How to write like CS Lewis!

[@nameetharish]

I think anyone watching would faint at the opportunity to learn from Lewis the way in which your father did. Him passing it down to you and you sharing it with us is a real blessing. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@andreasboe4509]

This is a great list of principles. I'm an intuitive writer who have followed all these principles from day one, but I listen to a lot of advice from other writers, and most of them emphazise the importance of structure and planning and to focus on practical principles like "show, don't tell". They aren't bad, but your list of principles is much more useful to me. It gives me confidence that I'm on the right track.

[@TheChristianStoryteller]

Thanks so much for these kind words. I’m so pleased you feel on the right track. I’m sure you are. Keep going!

[@troydaum4728]

An absolutely fascinating first-hand account of Lewis. Your father's background is incredible. I really enjoyed the way you told this small part of his story.

[@TheChristianStoryteller]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ThomasRBarton]

What an awesome channel idea and BRILLIANT wisdom. As a young writer, soon to be college freshman, this content is indispensable. Thank you!

[@TheChristianStoryteller]

Thank you so much. Godspeed and all the best with your studies ❤

[@qaswedfr1234]

Thank you for your insight. So I am oblidged to Maung Tun too. May he and all rest in Peace.

[@TheChristianStoryteller]

Thank you for your beautiful words

[@Akuna-cf4hp]

Paused the video at thrity seconds, to say... Oh my god. Amazing

[@watcherofthewest8597]

Image going to an ancient university where your professors are Tolkien and Lewis...the height of western culture in my opinion.

[@nickyheymans3425]

Another great video, thanks so much, Mark. Lots of food for thought. Very special how honoured your father in this way. He would be so proud of you.

[@cjpreach]

I really enjoyed this video. However, rather than the Sonnet (which was lovely) as an example of writing style, I would love to have heard more from the text of your father's story - the Sonnet being a piece of writing quite apart from the primary narrative. Thanks for this presentation. Well done.

[@martinadavisstudio]

Thank you! Excellent points, each helpful and well illustrated by your father's writing. You've inspired me! I always find C.S. Lewis clear and to the point, which I enjoy. I especially like what you have said about 'Subtlety'.

[@TheChristianStoryteller]

You are so welcome!

[@lakesidechapel7342]

Thank you Mark. I'm currently editing a commentary I am writing on a biblical book. The principles you isolated are most helpful to keep in view for improving my work.

[@bizboomer]

Thank you! Outstanding!

[@TheChristianStoryteller]

Thank you so much ❤

[@ClaireFrancePerezWonderer]

At 5:39 there's an audio quality change (in an entirely necessary and fascinating lesson) and then you say, "the third thing that I see in Lewis is the principle and practice of rhythmicality by that I mean the cadency in the Poetry of words um Lewis believed that you should attend to the ear as a writer ") The ear. Yes. For your video audience, too.

[@TheChristianStoryteller]

Thanks for pointing this out. Unfortunately I was still very new to the tech and was not speaking into the microphone at the same distance and angle for the readings as for my talkie bits. We spotted that pretty quickly and have made sure not to do that since!

[@JockyArt]

Thank you for these great insights. That is very interesting about the length of each Narnia book. Lewis was known for just writing these stories down and never looking at them again (if I remember right). Tolkien on the other hand was always rewriting his stories over and over again (that's very obvious the problem of the stories of the "Silmarillion" with different versions of his stories in different styles and fragments). Very interesting that Lewis managed to keep the different novels at the same length. One note: I found the intersected parts with the music a little bit disturbing. It kicked me out of the flow of the video.

[@TheChristianStoryteller]

Thanks so much for the feedback. That’s really helpful to hear about the music. And yes, to your other comments. I’ve seen some correspondence between Lewis and Tolkien in which the former was editing an early passage of The Lord of the Rings, encouraging more discipline and restraint in his colleague and friend, editing out about half of what Tolkien had written. I think there’s a case to be made for Lewis under writing and Tolkien over writing, but I hesitate to criticise either because both have been a hugely positive influence on my life and writing. I’d be happy to be anywhere near as good!

[@Mallory-j5y]

In the spirit of C.S. Lewis, and in the spirit of your theme, may I suggest a better concluding sentence? And by “better,” I mean a sentence unencumbered by clunky adverbs. You said: “And let’s learn, altogether, to live luminously and write radiantly.” You might have said: “And let’s learn, altogether, to live with light and write with radiance (or “illumination” or “luster” or “beauty” or “clarity,” depending on your intent).” Strong nouns and verbs surpass weak adjectives and adverbs. Otherwise, I found your commentary luminously and radiantly fruitful. 😉

[@TheChristianStoryteller]

I thank you!

[@Mallory-j5y]

@@TheChristianStoryteller You're welcome, my friend. Keep up the inspiring work!

[@yukongold6602]

Beautiful beautiful 13:48