On Writing (and Writers)

A Miscellany of Advice and Opinions

A definitive collection of wisdom on every style of writing and a celebration of the transformative power of the written word from one of the most influential writers and thinkers of the modern age, C. S. Lewis, the beloved author of the Chronicles of Narnia series, Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, and other revered classics.

Featuring over one hundred excerpts—some short and some essay length—drawn from his wide body of letters, books, and essays, On Writing (and Writers) brings together C. S. Lewis’s reflections on the power, importance, and joy of a life dedicated to writing.

Writers and devoted readers will be enriched and inspired by Lewis’s commentary on a range of genres, including:

• On Good Writing
• On Writing Fiction
• On Writing Poetry
• On Writing for Children
• On Writing Science Fiction
• On Christian Writing
• On Writing Persuasively
• On Other Writers

Wise and practical, On Writing (and Writers) reveals Lewis’s thoughts on both mechanics and style, including choosing adjectives, the art of expression, how to connect with readers, and the core principles of clear, impactful writing.

A window into the mind of one of the greatest public intellectuals of the twentieth century—a gifted writer whose influence and insights remain relevant six decades after his death—this engaging collection reveals not only why Lewis loved the written word, but what it means to “gladly teach” the art of writing, so that wise readers can “gladly learn.”

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Prompts

This is not a how to write a book but rather a series of prompts, tips and recommendations of literature to study good writing. C.S. Lewis is a wonderful source.

Interesting

Thank you for compiling all of these CS Lewis notes and letters. Very insightful peek into his critical mind.

Great Information, Okay Performance.

Please understand that this is not a story. This is a collection of thoughts and insights from one of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century. Lee's performance is decent. His inflections in tone are great, but his inflections in volume are annoying. I find that he suddenly drops the volume of the word he's saying to nearly a whisper and I end up missing bits. Usually at the end of a sentence. I have to listen with the volume turned way up in order to hear everything. Otherwise, his reading is great.

A must read for any would be writer.

C.S. Lewis is timeless. He offers relevant advise to budding authors and chats with published authors at the same time without offending neither.

Excellent collection

Fascinating collection of CS Lewis' views on genres and specific writers, including Tolkien. Some repetition occurs, understandably, as he shares his perspective on the same subject in different letters. This book gives insight into the thoughts of a brilliant teacher and writer.