C.S. Lewis is one of those writers who’ve shaped the course of modern literature. His works ranged from fantasy to theology, often containing aspects of both.
He was also a dedicated correspondent, known for replying to letters on just about anything. Some of those letters revealed his secrets to writing. But would they still be relevant to today’s literary world?
Who is C.S. Lewis?
C.S. Lewis (1898–1963) was a British writer, scholar, and theologian best known for his Chronicles of Narnia series. He was also a respected Christian apologist, writing influential works like Mere Christianity and The Problem of Pain.
His writing blended philosophical and religious ideas with imaginative storytelling, making his work both thought-provoking and accessible. Beyond that, Lewis was a professor at Oxford and later at Cambridge, specializing in medieval and Renaissance literature.
Even decades after his passing, his influence remains strong in literature, theology, and popular culture. His works continue to sell and inspire writers and readers worldwide.
C.S. Lewis’s Writing Tips
C.S. Lewis was known to reply to many of the letters he received. Many of these letters come from eager young fans who wanted to learn more about his works and the craft of writing. In 1956, he offered these five principles to an American girl named Joan:
Always try to use the language so as to make quite clear what you mean, and make sure your sentence couldn’t mean anything else.
Ambiguity weakens writing. If a sentence can be misunderstood, chances are someone will misinterpret it. Clear communication is key to effective writing.
After writing, reread your sentences and ask yourself, Could this mean something else? If so, rewrite it to remove confusion.
Example:
- She didn’t like it (What is it?)
- Better: She didn’t like the ending of the book.
Always prefer the plain direct word to the long, vague one. Don’t say implement promises, but keep them.
Complex words can obscure meaning. A simpler, more direct word makes writing stronger and easier to understand. The second sentence humorously illustrates this by showing how implement sounds more detached than keep.
Don’t reach for long words to sound smart or complex. Clarity is more important than sophistication.
Example:
- He utilized a writing implement to compose his message.
- Better: He used a pen to write a note.
Never use abstract nouns when concrete ones will do. If you mean ‘more people died,’ don’t say ‘mortality rose.
Abstract nouns make writing feel distant and impersonal. Concrete nouns give readers a clearer, stronger picture of what’s happening. Be specific in your details.
Example:
- The economic downturn led to increased food insecurity.
- Better: Because of the recession, more families are struggling to afford food.
In writing. Don’t use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the things you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us the thing is “terrible,” describe it so that we’ll be terrified. Don’t say it was “delightful”; make us say “delightful” when we’ve read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers “Please, will you do my job for me.”
Show and tell. Use tangible and sensory details to convey emotion instead of telling your readers what to feel. If you must use adjectives, choose ones that add a specific meaning rather than a general emotion.
Example:
- The abandoned house was creepy.
- Better: The abandoned house sagged under years of neglect; its broken windows like empty eyes staring into the night.
Don’t use words too big for the subject. Don’t say “infinitely” when you mean “very”; otherwise you’ll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.
Stop exaggerating—overusing extreme words weakens their impact. If everything is amazing, incredible, or infinite, nothing stands out. You’ll end up with over-the-top writing. Save strong words for when they truly matter.
Example:
- This is the most life-changing cup of coffee I’ve ever had!
- Better: This coffee is great—rich, smooth, and exactly what I needed.
Are His Tips Still Relevant?
The literary and publishing world has changed in many ways. Technology has transformed how we write, publish, and share stories. But the core principles of good writing remain the same.
Good writing still relies on clarity, simplicity, and precise language. Readers connect best with writing that is easy to follow but full of meaning. Lewis’s advice—avoid vague words, show instead of tell, and choose words carefully—is just as useful today as it was in his time. It applies to all kinds of writing.
In an age of constant information and digital distractions, clear and compelling writing stands out more than ever. As a writer, you have to cut through the noise, engage your target readers, and leave a lasting impact. C.S. Lewis’s advice is a reminder that while your tools might change, the essence of good storytelling stays the same.
What do you think of C.S. Lewis’s tips on writing? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- George Orwell’s Six Rules for Writing
- 9 of Stephen King’s Writing Tips For the Aspiring Writer
- 8 Weird Writers and the Habits That Helped Them Excel in Writing
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
