Reference
This page provides a quick reference for the different types of writing, and arts.
Flash Fiction
Extremely short stories, typically under 1,000 words (often 100-500), that pack a complete narrative—beginning, middle, end—into a tiny space. Flash fiction emphasizes precision, vivid imagery, and a punchy twist, perfect for teens who want quick, impactful storytelling.
Resource: “What is Flash Fiction?” by Reedsy
Short Story
A narrative ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 words, focusing on a single event, character, or theme with a clear arc (setup, conflict, resolution). It’s versatile for teens, allowing deeper character exploration than flash fiction but less commitment than a novel.
Resource: “What is a Short Story?” by The Writers’ Academy
Novel
A long-form narrative, typically 40,000+ words, with complex plots, multiple characters, and subplots.
Resource: “What is a Novel?” by MasterClass
Novella
A story between 7,500 and 40,000 words, longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. It focuses on a single storyline with fewer subplots, ideal for teens wanting to expand a short story idea without tackling a full novel.
Resource “What is a Novella?” by Reedsy
Poetry
Writing that uses rhythm, imagery, and concise language to evoke emotions or ideas, often in structured forms (e.g., haiku, sonnet) or free verse. Teens can experiment with feelings or STEM concepts (like coding dreams), making it versatile for EIDOS’s poetry prompts.
Resource: “What is Poetry?” by Poetry Foundation
Free Verse Poetry
Poetry without fixed rhyme or meter, prioritizing natural speech and vivid imagery. It’s great for teens new to poetry, as it feels like journaling with flair, allowing personal or tech-inspired expression (e.g., AI emotions).
Resource: “Free Verse” by Academy of American Poets
Scriptwriting (Screenplay/Play)
Writing for film, TV, or theater, using dialogue and stage directions to create a visual story. Teens can craft scenes like a robot’s adventure or a school mystery, blending dialogue with action to bring characters to life. Scripts vary in length: a feature film (90-120 minutes) typically runs 90-120 pages, while a 30-minute TV episode is about 20-30 pages (1 page ≈ 1 minute of screen time). It’s perfect for teens who love movies or drama and want to explore STEM or creative ideas in a dynamic format.
Resource: “What is a Screenplay?” by StudioBinder
Creative Nonfiction
True stories told with literary flair, like memoirs or personal essays (500-5,000 words). Authors can write about real experiences—e.g., a coding project or family trip—using vivid details.
Resource: “What is Creative Nonfiction?” by Creative Nonfiction Magazine
Memoir
A type of creative nonfiction focusing on a specific period or theme in the writer’s life, often 5,000+ words.
Resource: “What is a Memoir?” by MasterClass
Prose Poetry
Poetic writing in paragraph form, blending poetry’s imagery with prose’s flow, no line breaks.
Resource: “Prose Poetry” by Poetry Foundation
Fan Fiction
Stories using existing characters or worlds (e.g., Harry Potter, Marvel), often 1,000-10,000 words.
Resource: “What is Fanfiction?” by Fanfic.net
Speculative Fiction
Stories imagining “what if” scenarios, like sci-fi, fantasy, or dystopia (1,000-100,000 words). Authors can craft worlds with AI or magic.
Resource: “What is Speculative Fiction?” by Reedsy
Journal Writing
Personal, freeform writing capturing thoughts, dreams, or daily life, any length.
Resource: “What is Journal Writing?” by VeryWell Mind
Villanelle
A 19-line poem with five tercets (three-line stanzas) and a final quatrain (four-line stanza). It uses two refrains (repeated lines) and two repeating rhymes, following an ABA rhyme scheme for tercets and ABAA for the quatrain. Lines 1 and 3 repeat alternately as the last lines of subsequent stanzas and form the final couplet. Its repetitive structure creates a haunting, cyclical effect, ideal for themes of longing or obsession.
Example Structure
Line 1 (A1, refrain)
Line 2 (B)
Line 3 (A2, refrain)
Line 4 (A)
Line 5 (B)
Line 6 (A1, refrain)
… ending with:
Line 16 (A)
Line 17 (B)
Line 18 (A1, refrain)
Line 19 (A2, refrain)
Reference: Poetry Foundation, “Villanelle.”
Cinquain
A five-line poem with a syllable count of 2-4-6-8-2, creating a diamond shape. It often describes a single image or idea, moving from a brief opening to a detailed middle and a concise close. Its simplicity suits young writers, allowing focus on vivid imagery without complex rhymes.
Example Structure:
Line 1: 2 syllables
Line 2: 4 syllables
Line 3: 6 syllables
Line 4: 8 syllables
Line 5: 2 syllables
Reference: Young Writers, “What is a Cinquain Poem?”
Sonnet
A 14-line poem, typically in iambic pentameter (10 syllables per line, unstressed-stressed rhythm), with a structured rhyme scheme. Common forms include the Shakespearean (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, three quatrains, and a couplet) or Petrarchan (ABBAABBA for the octave, variable sestet like CDCDCD). It’s great for exploring emotions or ideas with a turn or shift in thought. Teens can adapt meter loosely to focus on rhyme and theme.
Example Structure (Shakespearean):
Line 1 (A)
Line 2 (B)
Line 3 (A)
Line 4 (B)
… ending with:
Line 13 (G)
Line 14 (G)
Reference: Shakespeare’s Sonnets, Folger Shakespeare Library.
Haiku
A three-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllable count, traditionally capturing a moment in nature with a subtle twist or deeper meaning. Modern haikus may deviate slightly but keep the concise, evocative style. Its brevity appeals to teens, encouraging precise word choice.
Example Structure:Haiku
Line 1: 5 syllables
Line 2: 7 syllables
Line 3: 5 syllables
Reference: Academy of American Poets, “Haiku.”
Tanka
A five-line poem with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable count, extending the haiku by adding two lines for reflection or emotion. Often lyrical, it shifts from an image to a personal response, making it versatile for teens to blend observation and feeling.
Example Structure:
Line 1: 5 syllables
Line 2: 7 syllables
Line 3: 5 syllables
Line 4: 7 syllables
Line 5: 7 syllables
Reference: Tanka Society of America, “What is Tanka?”