Advice on Writing from C.S. Lewis

At left is what the great C.S. Lewis advised a “schoolgirl in America” on the subject of writing.

I was particularly taken by his point #3: “Write with the ear.”  In my constructing my sentences and paragraphs, I try to make my writing indistinguishable from my speaking.

When my kids were little, I noticed that, even though they were good readers, they struggled with writing.  I’d say, “Tell me what you’re thinking about this subject,” which they could normally do perfectly.  Then I’d say, “Great!  Write that down.”

I was also gratified to see his point #4: “Write about what interests you … and nothing else.”  Unless I have a specific writing assignment from a client, readers can count on hearing about what interests me today.