Back in 1959, a young schoolgirl in America reached out to C.S. Lewis for advice on writing. His response? A beautifully simple yet deeply insightful set of principles that, even today, feel like they were written for us—writers navigating the digital world, juggling deadlines, and striving for meaningful content.
Reading his words feels like sitting down with a mentor who’s been through it all and knows what really matters when it comes to writing. So, let’s take his timeless advice and see how it applies to us today.
1. Silence the Noise
Lewis advised turning off the radio. If only that were our biggest distraction now! Today, it’s the endless notifications, social media, and that constant urge to “stay updated.” Creativity needs quiet—real quiet—where your thoughts have space to breathe.
Try this: Put your phone in another room. Close those browser tabs. Give yourself permission to focus, even if it’s just for 30 minutes.
2. Read More, Scroll Less
Lewis encouraged reading “all the good books you can” and skipping magazines. In our world, it’s about making conscious reading choices—choosing books and deep-dive content over mindless scrolling through social feeds. The way we read shapes the way we write.
Try this: Start your day with a book instead of your phone. Notice the difference in your writing.
3. Write for the Ear, Not Just the Eye
Have you ever written something that looked fine on paper but sounded awkward when you read it out loud? Lewis believed that good writing should have a natural rhythm, like a conversation. If it doesn’t flow well when spoken, it probably needs work.
Try this: Read your writing aloud. If it doesn’t sound right, trust your gut and rewrite it.
4. Follow Your Interests, Not Trends
Lewis warned that writing just for the sake of writing leads nowhere. Instead, he encouraged writers to focus on topics that truly interest them. The same applies today—whether you’re writing a LinkedIn post or a novel, authenticity always wins over chasing trends.
Try this: Write about what excites you, not what’s trending. Your readers will feel the difference.
5. Clarity Is Everything
Ever written something that made perfect sense to you but left your readers confused? Lewis reminded us that the reader doesn’t know what’s in our heads. Clear, intentional writing ensures your message is understood the way you meant it to be.
Try this: After writing, step back and ask, “Would a stranger get this?” Edit until the answer is yes.
6. Don’t Toss Your Work Too Soon
We all have those half-written drafts that feel like failures. Lewis suggested not throwing them away too soon. Some of the best ideas come from revisiting and refining older work—what seemed mediocre before might just need a fresh perspective.
Try this: Keep an “ideas” folder. Revisit it when inspiration feels low—you might just strike gold.
7. Use Tools Wisely
Lewis wasn’t a fan of typewriters, saying they disrupted the natural flow of writing. Today, that could mean being mindful of how much we rely on writing tools, templates, and AI. They’re helpful, but they can’t replace your unique voice.
Try this: Draft without over-editing in the moment. Let your ideas flow naturally before refining.
8. Know Your Words Inside and Out
Lewis’s last piece of advice was simple yet profound—make sure you understand the meaning of every word you use. With the rise of buzzwords and jargon, this is more relevant than ever. Words carry weight, and using them with intention makes all the difference.
Try this: Choose words that feel authentic to you and your audience, not just what’s “popular.”
C.S. Lewis’s advice is proof that the core principles of good writing never change—write with purpose, stay curious, and always, always seek clarity. Whether you’re writing content for your business, sharing a personal story, or building your brand, his words offer a guiding light.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? Let’s share and inspire each other.