Manipulation
Are you pissed at the s.o.b. when you realize their contrived actions were manipulative? Intended to control your behavior?
Get over it, and master the art. You are a writer, and you must unabashedly manipulate words because you want your reader to see the world as you see it and feel what you feel.
The opportunity to manipulate is available by actions and word choice, often in the same sentence. If your protagonist is a refined gentleman, Alex sips from a flute of Champaign. A much different Alex pops open a Bud light from the fridge. You are manipulating your reader’s perceptions.
Good Advice?
When someone accuses you of being manipulative, thank them for the compliment and tell them it is the job description of a competent writer.
