Haibun: A Writer’s Guide

by Roberta Beary, Lew Watts, Rich Youmans

Haibun—the ancient Japanese form combining haiku and prose—has, over the past decades, been adopted and adapted by writers worldwide. Yet, despite its dynamic growth, much about the form remains misunderstood. In A Writer’s Guide , three experienced editors and writers explore what goes into a good haibun and how its components (title, prose, haiku) connect to spark new insights and epiphanies. The authors also trace the history of English-language haibun, demonstrate the ways in which a haibun can resonate with readers, and illustrate how writers are pushing the boundaries of the form without losing its essence. With dozens of examples, resources, and writing prompts, A Writer’s Guide will lead you to a new understanding and appreciation of this ever-evolving form.

Genres: Poetry, Writing

120 pages, Paperback

Published June 8, 2023

Reviews

[Scott Wiggerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sincerely think this brief volume will become a classic. While other Japanese form books might have a few pages on haibun, this book delves into areas I've never seen in another book. Of course, with three editors who are among the best in the field--Roberta Beary, Lew Watts, and Rich Youmans--this is hardly a surprise. Chapters 3 and 4 alone are comprehensive and thought-provoking (Reading Haibun and Writing Haibun), particularly the use of a "4-Spark" approach. In addition, there are countless examples of excellent haibun from many of the modern masters, including commentary on them. Everyone attempting haibun should read this book!

[Dave Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like going on a tour of contemporary haibun, led by a trio of knowledgeable friends. Beary, Watts, and Youmans offer insightful commentary, friendly encouragement, and occasional astringent advice. They provide excellent examples of contemporary haibun and elucidate a broader array of approaches to the form than you are likely to find elsewhere.

Many sections in the book could become your go-to references when you want to return to basics: Beary’s three requirements of good haibun; a concise history of haibun in English; the 4-spark reading framework—a method of reading that highlights the dynamics within a haibun; a table that summarizes how four different haiku shift the interplay between the haiku and the prose; Youmans’ seven ways that poets use haiku in a haibun; and checklists for good haibun. Not to mention the generous appendix of haibun prompts, exercises, websites, publishers, and collections.

This book will make you a better reader and writer of haibun—and help you enjoy the journey.

[Dorothy Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a thorough resource devoted to writing and editing haibun. Beary, Watts and Youmans are haibun masters and each provide commentary on their favourite haibun, and why they choose to write it themselves. The Appendix of resources and prompts is particularly valuable, as are the many examples provided throughout the book as they examine variations in haibun, how to read and write it. The brief history is brief, and more could have been included on different types of linking and shifting. However, the chart on p. 38 that uses the same prose piece with four different haiku to illustrate placement and purpose works particularly well. The advice, "if you can't write haiku, don't attempt haibun- read. write. read and write haiku first" is critical. This is a book to read and refer to over and over again.
A long-awaited resource. Bravo!

[Diarmuid Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very practical guide on how to write effective haibun. In case you don't know what haibun is, it is a prose poem usually with haiku. The book was written by three very well-practised writers who bring all their knowledge to the table. 

The book is in 7 chapters, dedicated to different topics. The book defines what haibun is and is not. It goes into the features of what makes a good haibun and gives plenty of examples. 

Other chapters delve deeper into what kind of title should you use and where to place the haiku in the prose. It shows how to link and shift really well in different ways. It covers the use of rhythm in the prose and in the haiku, which was something I didn’t really pay attention to in my own haiku and haibun writing. I will pay more attention to this in the future.

Probably the most useful chapter is where each author writes about their own favourite haibun. You really get a sense of what these writers think and what makes their haibun work. You also get a sense of their own unique personality. 

The book finishes with exercises and further reading along with tips. What I like most about this book is how inspirational it is, yet it is practical while being grounded in the philosophy of Zen. 

Anyone who writes haiku or haibun should get this. This book also appeals to people who wish to get into haiku or haibun writing. I have learned a lot from this book, and I will use it again and again. It will sit in my reference section. This book is a must for all haijin. 

[Philippe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I second the very positive assessments of other GR-members. This is a serious and very helpful guide for aspiring haibun writers and readers. Here's my first, on the subject of a certain composer's death (anyone an idea?).

Invisible enemy

Fritz fires from a hundred miles away. The shells arc into the stratosphere — highest point ever reached by a man-made object. Then they descend into the city. Ghostly silence... Ka-boom. Two days later the composer dies. Colon cancer. No public funeral allowed.

fingers drift on keys
tin soldiers searching
for mermaids

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource for those who are interested in haibun or learning about writing forms that include prose and poetry. Written by expert haibun authors, who are also experienced editors. I’ll be keeping this book handy for ready reference and inspiration. They packed a lot in while making a solid yet concise haibun guide. Highly recommended!