Advice For Writing

Opening up the drawer

Turn off the radio. Don’t use a typewriter. Avoid magazines.

I know what you’re thinking, this sounds like strange advice. And given the fact not many of us own typewriters or even radios anymore, it probably is.

But the context is important as it actually comes from a letter that C. S. Lewis wrote to a schoolgirl in 1959, after she had asked for his advice on writing. Here is what he said:

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 later.

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.

I found it fascinating to see his insights into how to write well and began to adapt it to the year 2025 - Turn off Spotify, know the meaning of words and don’t rely on AI to write for you, if possible close your MacBook and write with a pen, save ideas in your phone’s notes folder (your digital drawer).

So, encouraged by Lewis and his wisdom I have returned to my project of writing a sonnet for each Psalm in the Bible. Who knows how long it will take, but hopefully turning off the radio will help.

Psalm 13

How long, O Lord, how long will you forget
To think of me, it's like I've been ignored.
My body's wracked with sorrow and regret,
God are you even giving me a thought?

How long will I be mocked and so despised?
I've turned into a laughing stock of late.
I'm desperate God, I hope you've heard my cry,
I'm losing hope, surrendered to my fate.

But I will trust in who you say you are,
Your steadfast love that leads me all the way.
I'll fall into your ever open arms,
And sing again, in worship and in praise.

Yes this I know, the Lord is good to me,
With him I will rejoice and be at peace.

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Psalm 16

I'm crying out for help Lord, keep me safe.
No good apart from you is mine to claim.
Your company of saints sustains my faith,
I know that we will not be put to shame.

You are my choice God, you and you alone.
All that I am and all I have is yours.
There's beauty all around that you have sown,
In you I am an heir, I am secure.

With all I am I bless your holy name,
Each day and night you counsel me anew.
My heart and soul rejoice and will proclaim,
That all your ways are wonderful and true.

God lead me down life's path, what joy it is
To be with you, it's such a perfect fit.