5 Bits Of Writing Advice From Iris Murdoch
In this post, we share five insightful pieces of writing advice from Iris Murdoch, the award-winning novelist and philosopher.
Her thoughtful observations on ideas, language, and storytelling still inspire writers today. Her first novel Under The Net is considered one of the best 100 English-language novels of the 20th century.
About Iris MurdochÂ
Iris Murdoch was born on 15 July 1919 and died on 8 February 1999. An Irish-born British novelist and philosopher, she became one of the most respected literary voices of the twentieth century. Her debut novel, Under the Net, was published in 1954.
Murdoch went on to write many acclaimed novels, including The Bell (1958), The Black Prince , and the Booker Prize-winning The Sea, The Sea (1978). Her fiction explores love, morality, power, desire, and the complexities of human nature. Her final novel was published in 1995, and she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years later.
Here are five lessons writers can learn from Iris Murdoch.
5 Bits Of Writing Advice From Iris MurdochÂ
1. Great Ideas Are Worth Committing To
‘Writing is like getting married. One should never commit oneself until one is amazed at one’s luck.’- The Black Prince
Murdoch isn’t suggesting that writing depends on luck. Instead, she’s reminding us to choose ideas that genuinely excite us. Before investing months or years in a project, test the idea. Write a synopsis, sketch an outline, or draft a few scenes. If the idea still fills you with enthusiasm after that, it’s probably worth pursuing.
2. Learn From Other Languages
‘I just enjoy translating, it’s like opening one’s mouth and hearing someone else’s voice emerge.’ – Under The Net
Translation forces writers to think carefully about every word, sentence, and meaning. Even if you never become a professional translator, reading widely, studying languages, or translating short passages can deepen your understanding of style, rhythm, and vocabulary. Every new way of looking at language makes you a better writer.
3. Write To Be Understood
‘So I would like people to be able to read the stuff. I’d like it to be understood too; though some of the novels are not all that easy, I’d like them to be understood, and not grossly misunderstood. But literature is to be enjoyed, to be grasped by enjoyment.’ – Interview from The Paris Review (Issue 117)
Murdoch believed literature should challenge readers without shutting them out. Clear writing doesn’t mean simple thinking. It means expressing complex ideas in a way readers can follow and enjoy. If readers spend more time decoding your sentences than engaging with your story, you’ve made the journey harder than it needs to be.
4. Don’t Forget To Eat
‘Of course reading and thinking are important but, my God, food is important too.’ – Sourced From Garner’s Quotations (The Sea, The Sea)
Writers often become so absorbed in their work that they forget basic self-care. Long hours at a desk can take a toll on both body and mind. Remember to eat, stretch, rest, and take regular breaks. Looking after yourself is part of looking after your writing.
5. Choose Your Words Carefully
‘Yes, of course, there’s something fishy about describing people’s feelings… Pass the gravy.’Â – Adapted from Murdoch’s personal letters, requoted in Iris
Murdoch understood that language has limits. Rather than trying to explain every emotion, allow readers to experience it through action, dialogue, and carefully chosen details. Strong writing isn’t about using more words; it’s about finding the right ones. Resist the temptation to over-explain, and trust your readers to fill in the gaps.
The Last Word
Iris Murdoch believed that words matter because they shape how we see the world and understand one another. Her advice reminds us to choose ideas that excite us, write with clarity, keep learning, and trust the power of carefully chosen language. More than two decades after her death, her novels, and her wisdom about writing, continue to inspire readers and writers alike.
Source for image: Curtis Brown
By Alex J. Coyne. Alex is a writer, proofreader, and regular card player. His features about cards, bridge, and card playing have appeared in Great Bridge Links, Gifts for Card Players, Bridge Canada Magazine, and Caribbean Compass. Get in touch at alexcoyneofficial.com.
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