How to Write a Sonnet - Basic Steps

Jeff Mason is a freelance writer, computer system administrator, network administrator, with experience in Windows, UNIX, mainframe operating systems, security and all things technical. I build and design Windows Active Directory networks, servers, workstations, firewalls, secure wireless networks.

My true passion, though, is writing. I also am a lyricist and amazing 'shower singer.'

First thing is first: Iambic Pentameter: Ten syllables per line, light-stress, followed by strong-stress.

Example: The light was bright before the sun arose.

Breakdown: the LIGHT was BRIGHT beFORE the SUN aROSE.

Above you can see how the line breaks down into light-stress syllable, followed by strong-stress syllable - that is a classic example of iambic pentameter.

Break the body lines into three quatrains (groups of 4-line sections), and end it with a couplet (two lines where the last word rhymes)

The rhyme scheme of the body of the sonnet can vary, but typically is: a-b-a-b, c-d-c-d, e-f-e-f, g-g, where each letter stands for a line and like-lettered lines end in rhymes; that is to say, lines marked 'a' end in a word such that they rhyme with each other.

Remember: Iambic pentameter, 14 lines total. The last 2 lines are the closing, rhyming couplet.

That is a basic summary. I will provide more detail in later hubs.