Overview

The Universal Grammar of Story: An Author's Guide to Writing for the Soul of the World takes readers on a transformative journey into the profound structure underlying all narrative forms. With many years as an educational researcher and master writing teacher Hazel Denhart brings practical steps for unlocking creativity by revealing the universal principles and patterns that make stories captivating and meaningful across cultures and throughout history. This is no ordinary writing guide, but like Fritjof Capra's Uncommon Wisdom, The Universal Grammar of Story transcends boundaries by weaving seemingly incompatible fields into spellbinding unison. Humanities, psychology, logic, medicine, physics, and mythopoetic philosophy combine as if they have always belonged together in this most comprehensive resource for the writing craft. Drawing from the wellspring of our collective unconscious, Denhart explains primal story structure found in archetypal storytelling techniques. Authors gain leverage over and through writer's block with methods to advance their emotional and intuitive intelligence in harmony with logic. The Universal Grammar of Story is an essential resource for writers, filmmakers, and anyone interested in the art and science of storytelling. It makes a timeless gift that writers will use again and again throughout their careers for guidance and inspiration. In this masterpiece of storytelling psychology, Denhart offers writers clarity and direction amid the chaos and confusion of your story's messy initial arrival. Writers will also find momentum for that inevitable moment when a story goes on strike and refuses to cooperate in the telling but insistently demands to be finished. Denhart brings this fascinating theory down to earth with entertaining, humorous, and dramatic moments from her most unusual life. The book is packed with examples that bring complex theory to life and clarify them in vignettes from the life of her students as well as entertaining examples from plays, films, classic literature, philosophy, and history. CONTENTThe Universal Grammar of Story is divided into four parts covering: The ""CALL TO WRITE"" how we hear and respond to the personal and collective unconscious with logical, emotional, and intuitive forms of intelligence. The POWER OF LANGUAGE including simple changes writers can make in their everyday speech to supercharge their creative work. The CORE NARRATIVE STRUCTURE of all stories, and How to recognize and shape the POWER OF MYTHOLOGY AND MYSTICAL PHILOSOPHY that naturally materialize in stories. This edition is the 5th printing of The Universal Grammar of Story includes a revised table of contents, a new introduction, and an updated index. A companion workbook and game of the same name are available to give writers a playful means for learning the key elements and techniques of the philosophy and method. The Universal Grammar of Story: An Author's Guide to Writing for the Soul of the World is a philosophical and technical wonder that will leave a lasting impact on anyone who ventures into its pages.

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9781936262014

Table of Contents

Reviews

A smart, erudite, and accessible philosophy of storytelling, packed with clear examples, that integrates several different theories but goes somewhere new with Dr. Denhart's experience, wit and wisdom. This text is a bracing reminder of why we need stories as individuals and as a culture. Thomas Andes, New Orleans Writers Workshop A philosophical and technical wonder. This book is a densely packed goldmine of knowledge, wisdom, challenges and callings. Wonderful explanation of writing philosophy and internal exploration of diverse writing gifts hidden within us. Sarita Brown, Conrad Books Hazel Denhart was a hit! When she said she was a lively speaker, she was not kidding--the full house was rocking! . Willamette Writers Never has more deep thought, research, experience and passion been so beautifully integrated into a step-by-step guide to the anatomy of a story. Nani Lawrence author of Living in a State of Grace Beautifully written and extensively researched. The author successfully integrates her personal experiences and vast knowledge of various disciplines into a fascinating philosophy of story writing. Elizabeth Eisenberg, New Orleans An amazing book, not just for writers also for readers. Storytellers who sense that there is something amiss with their work will gain new perspectives for revision. Book club member or movie buffs who want to explain in greater detail their dissatisfaction/satisfaction with certain narratives will find a new framework in which to understand and convey their experience, This is not your typical how-to-write guide; The Universal Grammar of Story takes for granted a certain mastery of language. Denhart demonstrates that mastery herself, for--though she deals with technical and philosophical issues--her style is conversational, and her thoughts are easy to follow. She expertly uses tables and examples to illustrate her point. Anecdotes from her life spice up the lessons and model how to pace rational and emotional content to ensure an enjoyable reading experience. The Universal Grammar of Story consists of four separate parts. First comes the call to write exploring the personal and societal as well as the mythic dimensions of storytelling. I found her insights in the cause of writer's block novel. The second part explores the effects of three different forms of thinking--rational, emotional, and intuitive--on language use. Having thus set the context, part three lays out the basic structure of a good story. To do so, Denhart synthesizes multiple literary theories into one cohesive and comprehensive system. Even writers who are less interested in the other parts of the book will profit from tools provided in this section, especially when trying to breathe life into a flagging tale. For those of a more philosophical bent, part four provides fascinating food for thought. Drawing on Joseph Campbell's A Hero's Journey and Aldous Huxley's The Perennial Philosophy, Denhart delves into the veins of our mythological heritage. There are nuggets to be found here, even for those who do not agree with the tenets put forth in this section. Throughout the book, Denhart uses the tales of Oedipus, Beowulf and Hamlet for illustration. Those readers who like to refresh their memory of those ancient tales can refer to the appendix which contains a summary of each work with editorial comments highlighting the relevant turning points. I highly recommend The Universal Grammar of Story to any author who wants to craft a story which, in addition to providing entertainment, also contributes to the deeper understanding of the human condition. Brigitte Goetze, Author

A smart, erudite, and accessible philosophy of storytelling, packed with clear examples, that integrates several different theories but goes somewhere new with Dr. Denhart's experience, wit and wisdom. This text is a bracing reminder of why we need stories as individuals and as a culture. Thomas Andes, New Orleans Writers Workshop A philosophical and technical wonder. This book is a densely packed goldmine of knowledge, wisdom, challenges and callings. Wonderful explanation of writing philosophy and internal exploration of diverse writing gifts hidden within us. Sarita Brown, Conrad Books Hazel Denhart was a hit! When she said she was a lively speaker, she was not kidding-the full house was rocking! . Willamette Writers Never has more deep thought, research, experience and passion been so beautifully integrated into a step-by-step guide to the anatomy of a story. Nani Lawrence author of Living in a State of Grace Beautifully written and extensively researched. The author successfully integrates her personal experiences and vast knowledge of various disciplines into a fascinating philosophy of story writing. Elizabeth Eisenberg, New Orleans An amazing book, not just for writers also for readers. Storytellers who sense that there is something amiss with their work will gain new perspectives for revision. Book club member or movie buffs who want to explain in greater detail their dissatisfaction/satisfaction with certain narratives will find a new framework in which to understand and convey their experience, This is not your typical how-to-write guide; The Universal Grammar of Story takes for granted a certain mastery of language. Denhart demonstrates that mastery herself, for-though she deals with technical and philosophical issues-her style is conversational, and her thoughts are easy to follow. She expertly uses tables and examples to illustrate her point. Anecdotes from her life spice up the lessons and model how to pace rational and emotional content to ensure an enjoyable reading experience. The Universal Grammar of Story consists of four separate parts. First comes the call to write exploring the personal and societal as well as the mythic dimensions of storytelling. I found her insights in the cause of writer's block novel. The second part explores the effects of three different forms of thinking-rational, emotional, and intuitive-on language use. Having thus set the context, part three lays out the basic structure of a good story. To do so, Denhart synthesizes multiple literary theories into one cohesive and comprehensive system. Even writers who are less interested in the other parts of the book will profit from tools provided in this section, especially when trying to breathe life into a flagging tale. For those of a more philosophical bent, part four provides fascinating food for thought. Drawing on Joseph Campbell's A Hero's Journey and Aldous Huxley's The Perennial Philosophy, Denhart delves into the veins of our mythological heritage. There are nuggets to be found here, even for those who do not agree with the tenets put forth in this section. Throughout the book, Denhart uses the tales of Oedipus, Beowulf and Hamlet for illustration. Those readers who like to refresh their memory of those ancient tales can refer to the appendix which contains a summary of each work with editorial comments highlighting the relevant turning points. I highly recommend The Universal Grammar of Story to any author who wants to craft a story which, in addition to providing entertainment, also contributes to the deeper understanding of the human condition. Brigitte Goetze, Author

A smart, erudite, and accessible philosophy of storytelling, packed with clear examples, that integrates several different theories but goes somewhere new with Dr. Denhart's experience, wit and wisdom. This text is a bracing reminder of why we need stories as individuals and as a culture. Thomas Andes, New Orleans Writers Workshop A philosophical and technical wonder. This book is a densely packed goldmine of knowledge, wisdom, challenges and callings. Wonderful explanation of writing philosophy and internal exploration of diverse writing gifts hidden within us. Sarita Brown, Conrad Books Hazel Denhart was a hit! When she said she was a lively speaker, she was not kidding--the full house was rocking! . Willamette Writers Never has more deep thought, research, experience and passion been so beautifully integrated into a step-by-step guide to the anatomy of a story. Nani Lawrence author of Living in a State of Grace A fascinating approach to understanding impetus, context, and structure of storytelling. With the concepts provided by The Universal Grammar of Story I now can elaborate on the reasons why I love some books, while others, though best-sellers, left me unmoved. I am eager to dust off my unfinished pieces--I feel inspired by a new perspective and a new set of tools. -Brigitte Goetze, Author Beautifully written and extensively researched. The author successfully integrates her personal experiences and vast knowledge of various disciplines into a fascinating philosophy of story writing. Elizabeth Eisenberg, New Orleans When I first picked up the book and flipped through it, every page I stopped at made me want to sit down and read. Every random page! Elizabeth Statom, Depoe Bay, Oregon

A smart, erudite, and accessible philosophy of storytelling, packed with clear examples, that integrates several different theories but goes somewhere new with Dr. Denhart's experience, wit and wisdom. This text is a bracing reminder of why we need stories as individuals and as a culture. Thomas Andes, New Orleans Writers Workshop A philosophical and technical wonder. This book is a densely packed goldmine of knowledge, wisdom, challenges and callings. Wonderful explanation of writing philosophy and internal exploration of diverse writing gifts hidden within us. Sarita Brown, Conrad Books Hazel Denhart was a hit! When she said she was a lively speaker, she was not kidding--the full house was rocking! Look for her book, The Universal Grammar of Story, at your bookseller...you will not be disappointed. Willamette Writers Never has more deep thought, research, experience and passion been so beautifully integrated into a step-by-step guide to the anatomy of a story. Nani Lawrence author of Living in a State of Grace A fascinating approach to understanding impetus, context, and structure of storytelling. With the concepts provided by The Universal Grammar of Story I now can elaborate on the reasons why I love some books, while others, though best-sellers, left me unmoved. I am eager to dust off my unfinished pieces--I feel inspired by a new perspective and a new set of tools. -Brigitte Goetze, Author Beautifully written and extensively researched. The author successfully integrates her personal experiences and vast knowledge of various disciplines into a fascinating philosophy of story writing. Elizabeth Eisenberg, New Orleans When I first picked up the book and flipped through it, every page I stopped at made me want to sit down and read. Every random page! Elizabeth Statom, Depoe Bay, Oregon

Author Information

Dr. Hazel Denhart is a master teacher, academic researcher, and storyteller. She discovered the Universal Grammar of Story while researching for a master's degree. Since receiving her doctorate she has dedicated her career to exploring the intersection of language, culture, and narrative. Denhart has conducted extensive research on the universal grammar of storytelling and refined it over the years by teaching it at universities and among writing groups across the US, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Denhart is known for her energetic, entertaining, awe-inspiring, and often shockingly effective seminars characterized by abundant humor. She has a background in print/television journalism and playwrighting/screenwriting in addition to a career in the serious world of scholarly research where she is highly cited for her seminal studies. She loves biking, hiking, horse riding, and cooking way too much Louisiana cuisine. Rick Denhart is senior illustrator/photographer for The Invisible Press, coming from a background in museum design/exhibitory and historic building preservation. Among his work is exhibitory for the Museum at Warm Springs (Native American), the Apollo 11 and Control Tower exhibits at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, and the ""Lucy"" exhibit (3.2-million-year-old skeleton of the ""mother of humankind"") for the Natural History Museum Los Angeles County. Rick is a world-renowned expert and unofficial ""godfather"" of building deconstruction in the US, driven by his love of preservation. He is also a leader of large-scale humanitarian aid projects including those for the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans which contributed to Mercy Corps' 2007 Nobel Peace Prize nomination, and the first environmentally sustainable USAID food security project taking place in the Kyrgyz Republic. Rick loves impressionist painting, sailing, woodworking, and talking to the eldest people he can find wherever he is in the world.

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