Ensouling Language: On the Art of Nonfiction and the Writer's Life

by Stephen Harrod Buhner

The first comprehensive work on nonfiction as an art form
• Shows how nonfiction, especially how-to and self-help, can take on the same power and luminosity as great fiction
• Develops processes to reliably induce the dreaming state from which all writing comes
• Teaches the skill of analogical thinking that is the core perceptual tool for writers
• Explores the subtle techniques of powerful writing, from inducing associational dreaming in the reader, to language symmetry, sound patterning, foreshadowing, feeling flow, and more
Approaching writing as a sacred art, Stephen Buhner explores the core of the craft: the communication of deep meaning that feeds not just the mind but also the soul of the reader. Tapping into the powerful archetypes within language, he shows how to enrich your writing by following “golden threads” of inspiration while understanding the crucial invisibles essential to the art of both fiction and nonfiction: how to craft language with feeling and vision, employ altered states of mind to access the writing trance, clear your work by recognizing the powerful sway of clichéd thinking and hidden baggage, and intentionally generate duende--that physical/emotional response to art that gives you chills, opens up unrecognized aspects of reality, or simply resonates in your soul. Covering some very practical aspects of writing such as layering and word symmetry, the author also explores the inner world of publishing--what you really will encounter when you become a writer. He then shows how to develop a powerful and engaging book proposal based on understanding the proposal as a work of fiction--the map is never the territory, nor is the proposal the book that it will become.
This book, written using all the techniques discussed within it, offers a powerful, experiential journey into the heart of writing. It does for nonfiction what John Gardner’s books on writing did for fiction. It is one of the most significant works on writing published in our time.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Language, Self Help, Crafts

480 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2010

About the author

Stephen Harrod Buhner is an Earth poet and the award-winning author of ten books on nature, indigenous cultures, the environment, and herbal medicine. He comes from a long line of healers including Leroy Burney, Surgeon General of the United States under Eisenhower and Kennedy, and Elizabeth Lusterheide, a midwife and herbalist who worked in rural Indiana in the early nineteenth century. The greatest influence on his work, however, has been his great-grandfather C.G. Harrod who primarily used botanical medicines, also in rural Indiana, when he began his work as a physician in 1911.

Stephen's work has appeared or been profiled in publications throughout North America and Europe including Common Boundary, Apotheosis, Shaman's Drum, The New York Times, CNN, and Good Morning America. Stephen lectures yearly throughout the United States on herbal medicine, the sacredness of plants, the intelligence of Nature, and the states of mind necessary for successful habitation of Earth.

Stephen has served as president of the Colorado Association for Healing Practitioners and as a lobbyist on herbal and holistic medicines and education in the Colorado legislature. He lives in New Mexico.

from
http://www.gaianstudies.org/Stephen.html
and

http://www.storey.com/author.php?ID=5...

Reviews

[Janisse Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a complete surprise. I expected a how-to (because it is) but the how-to I got was a very different one. This is not how to write nonfiction. This is how to bring duende into your writing. I highly, highly recommend this book. On the whole the book is mesmerizing, mind-blowing, powerful -- exactly what I needed at the time it showed up. I have Buhner's book on treating Lyme disease and have been following that protocol for a long time. So I was shocked to learn that he's a wacky genius, a deep-thinking visionary, a wizard. Yes, that's what he is, a wizard. Only a small percentage of writers are going to dig this book, but if you are one of them, then you're in my tribe. One small word of warning: The middle sections are sometimes slow. As Buhner himself admits late in the book, he makes a point of repeating important things a number of times, often three. He does it so that the material sinks in. But not knowing that, in the course of reading the book, I got impatient with its long-windedness. HOWEVER, you should know that this is the only book that, when I finished the last page, and turned to the front page and immediately began again. I highly recommend it.

[Taylor Ellwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a writer of nonfiction or fiction, Ensouling Language is an essential must read book on the art of writing. While the author's focus is on non-fiction, the insights he shares can be applied to fiction. As I read this book and tried the exercises, it really helped me look at my writing from a different, deeper perspective. I started focusing on the spirit of the writing, the rhythm of the words and punctuation of the writing, and the intangible experience that could occur in writing if one is willing to trust the writing and let it happen. I can't recommend this book enough to my fellow writers or anyone interested in language and how to work with it.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the writing process I've read in long while. It draws from previous classics (and acknowledges them), but is quite an original.
Most rewarding when read slowly, thoughtfully.

[Azuu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, in no uncertain terms, changed my life. Reading it transformed my relationship with writing and with reading. With grammar, and with the world. Most importantly, it changed my relationship with myself. The loathing, the distrust and desperation, the toxic mix of feelings I had built up around my creativity were brought into my awareness and now I work to overcome them. Thanks to this book.

No book has ever resonated with me, or taught me as much as this book and so I can do nothing but profusely recommend it on this basis. It's a beautiful manifesto that enraptured me - a twenty year old fiction writer, not the book's intended audience I am sure - and inspired so much change and growth.

Thank you, Stephen Harrod Buhner. It's because of you and Ensouling Language, that the dream I've held in my heart since I was a little girl reading with my torch under the covers is slowly starting to come true.

[McCall Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on writing I've ever read because he focuses on the process behind the process--the soul, the imaginal, what it takes to feel a book into being. This is a no bs manual to the writing process if you are consumed from the inside with having to bring something from the ethereal into form. This filled a gaping hole left by my college writing degree (Ugh). He also covers aspects of the publishing process without giving false hopes about how hard (and rewarding) it is to be called to the work of writing.

[Babette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps on of the most remarkable books I have read on the writing process. Even as a reader this holds some deep insight as to what we innately search for when we read. It is the kind of book that lingers with you and grows in you as layers of understanding and recognition unfold over time. I love it and have not stopped recommending to people since reading.

[Jennifer Louden · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far love it, a writing book for people who non fiction like self-help books!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best book I have ever read on the writing process. And really, it could apply to creative arts in general. I'll be returning to this one over and over again. Buhner will teach you how to see in ways you never dreamed.

[Błażej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discounting this book as a New Age-y bullcrap -- there would be nothing easier. But it's enough to stop for a second and listen to the extremely vivid language of Buhner, and something starts to move inside. Some long forgotten, maybe pushed down force awakens.

Buhner talks a lot about truth receivers and dreamers we all carry inside. Entities that if listened to, will show us paths to universal and enlightening truths. A literal reader will not get past the 20-page mark. But all of those who doubt the completeness and finality of current ways of thinking will be moved deeply.

This book is self-evident. It shows that there are movements beneath the surface of things by being full of intangible energy and power.

For me, it is a road sign not only to becoming a better writer, but also a better human being.

[Diane Holcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harrod Buhner approaches nonfiction writing as a sacred art, beginning with the inner process of following threads of inspiration and writing from a trance state, switching to the outward process of completing a rough draft, then returning to an inward state for revision. He also includes information on the business end of writing. This is a dense read; I found myself setting it aside to ponder passages, or explore the writing exercises. The author's voice has a lush literary feel, which hooked me from the start. Any serious writer may want to own a copy. Much of what he writes, I believe, applies to fiction as well.

[Paul Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still reading it, but it is amazing. From the first words, 'I am a Barbarian' onwards, I was (and am) entranced. It is a perfect remedy for those if us who were pressed through creative writing programs and came out clones of each other. Although it deals with non fiction ( and blows all our narrow preconceptions out of the water)I highly recommend this as inspiration for all writers of fiction, memoir, and poetry--it taps into the source of truly wild writing.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may have a large page-count, but I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. As a writer of non-fiction, it really spoke to my heart.

[Tlegge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely insightful! I'm learning a ton.

[Beth Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book - if you're a writer - you need to read it.

[Sybilla Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide for every writer - its geared toward nonfiction, but the exercises in it are ideal for anybody who wants to write well.

[Celestin Büche · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to choose my fav book - this would certainly be it.

[JARROD WARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part autobiography, part narrative, and a workbook for the writers craft from beginning to end.

Anyone who writes should read it. Anyone who loves good writing should read it.

This is a book to be savoured, shared, and put with the reference books in the home library where your are reminded you have it and can easily return to it.

[Tom Weismantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book for writers looking to sharpen their skills. Very different than what we were all taught in school. It’s a well done and powerful book but I take away one star for a bit too much repetition, even though it’s obviously intentional.

[Scott McRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I write some but most of my work is supporting and counseling people. This book is a powerful guide into how to access a voice that engages the deep voice in others. It has completely shaped how I think about helping others council others.

[Aubrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped for and more. I now feel confident to start planning and writing my first non-fiction book! I am sure that this will be a book that I go back to, time and time again. Thanks Stephen!

[Ryan Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very special book. Explores the creative genius clearly and succinctly for budding writers. Definitely worth the read, and many more to come.

[Theresa Jump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Beautiful! Whether that was Buhner's intention or not. Captivating.

[HadiDee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have been dipping into for many months, reading a section here and a chapter there. Lots of interesting rumination on writing, and some practical pointers too.

[Dan Hostetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Stephen Buhner's thoughts flow into his books and reassemble themselves onto the pages so naturally. I feel like I am in his brain, looking out at the world through his eyes when I read his written words. I think I might be becoming more a fan of his writing style than his content even though his subject matter always mesmerizes me.

So a book from this talented titan of verse that focuses on how he would advise budding writers, like myself, to maneuver words into thought shapes is a gift beyond comprehension.

Needless to say I way more than loved it and would recommend it to any serious student of writing. He is a genius. I have learned more from this one book than I have in 7 years of university study.