Writing Advice - From CS Lewis to Generative AI - DeepSeek

 Saw a post on Facebook with the following content:

It was C S Lewis giving advice to a schoolgirl on writing. The post is:

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.

I feed to DeepSeek for its comments:

DeepSeek: 

C.S. Lewis's letter to the schoolgirl offers timeless advice on writing, blending practical tips with philosophical insights. Here are some further reflections on his points:

1. "Turn off the Radio": Lewis emphasizes the importance of focus and minimizing distractions. In today’s context, this could extend to turning off social media, notifications, or any other digital interruptions. Writing requires deep concentration, and external noise can disrupt the flow of thought.

2. "Read all the good books you can, and avoid nearly all magazines": Lewis advocates for immersing oneself in quality literature. Good books expose writers to rich language, compelling narratives, and diverse perspectives, while magazines (especially those of his time, which were often superficial) might not offer the same depth. Today, this could also apply to discerning between high-quality content and clickbait or shallow online articles.

3. "Always write (and read) with the ear, not the eye": This is perhaps one of the most profound pieces of advice. Writing is not just a visual exercise; it’s an auditory one. The rhythm, flow, and musicality of language are crucial. If a sentence doesn’t sound right when spoken aloud, it likely won’t resonate with readers. This advice underscores the importance of reading drafts out loud during the editing process.

4. "Write about what really interests you": Authenticity is key. Writing fueled by genuine passion and curiosity will always engage readers more than writing that feels forced or insincere. Lewis also warns against the trap of being interested only in the act of writing itself—writers need substance, experiences, and ideas to draw from.

5. "Take great pains to be clear": Clarity is essential in communication. Writers often fall into the trap of assuming readers understand their perspective or the world they’ve created. Lewis reminds us to step back and consider the reader’s experience, ensuring that every detail necessary for understanding is included.

6. "When you give up a bit of work, don’t throw it away": This is excellent advice for dealing with creative frustration. Not every piece of writing will work immediately, but ideas often need time to mature. Revisiting old work with fresh eyes can lead to breakthroughs. This also speaks to the value of patience and persistence in the creative process.

7. "Don’t use a typewriter": While this advice might seem outdated in the age of computers, the underlying principle remains relevant. Writing tools can influence the creative process. For Lewis, the typewriter’s noise disrupted his rhythm. Today, writers might find that certain tools or environments help or hinder their flow. Experimentation is key.

8. "Be sure you know the meaning of every word you use": Precision in language is vital. Misusing a word can confuse readers or distort the intended message. This advice encourages writers to be deliberate and thoughtful in their word choices, which is especially important in an era where language is often used carelessly.

Overall, Lewis’s advice is a blend of practical discipline and creative freedom. He encourages writers to be intentional, patient, and authentic, while also reminding them to enjoy the process and stay true to their interests. His insights remain remarkably relevant, offering guidance not just for writing, but for any creative endeavor.

Here comes the more interesting past. I asked DeepSeek what other advice it could give.

 DeepSeek:

Certainly! Building on C.S. Lewis's advice, here are some additional thoughts and tips for aspiring writers:

1. Write Regularly, Even When You Don’t Feel Inspired

Writing is a skill that improves with practice. Set aside time to write consistently, even if it’s just a few sentences a day. Inspiration often comes during the act of writing, not before it.

2. Embrace Imperfection in First Drafts

Don’t aim for perfection in your initial drafts. The first draft is about getting ideas down; refinement comes later. As Anne Lamott famously said, "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts."

3. Read Widely and Eclectically

While Lewis emphasizes reading "good books," don’t limit yourself to a single genre or style. Explore poetry, nonfiction, science fiction, historical accounts, and more. Each genre offers unique lessons in language, structure, and storytelling.

4. Observe the World Around You

Great writing often stems from keen observation. Pay attention to people, nature, conversations, and emotions. Keep a journal to jot down interesting details, phrases, or ideas that might inspire your work later.

5. Experiment with Different Forms and Styles

Try writing in different formats—short stories, essays, poetry, scripts, or even tweets. Experimenting with form can help you discover new ways to express ideas and stretch your creative muscles.

6. Seek Feedback, but Trust Your Instincts

Share your work with trusted readers or writing groups, but remember that not all feedback needs to be acted upon. Learn to distinguish between constructive criticism and opinions that don’t align with your vision.

7. Study the Craft of Writing

Read books on writing by authors like Stephen King (On Writing), Ursula K. Le Guin (Steering the Craft), or William Zinsser (On Writing Well). These resources can provide valuable insights into technique, voice, and structure.

8. Write for Yourself First

While it’s tempting to write for an audience or to chase trends, the most authentic and compelling writing often comes from writing what you care about. If you’re passionate about your subject, it will resonate with others.

9. Learn to Edit Ruthlessly

Good writing is often the result of rigorous editing. Be willing to cut sentences, paragraphs, or even entire sections that don’t serve the piece. As the saying goes, "Kill your darlings."

10. Cultivate Patience and Resilience

Writing is a long-term endeavor. Rejection, writer’s block, and self-doubt are part of the process. Learn to persevere and view challenges as opportunities to grow.

11. Find Your Unique Voice

Don’t try to imitate other writers too closely. Your voice—your unique way of seeing and expressing the world—is what will set your work apart. This develops over time through practice and self-reflection.

12. Write with Empathy

Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, strive to understand and convey the perspectives of others. Empathy enriches your writing and helps you connect with readers on a deeper level.

13. Balance Solitude with Community

Writing is often a solitary activity, but connecting with other writers can provide support, inspiration, and accountability. Join writing groups, attend workshops, or participate in online communities.

14. Don’t Fear Failure

Every writer produces work that doesn’t meet their expectations. Failure is a natural part of the creative process. Learn from it, and keep moving forward.

15. Remember Why You Write

On days when writing feels like a struggle, reconnect with your purpose. Whether it’s to tell a story, explore an idea, or simply express yourself, remembering your "why" can reignite your passion.

C.S. Lewis’s advice provides a strong foundation, but writing is a deeply personal journey. The most important thing is to keep writing, keep learning, and stay true to your own voice and vision.

Now, this is even more useful for our present world. I told DeepSeek

one more thing, use GenAI like DeepSeek as a coach and tuitor

DeepSeek:

 Absolutely! Using generative AI like DeepSeek as a writing coach and tutor can be a game-changer for writers at any stage. Here’s how you can leverage AI to enhance your writing process:

1. Brainstorming and Idea Generation

Stuck for ideas? Use AI to generate prompts, plot points, or character concepts. For example, you can ask:

• "Give me 10 unique story ideas set in a futuristic city."
• "Suggest some themes for a short story about family secrets."

2. Overcoming Writer’s Block

AI can help you break through creative blocks by suggesting next steps or expanding on your ideas. For instance:

• "I’m stuck on this scene where two characters are arguing. Can you suggest some dialogue?"
• "Help me describe a mysterious forest in a way that feels eerie and magical."

3. Improving Clarity and Structure

Share your draft with the AI and ask for feedback on clarity, flow, or structure. For example:

• "Does this paragraph make sense? How can I make it clearer?"
• "Is the pacing of this story too slow? How can I improve it?"

4. Learning New Techniques

Use AI to learn about literary devices, narrative techniques, or genre-specific writing styles. Ask:

• "How can I use foreshadowing effectively in a mystery story?"
• "What are some ways to write a compelling opening sentence?"

5. Editing and Polishing

AI can act as a first-pass editor, helping you refine grammar, tone, and word choice. Try prompts like:

• "Can you help me make this sentence more concise?"
• "How can I make this dialogue sound more natural?"

6. Exploring Different Perspectives

AI can help you see your work from a reader’s perspective or suggest alternative approaches. For example:

• "How might a reader interpret this character’s actions?"
• "What’s another way I could end this story?"

7. Research Assistance

Use AI to quickly gather information or fact-check details for your writing. Ask:

• "What are some historical details about 19th-century London?"
• "What are the key characteristics of a dystopian society?"

---

8. Practicing Writing Exercises

AI can generate writing exercises to help you hone specific skills. For instance:

• "Give me a prompt to practice writing vivid descriptions."
• "Create a character backstory exercise for me to complete."

---

9. Experimenting with Style and Voice

Use AI to explore different writing styles or voices. For example:

• "Rewrite this paragraph in the style of Hemingway."
• "How would this scene sound if it were written in first person instead of third person?"

---

10. Setting Goals and Staying Accountable

AI can help you set writing goals and track your progress. Try prompts like:

• "Help me create a writing schedule for the next month."
• "What are some achievable goals for finishing my novel draft?"

---

11. Learning from Examples

Ask AI to analyze excerpts from famous works or provide examples of specific techniques.

• For example:

  "Show me how J.K. Rowling builds suspense in a scene."
• "What makes the opening of 1984 so powerful?"

---

12. Building Confidence

Use AI to validate your ideas or boost your confidence when you’re feeling unsure. For example:

• "Does this concept have potential for a novel?"
• "What’s working well in this piece so far?"

13. Exploring Genre-Specific Advice

If you’re writing in a specific genre, AI can provide tailored advice. Ask:

• "What are the key elements of a good fantasy world?"
• "How can I make my thriller more suspenseful?"

14. Collaborative Writing

Use AI as a co-writer to generate ideas, dialogue, or even entire scenes. For example:

• "Help me write a conversation between two characters who are meeting for the first time."
• "Suggest a twist ending for this story."

15. Reflecting on Your Work

AI can help you analyze your writing habits, strengths, and areas for improvement. Try prompts like:

• "What patterns do you notice in my writing style?"
• "How can I improve my descriptive writing?"

A Word of Caution:

• While AI is a powerful tool, it’s important to remember that it’s a supplement, not a replacement, for your creativity and judgment. Use it to inspire and guide you, but always stay true to your unique voice and vision.
• By treating AI like DeepSeek as a coach and tutor, you can accelerate your growth as a writer, experiment with new ideas, and refine your craft in ways that were never before possible. Happy writing! 🖋️