The Positively Productive Writer by Simon Whaley

Simon Whaley wrote to dramatist and novelist Alan Bleasdale when he was 14 years old, seeking help on how to become a writer. Bleasdale answered, Don't. Instead, train to be a brain surgeon. It's less difficult. Simon went on to work for Barclays Bank for eight years, followed by a term in local government, bolstered by these encouraging remarks.

None of these roads led to a clear future as a writer, or even as the bestselling author of a lot of canine novels, but he eventually got there. One Hundred Muddy Paws for Thinking and One Hundred Ways for a Dog to Teach Its Owner are among his works.