C. S. Lewis’ Advice to Young Writers #5

In 1959, at the suggestion of her teacher, an American schoolgirl wrote C. S. Lewis a letter requesting advice on writing. Lewis replied, “It is very hard to give any general advice about  writing. Here’s my attempt.”

In a series of eight blogposts we’re covering each of the points Lewis offered. They are just as pertinent today as they were 66 years ago.

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.

– C. S. Lewis, letter of writing advice to an American schoolgirl, 14 December 1959

In writing fiction we are seeking to strike a difficult balance. We must give the reader all they need to comprehend the story, while leaving them room to engage emotionally and form their own images. One risk is we over-narrate a scene, leaving no room for the reader to imagine with us. The parallel risk, as Lewis delineates, is we leave out a key detail or fact and the reader makes an assumption or takes a character in an unintended direction.

This begs the question, how do I know when I’m striking this important balance? Tactically speaking, clear and concrete sentences are central to this goal. More broadly, with experience as both a writer and a reader you develop a sensibility that helps you achieve this. Beta readers can also help. They will find spots where adding or removing a bit of prose will enhance or ensure the reader’s experience.

So, “take great pains to be clear.” For you’re telling a story your reader doesn’t yet know.