Universal Grammar of Story(TM): An Author's Guide to Writing for the Soul of the World - Softcover

Denhart, Hazel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1936262010 ISBN 13: 9781936262014

Publisher: Invisible Press, 2020

Synopsis

That stories have consequences drives this revival of an ancient writer-archetype: the cultural scout leading society along the uncharted edges of an increasingly dangerous social frontier.

A synthesis of: literature, linguistics, history, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, mythology psychology, and the hard sciences brings something familiar yet entirely new and imminently hopeful.

The Universal Grammar of StoryTM is composed of four core parts.

First, "The Call to Write" introduces the idea of personal, social, and mythological drives calling creative artists (and their audiences) to the work. The personal call draws us to tackle unfinished business in our own psychology through the daydream of stories. The social call joins us to address generational struggles held in the collective unconscious. And the mythological call brings us to mystical encounter through moments of "shared reverence" in stories. Writers must draw from their logical, emotional, and intuitive forms of intelligence to respond to the call. But because only logical intelligence is trained in formal education, this section explores how to distinguish and advance the other forms of intelligence with a brief look into the history of creative art.

Part two looks into the power of language and how subtle changes in everyday speech and gesture can enhance emotional and intuitive agility. Included is the remarkable idea that most people speak four distinct varieties of their native language and that the simple act of switching between them can easily trigger writer's block. Also offered is a brief review of the evolution of English from Anglo-Saxon to its many modern varieties, and the surprising benefits of listening to unrecognizable forms.

Part three builds on the concrete, technical aspects of storytelling from the no-nonsense logic of Aristotle to the likeminded mid-twentieth century pragmatism of Bernard Grebanier, Lajos Egri, and Syd Field. Practical discussions of character building, plot development, and timing lead to new terrain with the introduction of the "Hero-Villain Theory of Convergence." This controversial theory views the villain/antihero as the only one capable of removing the hero's façade to reveal the authentic soul beneath. As the hero's masque slips, comes a momentary flash where hero and villain appear as philosophically the same. This section also introduces a new idea of timing where well-known milestones occur at universal proportions regardless of story types, genres, or lengths.

Part four turns to mythology with a critical summary of the hero's journey according to Joseph Campbell. Here simple correctives are offered to ameliorate Campbell's stereotyping which has grown uncomfortably out of step with contemporary sensibilities. Finally, Aldous Huxley's Perennial Philosophy brings the book back to its beginning with "practical" ideas for attracting mystical philosophy to a story.

Intriguing images in charcoal, ink, and pencil by artist Rick Denhart combine with anecdotes from the author's unusual life adding to the grand theory's lively and entertaining feel.

The Universal Grammar of Story is a philosophical and technical wonder, accessible to the novice through clear and abundant examples while remaining challenging to advanced students and professionals with thought provoking scholarship. Peer reviewed and suitable for college text adoption.

About this title

About the Author

Hazel Denhart is a playwright, researcher, and inspirational speaker who developed the Universal Grammar of Story in the 90s as the foundation of her masters thesis in communication. She has since revised and tested this unique method of storytelling across a wide range of writers in the US, Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. She is a highly trained phenomenological researcher with a doctorate in education, and a rare gift for identifying the essential elements of complex ideas and simplifying them to entertaining effect. Dr. Denhart has won competition for production of her plays, earned an Army commendation for her journalism, and been recognized by the American Motion Picture Academy for her screenwriting. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership with an emphasis on dyslexia and other non-standard forms of learning. Her scholarly writing is widely cited, having ranked among the most frequently read articles in the leading journal of her field.

Review

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

Edition details

• Publisher: Invisible Press
• Publication date: 2020
• ISBN 10: 1936262010
• ISBN 13: 9781936262014
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 250
• Illustrator: Denhart Rick