20 Types of Poetry

On January 21, 2023May 2, 2023 By Editor Karolyn HIn Freethought7 Comments

What makes a poem different from a story? A story is written in paragraphs, consisting of (mostly) full sentences and some dialogue. Poetry is written in a variety of styles.

Some styles use full sentences, but often poetry consists of sentence fragments and phrases that are grouped together in stanzas*. Poetry can be used to tell a story, or simply to describe a feeling. Sometimes poems are cryptic, requiring analyzation to determine their true meaning. Poetry can be humorous or intentionally somber. Rhyming patterns* vary and are not always consistent. Meter*, alliteration*, and repetition are frequently just as important as the rhyming pattern. Some poems are very short, only a few lines long. A few famous poems are long enough to fill a large, thick book. Occasionally, poets may play with formatting to display their work creatively on the page.

When I write poetry, I typically write free verse with occasional rhyming. A few of them are formatted on the page to match the theme of the poem just for fun. I love reading poems that tell a story in a unique way, as well as compelling free verse.

Can you match the twenty kinds of poetry listed below to their descriptions? I must admit that I was previously unfamiliar with a couple of them, such as the villanelle (…??). Click on the link at the end of the article to check your answers.

Do you know of any other type of poetry not mentioned here? Let me know in the comments and share which kind of poetry is your favorite to read and which is your favorite to write. Common poetry terms (noted with an *) are defined after the poem descriptions.

Types of poetry (in alphabetical order):

Acrostic
Ballad
Blackout poetry
Concrete poetry
Ekphrastic poetry
Elegy
Epic
Epigram
Epitaph
Free verse
Haiku
Limerick
List poetry
Lyric poetry
Narrative poetry
Ode
Palindrome* poetry
Pantoum
Sonnet
Villanelle

Descriptions (in random order):

Japanese poetry consisting of three lines; may or may not rhyme:
- Line 1: five syllables
- Line 2: seven syllables
- Line 3: five syllables

Fourteen lines; typically about love, romance, or desire; rhyme schemes*:
- ABBA ABBA CDE CDE or
- ABAB CDCD EFEF GG

Nineteen lines; ABA ABA ABA ABA ABA ABAA rhyme scheme; certain lines are repeated:
- Line 1
- Line 2
- Line 3
  –
- Line 4
- Line 5
- Line 6 – repeat line 1
  –
- Line 7
- Line 8
- Line 9 – repeat line 3
  –
- Line 10
- Line 11
- Line 12 – repeat line 1
  –
- Line 13
- Line 14
- Line 15 – repeat line 3
  –
- Line 16
- Line 17
- Line 18 – repeat line 1
- Line 19 – repeat line 3

First letter of each line vertically spells out a name, word, or phrase
Poem with no rules
Usually short; written to praise a person, thing, or event; often ten lines
Funny or shocking; AABBA rhyme scheme; lines 3 and 4 are shorter than the other lines; the last line is the punchline.
Written in mourning after a death; often consisting of several two-line stanzas
Tells a dramatic or emotional story; ABAB or ABCB rhyme scheme
Vividly describes a painting, sculpture, drawing, or other form of visual art
Designed to take a particular shape or form on the page; spacing or layout is often manipulated to emphasize a theme or element in the text, or sometimes make the physical shape of the poem’s subject
Short, witty, and satirical
Short phrase written in memory of a person whose died, often inscribed on a tombstone or grave marker.
Expressive, songlike poem that is centered on emotions and focused on the poet’s state of mind and personal themes rather than narrative arcn emotions
Large portions of an existing text are blacked out to reveal the remaining visible words that form the new poem
Very long poem which tells a story about a character’s adventures, accomplishments, and daring feats.
Shorter yet fully developed story that focuses more on plot instead of emotion or adventure, often with a specific rhyming scheme.
Poem that consists of four-line stanzas* that repeat in a pattern; no set length; changes in punctuation, verb tense, pronouns, word order, homonyms, and plurality are allowed when repeating lines.
- Line 1
- Line 2
- Line 3
- Line 4
  –
- Line 5 – repeat line 2
- Line 6
- Line 7 – repeat line 4
- Line 8
  –
- Line 9 – repeat line 6
- Line 10
- Line 11 – repeat line 8
- Line 12
  –
- Line 13 – repeat line 10
- Line 14
- Line 15 – repeat line 12
- Line 16
  –
  Final stanza continues same pattern but ends with a repeat of line 1 as the final line in the poem.

Poem that reads the same forward or backward with a word in the center as the reversal point
List of things; funny or moving last line

Visit https://karolyneditsbooks.com/poetry_types.html to check your answers.
[I will add any new poetry types at the link above, but you won’t find them in this blog post because I want to keep the post title and poetry exercise intact.]

Alliteration – Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of a series of words in succession

Meter – Pattern of stressed syllables (long-sounding) and unstressed syllables (short-sounding) in poetry

Palindrome – Word, phrase, verse, sentence, or poem that reads the same forward or backward

Rhyme scheme/pattern – Lines that end with rhyming words are identified by the same letter. Examples of rhyme schemes:

AA BB CC
- three stanzas
- last words of lines 1 and 2 rhyme
- last words of lines 3 and 4 rhyme
- last words of lines 5 and 6 rhyme
AABBA
- in each stanza, last words of lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme
- in each stanza, last words of lines 3 and 4 rhyme

Stanza – Set amount of lines grouped together in poetry by their length, meter, or rhyme scheme

Reality Check

On October 21, 2022February 9, 2023 By Editor Karolyn HIn Writing TipsLeave a comment

When you read the term “fact checking,” it probably makes you think of modern, political fact-checkers who analyze claims and rate them as true or false, often cherry-picking sources who support their own biases.

By contrast, fact checking in the publishing industry is an important part of writing and editing nonfiction content, as well as some fiction content, such as historical fiction and fiction that references factual people, events, and places. A conscientious author who values the truth will fact check as part of their research and writing process or hire an editor to assist them. The editor will investigate names, places, dates, events, etc., to verify spelling and accuracy of the information.

Often, first-time or self-published authors make the mistake of thinking that fact checking is unnecessary, or that no one will ever notice if they don’t fact check. In truth, when readers or reviewers notice lazy editing or the lack of fact checking, they will very likely post or publish negative feedback or reviews, which will affect an author’s reputation and discourage potential buyers from purchasing their books. In some situations, authors may also face libel and legal issues.

What type of content should be fact-checked?

names of factual people, towns, streets, geographical locations
titles of factual books and publications
names of factual brands, companies, and products
factual technical and medical terms and procedures
direct quotations* of words spoken or published by factual people

*Direct quotations should be repeated exactly as they were originally spoken or published and surrounded by double quotation marks both before and after. When paraphrasing someone’s words, don’t use quotation marks. In both cases, however, the source of the quotation should be referenced either within the text, in a parenthetical citation, or on a references page/bibliography at the back of the book. Even well-known quotes should be investigated as they are frequently misquoted or misattributed.

For historical fiction, also verify:

existence and usage of specific technologies
historical terminology** and culture

**Language changes over time, and often the meaning and usage of some words changes from one era to the next. Unless your book involves time travel, using modern idioms or inserting modern culture in a historical fiction book set in past centuries is lazy and makes setting a realistic and believable scene virtually impossible.

Depending on experience or specialty, not all editors fact check. If your manuscript contains the type of content mentioned in this article, be sure to ask your editor in advance whether they provide fact-checking. Including a disclaimer on the copyright page is also recommended—one that is tailored specifically to your book. Even the most rigorous research can be fallible, but if an author puts in the effort to verify their book content’s accuracy according to the information that is available, they can be confident they are not intentionally publishing incorrect content.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever discovered any glaring errors related to factual people or events in any books you’ve read.

Drawing Lines

On August 25, 2022February 10, 2023 By Editor Karolyn HIn Writing TipsLeave a comment

HYPHENS and DASHES are the most misused punctuation marks in the English language after commas, in my experience. Have you ever noticed that some writers refuse to use them, while others sprinkle them willy-nilly throughout their work without any apparent logic or reason? Many confuse hyphens with dashes, or think they are interchangeable. In fact, hyphens are not dashes and they each have specific uses.

Let’s get into it.

Why do we insert these horizontal little lines in our writing in the first place? Essentially, their purpose is to clarify phrases or sentences that would likely be misunderstood without them. If you compare the pairs of examples below, you will see how the meaning of a sentence can be changed depending on if or how hyphens or dashes are used.

The Hendersons brought their three-year-old sons to the doctor’s office. (hyphens)

(twins who are 3 years old)

The Hendersons brought their three year-old sons to the doctor’s office. (hyphen)

(triplets who are 1 year old)

My great-aunt, as well as Aunt Lucy, came to the family reunion. (hyphen)

(father/mother’s aunt plus father/mother’s sister Lucy)

My great aunt, as well as Aunt Lucy, came to the family reunion. (no hyphen)

(father/mother’s wonderful sister plus father/mother’s sister Lucy who might not be wonderful)

Small-business owners in the construction industry are often discriminated against. (hyphen)

(owners of small businesses)

Small business owners in the construction industry are often discriminated against. (no hyphen)

(business owners who are short or petite)

Her husband will discuss the check—in process as we speak—with the hotel manager. (em dashes)

(Her husband is discussing the check at this moment with the hotel manager as planned.)

Her husband will discuss the check-in process as we speak with the hotel manager. (hyphen)

(Her husband plans to discuss the process for checking into the hotel while some other individuals speak with the hotel manager.)

He attempted to re-collect his scattered thoughts. (hyphen)

(become calm and rational again)

He attempted to recollect his scattered thoughts. (no hyphen)

(remember fading thoughts)

I prefer the Monday-Friday schedule. (hyphen)

(Mondays and Fridays only)

I prefer the Monday – Friday schedule. (en dash)

(Monday through Friday)

In handwritten text, hyphens and dashes are mainly identifiable by how they are used, not by size, because of the wide variation in people’s handwriting styles. But in printed text, length matters, as well as how each one is used within the text.

Below, the hyphen and dashes are shown in order of width along with ways to insert them in your text.

Hyphen	* Use the hyphen key to the right of the number zero on the numbers row.
En Dash	* Type a word/number, type a space, type the hyphen key, type a space, type another word/number, type a space (AutoFormat inserts the en dash in Word). * Enable Num Lock, use shortcut key combination: Ctrl plus the minus key on the numeric keypad. * Insert > Symbol > More Symbols > Special Characters > select En Dash > Insert > Close
Em Dash	* Type a word, type two hyphens, type another word, type a space (AutoFormat changes the hyphens into an Em Dash) * Enable Num Lock, use shortcut key combination: Ctrl plus Alt plus the minus key on the numeric keypad. * Insert > Symbol > More Symbols > Special Characters > select Em Dash > Insert > Close

When to use a hyphen

Connecting two or more words and numbers to form one idea

absent-minded professor	full-length movie
fast-moving vehicle	owner-operator of a business
six-hour drive	thirty-four-year-old man
She spoke matter-of-factly about her trauma.	ice-cream sandwich
over-the-counter medicine	case-by-case approach

Connecting last names of spouses (double surname)

Sarah Bennett-Johnson waved at me from across the street.

I invited Mr. and Mrs. Mendoza-Harris to the dinner party.

Connecting the ten’s place and one’s place in numbers from 21 to 99 when written as words

sixty-five

ninety-seven

Writing telephone numbers, account numbers, serial numbers, part numbers, model numbers, etc.

Call 1-800-867-5309

Product serial number: A123-B456-C789-D012

Dividing words that start at the end of one line and end at the beginning of the next line (Typically, words are not hyphenated at the end of three consecutive lines; these are hyphenated for demonstration purposes only.)

Portion of book text displaying 3 hyphenated words appearing at the end of separate lines

Signifying a missing or inferred part of a hyphenated word (suspended/hanging hyphen); *I typically try to avoid these by rewording the sentence or including two complete hyphenated words.

Fifteen- and twenty-year contracts are subject to lower fees.

She selected the highest- and next-highest-scoring groups for the final round.

The study included English- and Spanish-speaking participants.

Adding prefixes (check a dictionary if you’re not sure whether a hyphen is needed)

ex-husband	ex-neighbor
extra	example
self-confidence	self-employed
selfishness	selfsame
mid-eighties	mid-Atlantic states
midnight	midsection
all-knowing oracle	all-encompassing solution
They gave their all, knowing the finish line was near.	allowed
re-sent (sent again)	re-sign (sign again)
resent (begrudge)	resign (give up, quit)
register	respond

Creating fractions with compound adjectives

Add two-thirds of a cup of sugar.

The prize of a half-million dollars is up for grabs.

Representing the minus sign when writing negative numbers and subtracting

20–4=16 (AutoFormat will change the hyphen to an en dash when spaces are added, though)

–5 degrees Fahrenheit

When NOT to use a hyphen (or dash)

When the modifier/adjective comes after the noun

Her students were well informed about the rules.

The house was poorly lit.

When combining an adverb with an adjective or participle

greatly anticipated event

very helpful instructions

horribly executed strategy

For open and closed compound words

Chocolate ice cream is my favorite dessert.	(noun; open)
White House staff roles have been restructured.	(adjective, open)
She offered to proofread my manuscript.	(verb, closed)
The cover of my notebook was covered with stickers.	(noun, closed)

When to use an EN dash (width of an N)

Connecting numbers or words to indicate a range, score, time period, or distance not introduced with the word “from”; replaces the word “to” or “through” (AutoFormat adds a space before and after, but they are not necessary)

These books are for children ages 5 – 8.

The Bandits won the game with a score of 10 – 9.

The Age of Enlightenment was approximately 1685–1815.

This company’s work week is Monday – Saturday.

For clarity when compound adjectives include an open compound word

Roaring Twenties–style fashion was all the rage. (no spaces around en dash)

Teachers provided some high school–level reading material. (no spaces around en dash)

When to use an EM dash (width of an M)

Before and after parenthetical and explanatory expressions

John packed all his camping supplies—tent, stove, food, dishes, and chairs—in the trunk.

The United Kingdom—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

After a list that comes at the beginning of a sentence

Guitar, ukulele, banjo—I want to learn how to play all of them!

Indicating an interruption or change in thought (informal writing)

My order was for a BLT—not a turkey club sandwich.

He’s running to the corner with—what is he doing now?

Indicating interrupted dialogue

Dorothy rambled on. “I just don’t understand why—”
“Please stop!” exclaimed Jen, exasperated.

“He should be here any—”
“Oh good,” Luke said, interrupting, “he just arrived.”

I’ve tried to be as comprehensive as possible. If you’re ever unsure whether a word or phrase should be hyphenated, check a dictionary or grammar book. If you feel this post is missing any important hyphen/dash rules or examples, please let me know in the comments.

Fuzzy Details

On October 11, 2021February 9, 2023 By Editor Karolyn HIn Writing TipsLeave a comment

Vague language leaves readers with too many questions, unsure about what the author is describing or explaining. Imprecise language also tends to be bland compared to a well-written narrative. Precise yet vivid language creates a clearer picture of the scene in readers’ minds. The difference between the two can be compared to the difference between looking through a wet, dirty textured glass window and looking through a dry, clean plate glass window. Brevity may often be lauded as the “soul of wit,” but only if the writer hasn’t sacrificed clarity and imagination in the process.

Read through your manuscript out loud and try to put yourself in the mind of a fresh reader who doesn’t have any background information, doesn’t know what’s going to happen later, and is reading it for the first time. When you refer to a character or location, will your reader know who or where you’re talking about? Will they have to reread a few pages to find out? Will they just have to remain in the dark and hopefully make the connection later?

Below are six examples of both fiction and nonfiction narrative that is vague or confusing. Possible questions the author might address to clarify the content are listed next. Following the questions for each example, the content is rewritten in more specific and expressive language.

She reached down to grab a pot and fill it with water.

Questions the author might address: Was the pot on the floor or in the cupboard? What type of pot was it? How big was it? Did she fill it from the faucet or a water bottle?

Rewritten: She bent down to pull open the cupboard door and reached in to grasp the handle of a medium-sized pot. She carried it to the sink and twisted the faucet handle to run the cold water.

I saw the kitten go up to my new boss and lick him. Nick took him to the kitchen.

Questions the author might address: How did the kitten go up to Nick (new boss)? How did Nick react? What else did Nick do?

Rewritten: Out of the corner of my eye, I barely caught a glimpse of the tiny black shadow that streaked across the floor to slide comically into a heap in front of my new employer. Nick’s face lit up and he bent down to scoop up the kitten, who was now purring furiously and trying to lick any part of his human that he could reach. Chuckling, Nick carried him into the kitchen, setting his laptop case down on a chair, and a few pieces of mail on the dining table.

After pressing the numbers, I heard the lock click, then went inside. I entered the wrong code, then did it right, and disabled the alarm.

Questions the author might address: How many numbers were in the code? Did she enter the code inside or outside or both? How much time did she have to enter it correctly? How did she know the code was wrong? How did she react?

Rewritten: After pressing each of the six numbers carefully, I heard the lock click, then grasped the curved handle. I pushed the door open then closed it behind me. A duplicate keypad was on the far wall of the foyer, and I crossed quickly to enter the same code within ninety seconds to disarm the alarm. After screwing it up the first time, the keypad flashed red accusingly at me. Anticipating the blaring alarm, ready to cover my ears, I cursed and entered the code correctly.

When I read the scene that takes place at the ball, I picture the ballroom, dancers, and musicians in my mind. Everything is beautiful and I wish I was there.

Questions the book reviewer might address: What does this ballroom look like? How can this beautiful scene be described in more detail? How does it make the reviewer feel? Why should readers care?

Rewritten: When I read the scene that takes place at the ball, it transports me to a fanciful ballroom, where I find myself gliding effortlessly around to a waltz, in the arms of a debonair, masterful dancer. The décor is fabulous and twinkly, and the ladies’ gowns are voluminous and dreamy. The musicians are flawless, and the sonatas and concertos surround us. Time is suspended, and cares float away.

Unsurprisingly, the discovery of this diagnosis allowed physicians to label women as unfit to handle stress—an argument to limit their exposure to work or education.

Questions the author might address: Did the doctors say that women were unable to handle any amount of stress? What type of diagnosis is being discussed? Was the argument actually used in this way or was it only intended to be used in this way?

Rewritten: Unsurprisingly, the discovery of this new, universal diagnosis allowed physicians to label women as unfit to handle excessive stress—an argument exploited to limit their exposure to work or education.

Today, twenty-seven percent of all funding for energy R&D is spent on nuclear energy.

Questions the author might address: Was the funding by the US, a group of countries, or worldwide? Was it federal or private funding? What timeframe is the statistic from?

Rewritten: In 2016, twenty-seven percent of U.S. federal funding for energy R&D was spent on nuclear energy.

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Author: Editor Karolyn H