C.S. Lewis wrote over 30 books during his lifetime, in a variety of genres from a beloved children's book series to theological and literary books. So if we cornered C.S. Lewis on writing, what advice would he give? And would it still be relevant for us today? 

I was first introduced to C.S. Lewis in third grade. My teacher, Mr. Gursky, would read to us as a class for 30-45 minutes after lunch each day. One of the books he read was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It would be years before I read more of Lewis’s work beyond the Narnia books, but now I look at the body of work he produced with awe and maybe a little envy!

In case you aren’t familiar, Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963) was a British writer, scholar, and Christian apologist best known for his works on literature, theology, and children's fiction. He taught at both Oxford and Cambridge universities, specializing in medieval and Renaissance literature. 

He authored The Chronicles of Narnia, a beloved fantasy series for children that explores themes of morality, faith, and redemption. He also wrote Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and The Problem of Pain, which tackle complex theological issues in ways that make them easier to understand. 

His writings continue to influence discussions on faith, imagination, and human nature, making him one of the most influential Christian thinkers and authors of the 20th century.

Recently on X, I came across this screenshot of some famous writing advice from C.S. Lewis. He had offered it in response to a school girl who had written to him in 1959. 

From C. S. Lewis TO A SCHOOLGIRL IN AMERICA, who had written (at her teacher’s suggestion) to request advice on writing.

14 December, 1959
It is very hard to give any general advice about writing. Here’s my attempt.

1. Turn off the Radio.
2. Read all the good books you can, and avoid nearly all magazines.
3. Always write (and read) with the ear, not the eye. You should hear every sentence you write as if it was being read aloud or spoken. If it does not sound nice, try again.
4. Write about what really interests you, whether it is real things or imaginary things, and nothing else. (Notice this means that if you are interested only in writing you will never be a writer, because you will have nothing to write about. . . .)
5. Take great pains to be clear. Remember that though you start by knowing what you mean, the reader doesn’t, and a single ill-chosen word may lead him to a total misunderstanding. In a story it is terribly easy just to forget that you have not told the reader something that he wants to know—the whole picture is so clear in your own mind that you forget that it isn’t the same in his.
6. When you give up a bit of work don’t (unless it is hopelessly bad) throw it away. Put it in a drawer. It may come in useful later. Much of my best work, or what I think my best, is the re-writing of things begun and abandoned years earlier.
7. Don’t use a typewriter. The noise will destroy your sense of rhythm, which still needs years of training.
8. Be sure you know the meaning (or meanings) of every word you use.

How well does this advice work today?

The 8 Writing Rules of C.S. Lewis: Still Relevant? 

Rules might be too strong a word (ahem, rule 8?), but if we find they do apply widely to writing, then maybe they are rules after all. Let's analyze each piece of advice in today's context:

1. Eliminate Distractions (“Turn off the radio”)

Relevant. 

This one is still relevant especially if the “radio” includes social media, netflix, or anything else that you turn to mindlessly.

Writers today need digital silence just as much as Lewis needed radio silence. Turn off notifications, close social media, and silence your phone. Your brain needs this quiet space to create—perhaps even more now than in Lewis's time, given how many things compete for our attention every minute.

2. Quality Reading (“Read good books, avoid magazines”)

Mostly relevant.

Lewis's advice to read good books still holds true, but needs a modern update. Today's best writing appears in many forms—from traditional books to online literary magazines and thoughtful longform articles. 

The key isn't avoiding specific formats, but rather choosing quality over clickbait. Good writers still need to feed their minds with good writing, wherever they find it.

I would also encourage you to read widely, both in your own genre and beyond it.

3. Listen to Your Writing (“Write with the ear”)

Still relevant (and fully recommended!). 

Reading your work aloud remains one of the best writing tips ever given. Your ear will catch what your eyes miss—awkward phrases, repetitive words, and unnatural rhythms. 

This practice has become even more valuable now that so many people consume writing through audiobooks and podcasts. Even if you feel self-conscious, speak your words out loud. Your writing will be better for it.

Screen-readers and text-to-speech apps have come a long way. You can use an app like Natural Reader to read your draft to you. It's just one more way to hear what you've written to make sure it flows. 

4. Pursue Authentic Interests (“Write what interests you”)

This is timeless advice, definitely still relevant. 

Write about what truly fascinates you, not what's trending or popular online. When Lewis wrote, “Notice this means that if you are interested only in writing you will never be a writer, because you will have nothing to write about,” he means that your interests and passions about topics outside of writing will give you far more to say. 

I think that we can go a step further to encourage writers to explore more in general. Be curious. Seek out new places and information. More search and less scroll. 

This advice matters even more today, when social media algorithms and viral trends tempt us to chase whatever's getting attention rather than writing from genuine interest.

5. Revise for Clarity (“Take great pains to be clear”)

Eternally relevant. 

Be clear in your writing. While you know exactly what you mean, your reader starts with zero context. 

Students often ask me to read their work and ask, “Is it good?” I always tell them that’s the wrong question. The best first questions are, “Is it clear? Does it accomplish its purpose?” 

Run your work by a fellow writer or someone who reads regularly in the genre or format you're working in. 

This matters more than ever in today's fast-paced world, where readers quickly scan content on their phones. Clear writing cuts through the noise and keeps readers engaged. 

6. Save Drafts (“don't throw [work] away”)

Probably still relevant in most cases, and today this advice is easier than ever to follow (provided you remember to save and back up). 

Don't throw away your unused writing—save it in a digital folder instead. Old drafts can spark new ideas or find their purpose months or years later. Cloud storage makes this effortless now, so there's no reason not to keep your work. Develop a system for naming work too that makes sense, so you can easily search for it in your drive. 

Just be careful not to get stuck endlessly revisiting old pieces when you should be creating new ones. Sometimes fresh starts serve us better than recycled drafts.

7. Handwrite (“Don't use a typewriter”)

Is this still relevant? It depends.

For some people, this is timeless advice. For others, it is outdated. There are a number of writers who swear by it (or have in the past) like Neil Gaiman, Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen King, and Danielle Steel. 

I read an article once about Dickens’ old manuscripts on display in the Morgan Library in New York, where you could see all the places where he revised on the spot, words or lines crossed through, his handwriting speeding across the page. As an artifact, I would love to have the first drafts of writers I admire. In practice though? I’d have to build up my hand strength (and time!) to do it. 

While handwriting can still help with rhythm and thoughtfulness, digital tools are now fundamental to publishing and collaboration too. If you benefit from handwriting drafts go for it! Draft by hand and then revise digitally. 

8. Word Precision (“know the meaning of every word you use”)

Absolutely relevant.

Choosing the right word makes all the difference in your delivery. Words can have multiple meanings or subtle connotations, and choosing the wrong one can lead to confusion or unintended interpretations. 

Online dictionaries and thesauruses make this easier than ever, but be careful not to pack your writing with difficult jargon or long synonyms. Be clear (rule 5!) and direct unless genre or style require something else. Make it a practice to notice how words are being used in what you read. Which ones are most effective and why? 

Precision takes practice.

C.S. Lewis on Writing: the Verdict? 

The core principles of Lewis's advice remain remarkably relevant, though some of the specific methods need modern adaptation. I know as a writer I’m still striving to eliminate distractions, read quality material, pursue interests, write clearly in an authentic voice, all while maintaining careful craft. 

Overall, his bits of wisdom nudge us toward writing habits that improve our art of expression and over time, toward a stronger craft and style of writing.

Which piece of advice do you most need to improve? Share along with your best tips in the comments.