5 Writing Tips from C.S. Lewis

When I was a kid, I devoured every fantasy novel I could get my hands on, and that includes the Chronicles of Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. I found the books to be incredibly accessible and to hold up as an adult. Of course, Lewis wrote many more stories that have become part of our cultural lexicon, from The Screwtape Letters to the Space Trilogy and many more. Today, I wanted to dissect some writing tips from the prolific author. Let's dive in. Writing Tips from C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis has an uncanny ability to connect with people of all walks of life through his direct writing that had some noisy hooks. There are five lessons I think writers of any persuasion would benefit to learn from him. 1. Use Clear LanguageStrive for clarity above all else. Lewis was so precise on the page, there was never a question about what he was talking about or who he was talking to. The clarity with which he writes and speaks allowed his work to connect on multiple levels. 2. Prefer Plain, Direct WordsChoose simple, straightforward vocabulary. Look, we all have those big words we like to pull out from time to time, but if you want to connect with the masses, they shouldn't need a dictionary to understand what you're trying to tell them. 3. Use Concrete NounsThis is one of those things I often forget when I'm writing a first draft of a script, and one that only comes with polishing. You want to ground your writing in specific, tangible things. Tell them what's happening clearly and directly.4. Use Vivid DescriptionsThe ask to be plain and concrete is not an excuse to be boring. You still need to be interesting on the page. Engage the reader's senses. Instead of relying heavily on adjectives, paint pictures with words, using sensory details, motion, and contrast.5. Avoid Words Too Big for the SubjectThis goes hand in hand with the plain and direct words. Ensure your language fits the topic appropriately. If a character is flowery and scholarly, write that way. If they're a plumber from the Bronx, take that point of view. Make sure your descriptions and words match the tone and topics of your story. Summing It All Up As I said at the top, C.S. Lewis is one of the most inspirational and important storytellers of our time. We can learn a lot from his writing. Lean into these lessons and see what they can do for you. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Apr 23, 2025 - 18:22

When I was a kid, I devoured every fantasy novel I could get my hands on, and that includes the Chronicles of Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. I found the books to be incredibly accessible and to hold up as an adult.

Of course, Lewis wrote many more stories that have become part of our cultural lexicon, from The Screwtape Letters to the Space Trilogy and many more.

Today, I wanted to dissect some writing tips from the prolific author.

Let's dive in.

Writing Tips from C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis has an uncanny ability to connect with people of all walks of life through his direct writing that had some noisy hooks.

There are five lessons I think writers of any persuasion would benefit to learn from him.

1. Use Clear Language

Strive for clarity above all else. Lewis was so precise on the page, there was never a question about what he was talking about or who he was talking to. The clarity with which he writes and speaks allowed his work to connect on multiple levels.

2. Prefer Plain, Direct Words

Choose simple, straightforward vocabulary. Look, we all have those big words we like to pull out from time to time, but if you want to connect with the masses, they shouldn't need a dictionary to understand what you're trying to tell them.

3. Use Concrete Nouns

This is one of those things I often forget when I'm writing a first draft of a script, and one that only comes with polishing. You want to ground your writing in specific, tangible things. Tell them what's happening clearly and directly.

4. Use Vivid Descriptions

The ask to be plain and concrete is not an excuse to be boring. You still need to be interesting on the page. Engage the reader's senses. Instead of relying heavily on adjectives, paint pictures with words, using sensory details, motion, and contrast.

5. Avoid Words Too Big for the Subject

This goes hand in hand with the plain and direct words. Ensure your language fits the topic appropriately. If a character is flowery and scholarly, write that way. If they're a plumber from the Bronx, take that point of view. Make sure your descriptions and words match the tone and topics of your story.

Summing It All Up

As I said at the top, C.S. Lewis is one of the most inspirational and important storytellers of our time. We can learn a lot from his writing. Lean into these lessons and see what they can do for you.

Let me know what you think in the comments.