There are several reasons one should know how to write a sonnet in preference to other poetic forms. The sonnet has enough rules about structure and rhyme to make it nicely disciplined and self-contained. On the other hand, the rules are not so difficult that writing a sonnet is hugely laborious. It’s long enough to say something meaningful, but short enough to keep the reader’s interest.

To know how to write a sonnet, you need to know its most recognisable characteristics:

1. Fourteen lines long 
2. A rhythm – in English, usually 5 beats to a line, da-DA da-DA da-DA da-DA da-DA, like Shakespearean verse 
3. A ‘break’ at the ninth line (ie there should be a change in tone or imagery or argument between what’s said in the first eight lines and what’s said in the final six)

Usually, also:

4. A regular rhyme-scheme which reflects the sonnet’s basic structure. Italian sonnets usually go abbaabba cdecde or abbaabba cdcdcd. English sonnets, as popularised by Shakespeare, often go ababcdcd efef gg.

Knowing that, here’s more on exactly how to write a sonnet:

First, choose your sonnet’s topic – not the title, but the subject matter. Here’s a useful secret: make it specific. Instead of ‘Love’, narrow it down to ‘How much I love you on Tuesdays’, or ‘My childhood love for chocolate ice-cream’, or ‘The way love goes wrong when you forget anniversaries.’

Then, plan your structure a little. A sonnet describes a movement in one’s thoughts or feelings, not an unchanging state of mind. What you say in the first eight lines is going to shift and develop from the ninth line onwards, and the concept of the whole sonnet may then also be summarised in the final two lines. Scribble a few notes about how you feel the idea should grow.

Lay out your idea or argument in a fourteen-line structure. Don’t worry about rhymes yet. Then, start fitting rhyme and rhythm to the ideas, and, vice versa, tweaking the phrasing, position and emphasis of the ideas to bring in the rhymes and rhythm you want. The title comes last.

For a much more detailed description of the above method of how to write a sonnet, including an example of a sonnet being developed from first concept to final form, see this page on how to write a sonnet – which, by the way, will also show you how to write your sonnet in calligraphy, for even more impact on the reader.

Sonnets are fourteen lined poems, traditionally split into stanzas of 8 lines and then of 6 lines. The rhyme scheme may vary, depending on your taste. Traditional sonnets would have clear end-rhymes and be written in iambic pentameter, although modern poetry has moved away from a strictness of form. Also, traditionally, sonnets would be written about love or philosophy – but that seems no longer the case, modern poets write sonnets about anything!

The key to a classical sonnet is the ‘turn’; which occurs at, or around, the point where the two stanzas separate and the idea is that the exploration, or argument, in the first eight lines should ‘turn’ or be viewed differently – or at least from a different angle – in the second stanza. This has the effect of creating a polarity, or ambiguity, for the reader and their internal resolution of such tension can generate an ‘aha’ moment which is subjective, pleasurable and creative.

The ‘turn’ is often signaled linguistically by the word ‘but’ or ‘and’, ‘however’ etc. although, if you read a few sonnets you will find that poets use a plethora of subtle, and not-so-subtle ways of embedding a signal for the turn within language. Here is a sonnet I wrote about my son – with a very unsubtle turn!!!

The real Down’s question

Hiding’s not possible when he decides to talk to you;

to ask a question like ‘have you a beard?’:- and everything falls still,

or ‘Are you mad?’:- and you pause in the void,

or ‘are you bovvered?’:- and silence abounds

catching your breath because spotlights are on

and you might say the wrong thing:

bearded, or bovvered or mad – Well??

And it’s ridiculous how quickly you blush

just because it’s not so easy to answer

routinely. Beyond the question

lies a sly question, a poke

bringing you live to connection, ‘can you connect?’

and there’s a boy laughing and doing his work.

How to write a sonnet does not require any rocket science knowledge, it requires some skills and for this reason, anyone who wants to learn how to write a sonnet should take time to study it in-depth. While there are several gurus on the subject, the first thing that you need to know is the fact that this is composed of 14 lines and it has to adhere to strict rhyme and have a logical structure. In order to ensure that you get started on the right track, it is ideal to consider the following tips.

• Consider the possibility of studying sonnet examples from some of the renowned writers. By going through these it becomes easier to note how they sound and this ensures that when you get down to doing your own piece, you understand what you have to work with.

• Different topics appeal to different people and for this reason; it is advisable to select one that makes your heart swell with pride. This is the only way to ensure that you write wonderfully.

• Before starting, divide the themes into 2 sections. The first one should be a reflection of your thoughts while the second one should offer a resolve to the problem or alternatively drive the point home. It is important to state that you should adhere to this in order to have your thoughts well thought out and arranged if you want to come up with a unique sonnet that speaks out your thoughts in a precise and clear manner.

• The first section should always have at least 3 stanzas and each should have at least 4 lines.

• There are different types for you to choose from and it is important to understand them all in order to select one that best meets your ideals and expectations. Note that in each of these, the rhyme has to be unique and right on point.

• After selecting one that meets your expectations, the next step is to compose it in accordance to the rhyme scheme selected.

• After writing, read it in your mind and out loud. Request someone you are close to read it as well and after hearing how it flows, you can proceed to make any necessary changes.

• To conclude; if you want to learn how to write a sonnet, it is imperative that you learn to study sonnet examples from others and take the lessons to heart. However, while at it, it is important to ensure that you maintain your originality in order to bring out your style. This will take dedication on your part but with dedication, you will discover that it is not such a difficult feat to achieve.