Skip to content
Home/ Twenty Problems of the Fiction Writer
Twenty Problems of the Fiction Writer

Twenty Problems of the Fiction Writer

No customer reviews yet ISBN 9781026059579

"Twenty Problems of the Fiction Writer" is a comprehensive guide dedicated to the technical and structural mastery of narrative storytelling. Written by John Callishaw, this work serves as an analytical roadmap for authors seeking to navigate the complexities of prose composition and plot development. By breaking down the act of writing into twenty distinct challenges, the text provides a rigorous framework for evaluating and improving the craft of fiction.

The book explores essential elements such as scene building, character arcs, and the maintenance of narrative tension. Callishaw emphasizes the importance of deliberate craftsmanship over mere spontaneous inspiration, offering readers practical tools to refine their literary output. From the pacing of dialogue to the strategic arrangement of plot points, "Twenty Problems of the Fiction Writer" delves deep into the mechanics that make stories resonate with readers.

As a foundational text in the study of creative writing, this volume offers timeless insights into the architecture of the written word. It is an invaluable resource for students of literature, professional writers, and anyone interested in the formal theory of fiction. Its focus on the functional aspects of storytelling ensures that its lessons remain relevant for modern creators aiming to sharpen their narrative skills.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

About the author

Product details

Pub dateFeb 14, 2026
ISBN-101026059577
ISBN-139781026059579
LanguageEnglish
Last updated 2026-07-27 17:15
$25.21 $26.95 6% off
You save $1.74 · list price $26.95
In stock — ships in 24 hours with free tracking
Delivery by Monday, September 14, 2026
Qty
Sign in to Add to Saved list
Free delivery on orders over $35.
15-day returns. Any reason.
Secure checkout. We never store card details.

Readers who bought this also bought

More from Writing - Fiction Writing
See all
Howdunit: A Masterclass in Crime Writing by Members of the Detection Club
Winner of the H.R.F. Keating Award for best biographical/critical book related to crime fiction, and nominated for the Edgar Allen Poe and Macavity Awards for Best Critical/Biographical book.<p><strong>Ninety crime writers from the world's oldest and most famous crime writing network give tips and insights into successful crime and thriller fiction.</strong></p><p><em>Howdunit</em> offers a fresh perspective on the craft of crime writing from leading exponents of the genre, past and present. The book offers invaluable advice to people interested in writing crime fiction, but it also provides a fascinating picture of the way that the best crime writers have honed their skills over the years. Its unique construction and content mean that it will appeal not only to would-be writers but also to a very wide readership of crime fans.</p><p>The principal contributors are current members of the legendary Detection Club, including Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Peter James, Peter Robinson, Ann Cleeves, Andrew Taylor, Elly Griffiths, Sophie Hannah, Stella Duffy, Alexander McCall Smith, John Le Carré and many more.</p><p>Interwoven with their contributions are shorter pieces by past Detection Club members ranging from G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie and John Dickson Carr to Desmond Bagley and H.R.F. Keating.</p><p>The book is dedicated to Len Deighton, who is celebrating 50 years as a Detection Club member and has also penned an essay for the book.</p><p>The contributions are linked by short sections written by Martin Edwards, the current President of the Club and author of the award-winning <em>The Golden Age of Murder</em>.</p>