Law #46: Never Appear Too Perfect — A Writer's Guide

Story Marc
Feb 7
4 min read

The forty-sixth law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Never appear too perfect," is a cautionary reminder about the power of relatability. For writers, this principle speaks to the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and connection. A veneer of perfection can distance you from readers, peers, and collaborators, while moments of humility and imperfection make you more approachable and engaging.

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

Balancing Excellence with Relatability in Your Stories

Flawless characters and narratives can feel sterile and unrelatable. Adding depth, nuance, and imperfection makes your work more compelling.

1. Create Flawed Characters:

Perfect characters can come across as unrealistic or unrelatable.
Example: Walter White in Breaking Bad captivates audiences because of his complex flaws and moral struggles.
Application: Give your characters vulnerabilities, bad decisions, or internal conflicts to make them feel real and human.

2. Show the Struggle:

Stories that depict effort and failure resonate more deeply than those that gloss over challenges.
Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen’s physical and emotional struggles make her victories meaningful.
Application: Show your characters working for their achievements, highlighting their setbacks and growth.

3. Embrace Unpolished Narratives:

Sometimes, raw or imperfect storytelling adds authenticity.
Example: The fragmented structure of The Road by Cormac McCarthy reflects the bleak, uncertain world it depicts.
Application: Experiment with unconventional techniques to reflect the tone or themes of your story.

Presenting Yourself Authentically as a Writer

A perfect public persona can create distance, while authenticity builds trust and connection with your audience and peers.

1. Share Your Journey:

Highlighting your struggles and learning experiences makes you more relatable.
Example: Stephen King often discusses his early rejections and personal challenges, inspiring emerging writers.
Application: Share stories about your creative process, challenges, and lessons learned to connect with others.

2. Celebrate Small Wins:

Acknowledging incremental successes shows humility and gratitude.
Example: Many authors post about milestones like finishing a draft or receiving positive feedback, inviting their audience to celebrate with them.
Application: Be transparent about your progress and achievements, big or small.

3. Show Your Humanity:

Embracing imperfections makes you approachable.
Example: Neil Gaiman’s humorous and self-deprecating anecdotes endear him to readers and fans.
Application: Don’t shy away from sharing moments of doubt, mistakes, or funny missteps in your writing journey.

Building Reader Trust Through Imperfection

Readers connect more deeply with authors who feel genuine. Sharing imperfections fosters loyalty and trust.

1. Avoid Overhyping Your Work:

Overstating your book’s merits can lead to disappointment.
Example: Books that rely solely on flashy marketing often face backlash if they don’t meet expectations.
Application: Market your work honestly, focusing on its strengths without making unrealistic promises.

2. Welcome Constructive Criticism:

Acknowledging room for improvement shows maturity and dedication.
Example: Authors who respond gracefully to feedback build goodwill with readers and reviewers.
Application: Engage with feedback thoughtfully, thanking readers for their insights and applying lessons where appropriate.

3. Share Behind-the-Scenes Moments:

Letting readers see the imperfections in your process creates intimacy.
Example: Posting pictures of messy drafts or brainstorming sessions invites readers into your creative world.
Application: Share glimpses of your writing process to demystify the craft and make it more relatable.

Navigating Professional Relationships

In the writing world, projecting perfection can alienate collaborators and peers. Embracing imperfection fosters better relationships and teamwork.

1. Be Open About Limitations:

Admitting when you need help builds trust and collaboration.
Example: Many authors credit their editors or beta readers for helping shape their work.
Application: Recognize and appreciate the contributions of others in your creative process.

2. Show Gratitude for Support:

Acknowledging the help you receive fosters goodwill.
Example: Dedications and acknowledgments in books often highlight the author’s support network.
Application: Publicly thank those who contribute to your success, from critique partners to readers.

3. Handle Setbacks Gracefully:

Sharing how you overcome challenges shows resilience and humility.
Example: Authors who discuss past rejections inspire others to persevere.
Application: Be transparent about obstacles and how you’re addressing them, turning setbacks into teachable moments.

Avoiding Pitfalls

While embracing imperfection is valuable, overdoing it can backfire. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes:

Don’t Undermine Your Credibility:
- Excessive self-deprecation can make you seem unprofessional.
- Solution: Balance vulnerability with confidence, showcasing your strengths alongside your struggles.
Avoid TMI (Too Much Information):
- Oversharing personal details can blur boundaries with readers.
- Solution: Share selectively, focusing on stories that inspire or connect rather than overwhelm.
Beware of False Modesty:
- Pretending to be imperfect while seeking praise can feel insincere.
- Solution: Be genuine in your humility, letting your work speak for itself.

Conclusion: Embrace Humanity, Build Connection

Law #46, "Never appear too perfect," reminds writers that vulnerability and authenticity are strengths. By embracing imperfections in your stories, public persona, and professional relationships, you can build trust, connection, and loyalty. Perfection isn’t relatable—but your humanity is.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #47, "Do not go past the mark you aimed for; in victory, learn when to stop," and how knowing your limits can elevate your writing and career. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.