Law #48: Assume Formlessness — A Writer's Guide

The forty-eighth and final law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Assume formlessness," is a call to adaptability and flexibility. For writers, this principle underscores the importance of staying open to change, evolving with the industry, and embracing creative freedom. By remaining fluid and unconfined, you can easily respond to opportunities, challenges, and inspirations.

Here’s how to apply this law to your writing craft and career.

Adapting Your Writing Process

Formlessness in your writing process means being open to new methods, tools, and approaches that suit different projects or phases in your career.

1. Experiment with Different Techniques:

• Rigid routines can stifle creativity. Trying new approaches keeps your process fresh.

• Example: George R.R. Martin distinguishes between "gardeners" (organic writers) and "architects" (planners), suggesting that fluidity can benefit both types.

• Application: Switch between outlining and discovery writing or explore different drafting and editing workflows.

2. Embrace New Tools:

• Technologies like writing software, AI tools, or productivity apps can streamline your process.

• Example: Tools like Scrivener or ProWritingAid help writers organize and polish their work efficiently.

• Application: Experiment with tools that enhance your productivity but remain flexible enough to pivot if they don’t suit your needs.

3. Adjust for Each Project:

• Different stories may require different approaches.

• Example: A fast-paced thriller might benefit from detailed plotting, while a character-driven literary novel might thrive with organic discovery.

• Application: Evaluate each project’s unique demands and tailor your process accordingly.

Staying Flexible in Storytelling

Creative flexibility allows you to explore new ideas, genres, and themes without feeling constrained by past successes or expectations.

1. Break Free from Genre Constraints:

• Avoid being pigeonholed into one genre if your creativity pulls you elsewhere.

• Example: Neil Gaiman moves fluidly between fantasy, horror, and children’s literature, reaching diverse audiences.

• Application: Allow yourself to explore new genres or hybridize them for a unique twist.

2. Let Characters Drive the Story:

• Being overly rigid with your plot can stifle character development.

• Example: Stephen King often lets his characters dictate the story’s direction, leading to organic and surprising narratives.

• Application: Stay open to your characters’ arcs evolving in unexpected ways, even if it requires altering your original plan.

3. Be Open to Cutting and Revising:

• Sometimes, flexibility means letting go of ideas that don’t serve the story.

• Example: William Faulkner’s advice to "kill your darlings" reminds writers to prioritize the story’s needs over personal attachment.

• Application: Regularly evaluate your draft to ensure every element contributes to the whole, removing anything extraneous.

Navigating the Writing Industry

The publishing landscape is constantly changing. Adapting to new trends, technologies, and reader preferences ensures longevity and relevance.

1. Stay Informed About Industry Trends:

• Understanding shifts in publishing helps you position yourself strategically.

• Example: Self-publishing and indie platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing have disrupted traditional publishing models.

• Application: Research emerging trends and consider how they align with your goals, whether traditional, self-publishing, or hybrid approaches.

2. Be Ready to Pivot:

• Unexpected opportunities or challenges require quick thinking and adaptability.

• Example: Andy Weir adapted his self-published novel The Martian into a major publishing and film success.

• Application: Stay open to new paths, even if they differ from your original plan.

3. Diversify Your Offerings:

• Multiple revenue streams create stability in an unpredictable industry.

• Example: Many authors supplement book sales with speaking engagements, teaching, or merchandise.

• Application: Explore additional ways to monetize your skills, such as freelance writing, online courses, or Patreon.

Engaging with Readers Dynamically

Assuming formlessness in reader engagement means being responsive to their needs while staying true to your voice.

1. Adapt to Platform Preferences:

• Different platforms require different tones and strategies.

• Example: TikTok focuses on quick, engaging content, while newsletters allow for deeper connection.

• Application: Tailor your communication style to the platform, keeping your message consistent with your brand.

2. Listen and Respond:

• Reader feedback offers valuable insights for growth.

• Example: Authors who adjust their marketing or storytelling based on fan engagement often see increased loyalty.

• Application: Monitor reader reactions and consider their input without compromising your vision.

3. Evolve Your Marketing:

• Marketing strategies that worked in the past may become less effective over time.

• Example: Early blog tours gave way to social media campaigns and influencer collaborations.

• Application: Experiment with different promotional methods to discover what resonates best with your audience.

Embracing Change in Your Career

Formlessness isn’t about lacking direction—it’s about being flexible enough to navigate shifts and seize opportunities.

1. Avoid Clinging to One Identity:

• Reinvention can rejuvenate your career and creativity.

• Example: Margaret Atwood seamlessly transitions between novels, poetry, and essays, maintaining relevance across decades.

• Application: Be open to exploring new formats, topics, or collaborations as your interests evolve.

2. Learn from Setbacks:

• Failure often provides the best opportunities for growth.

• Example: After numerous rejections, Agatha Christie’s persistence led her to become one of the best-selling authors in history.

• Application: View setbacks as opportunities to pivot and refine your approach.

3. Stay Curious:

• Lifelong learning fuels creativity and innovation.

• Example: Writers who explore other art forms, like music or painting, often bring fresh perspectives to their work.

• Application: Continuously seek out new experiences, knowledge, and creative outlets to expand your horizons.

Avoiding Pitfalls

While formlessness is empowering, aimless flexibility can lead to inconsistency or lack of focus. Here’s how to avoid common traps:

• Don’t Abandon Your Core Identity:

  • Adapting doesn’t mean losing what makes you unique.

  • Solution: Stay true to your values and voice, even as you evolve.

• Beware of Overextending:

  • Trying to do everything can dilute your impact.

  • Solution: Focus on a few areas of growth at a time to maintain quality.

• Avoid Being Reactive:

  • Constantly changing direction based on trends can make your work feel ungrounded.

  • Solution: Balance adaptability with a long-term vision, ensuring each shift serves your goals.

Conclusion: Embrace the Fluidity of Formlessness

Law #48, "Assume formlessness," is a reminder that flexibility and adaptability are essential for growth as a writer. By staying open to change, experimenting with new ideas, and responding to the evolving landscape of the industry, you can thrive creatively and professionally. The key is to remain grounded in your identity while allowing your work and career to flow with the tides of opportunity.

This concludes our series on The 48 Laws of Power for writers. I hope these insights inspire you to approach your craft and career with renewed perspective and strategic intent. Remember: power in writing comes not just from skill but from understanding how to navigate the creative and professional world with wisdom and adaptability.