This book is a very personal series of essays on how and why the author, Ray Bradbury, writes stories. It is an encouragement
for
writers (although somewhat daunting, if one is a poet rather than a prose fiction writer). He emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself -- of not letting others discourage you from your own vision and loves. REAL friends DO NOT. (He says that if your friends are discouraging you and putting you down, you don't have any friends. Go out and find some.)
He mentions the process by which one "feeds the Muse" -- feeds one's own Subconscious Mind, which later brings forth the seeds of enthusiasm and experience you have fed it (your deeper self) as the great trees of stories, ideas and other works.
He is firm about confronting your fears and facing life, and your emotional responses to it (no matter how terrifying or uncomfortable that may be) honestly and squarely. He then shows you how to transform
all of this into art.
This is a rather amusing book, as well as an inspiring and encouraging one. The author is full of childlike enthusiasm for writing and for Life (as well as good advice and insights) which he joyfully shares.