For writers, this law emphasizes the importance of originality and carving your unique path in storytelling and career development. While inspiration is valuable, imitation can stifle creativity and leave you in someone else’s shadow.

Here’s how to apply this principle to your writing journey and establish your unique voice and vision.

Finding Your Unique Voice

Your voice is your greatest asset as a writer. While it’s tempting to emulate successful authors, true success comes from developing a voice that’s distinctly yours.

1. Learn from the Greats, but Don’t Copy:

• Studying accomplished writers is essential, but direct imitation limits your potential.

• Example: J.R.R. Tolkien inspired countless fantasy authors, but those who merely mimic Middle-earth often fail to stand out.

• Application: Analyze what you admire about other writers—their themes, pacing, or prose—and adapt those elements to fit your own style.

2. Experiment with Style:

• Try different approaches to find what resonates with you and your audience.

• Example: Zadie Smith’s narrative style shifts from book to book, reflecting her versatility and willingness to explore.

• Application: Write in various genres, perspectives, and tones to discover your strengths and preferences.

3. Reflect Your Personal Perspective:

• Your unique experiences and worldview set your stories apart.

• Example: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s works, like Half of a Yellow Sun, incorporate Nigerian history and culture, creating rich, authentic narratives.

• Application: Infuse your writing with themes and insights that are deeply personal and meaningful to you.

Breaking Away from Trends

Chasing trends often leads to derivative work that feels outdated by the time it reaches readers. Instead, focus on innovation.

1. Create Timeless Stories:

• Themes of love, conflict, and transformation resonate across eras.

• Example: Jane Austen’s sharp observations of society still captivate modern readers.

• Application: Ground your stories in universal truths while giving them a fresh twist.

2. Innovate Within Your Genre:

• Familiar genres can be revitalized through bold, creative choices.

• Example: N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy reinvented epic fantasy by integrating themes of oppression and climate change.

• Application: Identify overused tropes in your genre and find ways to subvert or reimagine them.

3. Avoid "Me Too" Syndrome:

• Don’t write something just because it’s popular.

• Example: The oversaturation of dystopian YA novels after The Hunger Games led to diminishing returns for many writers.

• Application: Focus on writing stories that excite and inspire you, rather than chasing market trends.

Building Your Career on Originality

Success in the writing world often hinges on standing out. Originality isn’t just about your stories; it’s also about how you present yourself as an author.

1. Develop a Unique Author Brand:

• Your brand should reflect your personality and style.

• Example: Neil Gaiman’s blend of whimsy and depth is reflected in his public persona and social media presence.

• Application: Create a cohesive brand that highlights what makes you and your work distinct.

2. Avoid Relying on Comparisons:

• Positioning yourself as "the next [famous author]" diminishes your individuality.

• Example: Authors who establish themselves on their own terms, like Octavia Butler, carve lasting legacies.

• Application: Focus on building your own identity, rather than aligning yourself too closely with others.

3. Take Calculated Risks:

• Bold choices can set you apart from the crowd.

• Example: David Mitchell’s genre-blending Cloud Atlas defied conventions and earned critical acclaim.

• Application: Be willing to take risks with unconventional narratives or themes, even if they feel risky.

Incorporating Influence Without Losing Yourself

Influence is inevitable, but how you use it determines whether you’re creating something fresh or derivative.

1. Borrow, Don’t Steal:

• Take inspiration, but add your own twist.

• Example: Shakespeare reworked existing tales but added unique characters and themes that made them timeless.

• Application: Use familiar ideas as a foundation to build something uniquely yours.

2. Acknowledge Your Inspirations:

• Honesty about your influences adds depth and credibility to your work.

• Example: Erin Morgenstern cites the works of Neil Gaiman and Susanna Clarke as inspirations for The Night Circus.

• Application: Reflect on how your influences shape your writing and use them to guide your growth.

3. Focus on Evolution, Not Replication:

• Allow your influences to inform your growth rather than dictate your direction.

• Example: Haruki Murakami blends Western and Japanese literary traditions to create his own distinct style.

• Application: Use your influences as stepping stones to develop a style that evolves over time.

Avoiding Pitfalls

While stepping into another writer’s shoes can seem like a shortcut, it often leads to setbacks. Here’s how to avoid common traps:

• Don’t Imitate Blindly:

  • Copying another author’s style or themes can make your work feel derivative.

  • Solution: Focus on what makes your perspective unique and amplify it.

• Avoid Comparison Paralysis:

  • Constantly measuring yourself against successful authors can be demotivating.

  • Solution: Celebrate your progress and focus on your own growth.

• Don’t Fear Failure:

  • Playing it safe to avoid mistakes can limit your creativity.

  • Solution: Take bold steps and view setbacks as opportunities to learn.

Conclusion: Forge Your Own Path

Law #41, "Avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes," is a call to writers to embrace originality and carve their own creative paths. While inspiration is valuable, your unique perspective and voice are what will set you apart. By focusing on innovation, authenticity, and bold choices, you can build a writing career that’s entirely your own.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #42, "Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter," and how addressing the root of challenges can strengthen your writing journey. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.