* Family Influence: Austen grew up in a family that valued intellectual pursuits and writing. Her father was a clergyman who encouraged his children to read widely, and her brother Henry even published some of her work anonymously.
* Social Context: Austen lived in a time when women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere. Writing provided a way for women to express themselves creatively and explore their ideas, even if it was often done anonymously or under a male pseudonym.
* Personal Inclination: It's clear from her work that Austen had a sharp wit, a keen understanding of human nature, and a talent for storytelling. She likely felt compelled to express these qualities through her writing.
* Financial Need: While Austen wasn't struggling financially, she was also not independently wealthy. Writing, even if it was not a lucrative profession, could have provided her with some financial independence.
In short, Jane Austen became an author due to a combination of family influence, social context, her own innate talents, and perhaps a desire for financial security. While she may not have actively "chosen" to be a writer in the modern sense, the circumstances of her life and her personal inclinations led her to it.