This was meant to be a professional book but I think it is less helpful to my profession. I found the first part (C.V.) very interesting and inspiring, and recognized some oft-quoted (in other writing books) passages). I found the parts on writing more heavy handed and less interesting. Each time he said this was a light, short book on writing ideas, I found myself flipping to the back to check on how many pages if really was. I don't find books nearing 300 pages to generally be light, fast reads. It was good, and perhaps better for someone who is actually writing a novel (not me) than for someone who wants to be inspired to teach writing to children (me).