When I reflect on the numerous authors who have not only influenced my life as a writer, but as a person,
C. S. Lewis would be near the top of the long list.
Clive Staples Lewis was born on November 29, 1898 in Belfast, Ireland. He was known as C. S. Lewis, but was called "Jack" amongst his family and friends. Mr. Lewis was an author, poet, literary critic, and lay theologian. He was best known for penning the Chronicles of Narnia, Screwtape Letters, and Mere Christianity.
Since C. S. Lewis and fellow author J. R. R. Tolkien both served on the English faculty at Oxford University, they became close friends.
The works of C. S. Lewis have been translated into more than thirty languages and have sold millions of copies. The Chronicles of Narnia are by far his most popular books. He died on November 22, 1963 - the same day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
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I selected the above photo of the iconic author with that particular quote, because those words have inspired me time and time again. Becoming a published author is my second profession after a long career as a dental hygienist, and there were times that I wondered: why not just forget about this "writing business" and take it easy?
However, my love of literature, children's books in particular, seemed to steer me toward the path of publication. My passions to read, and to write, and to grow have found a garden to germinate in within the world of children's books. There is no age limit on creativity. In the words of Aslan, from The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian,
"You doubt your value. Don't run from who you are."
Due to the release of my debut book for children this fall, The Scandinavian Santa, I recently had an author website designed. At the bottom of its "Welcome" page there is another quote from C. S. Lewis: "We read to know that we are not alone."
If you, too, are a fan of C. S. Lewis, check out this link!
