* Early love of storytelling: From a young age, Lewis was captivated by stories. He wrote his first story at the age of nine and later enjoyed composing poems and essays.
* Academic pursuits: Lewis excelled in academics, particularly in literature and language. His background in philology, the study of language, provided him with a keen understanding of words and their power.
* World War I: His experiences during the war profoundly impacted his writing. He served as an officer and witnessed the horrors of conflict, which later influenced his works like *The Screwtape Letters* and *The Great Divorce.*
* Philosophical exploration: As a scholar and apologist for Christianity, Lewis felt compelled to engage with his readers on theological and philosophical issues. His writings, like *Mere Christianity* and *The Problem of Pain,* aimed to bridge the gap between faith and reason.
* Personal challenges: Lewis's personal struggles, including the loss of his mother at a young age and a deep grief over his brother's death, fuelled his desire to explore themes of loss, pain, and redemption.
* Literary inspirations: He was heavily influenced by authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald, and G.K. Chesterton, who inspired him to create fantastical worlds and explore profound themes through imaginative storytelling.
* A desire to engage with the world: Lewis felt a sense of duty to contribute to the intellectual and spiritual discourse of his time. He believed that literature could offer valuable insights and provoke important discussions.
Ultimately, C.S. Lewis became an author because of a convergence of his deep-rooted passion for storytelling, his academic expertise, his personal experiences, and his desire to engage with the world in a meaningful way. His ability to blend fantasy, philosophy, and theology resonated with readers across generations, securing his legacy as a beloved and influential author.