Part 4, Controlling A Story Summary and Analysis

"If I May Have Your Attention, Please"

A stage magician works his magic by illusion and sleight-of-hand. The magician brings the audience into his act and controls their reaction by his ability to build anticipation. The writer, in his own way, also uses illusions and tricks to engage his audience, the readers. The magician takes control of his audience in four ways: By taking advantage of their expectation to be controlled; by exhibiting a commanding presence; by his imagery—words and movements; and, by providing the audience with a focal point.

A known writer presents the gravitas of his body of work. The reader knows he will become engaged, dominated by the writer. However, even a first-time writer will have the heft of having been published behind him indicating to the reader that he...