Skip to content

EveryWriter

Empowering Writers Since 1999

Menu
  • Home
  • Reading
    • On Writing
    • Interviews
    • Famous Authors
    • Stories
    • Poetry
  • Writing
    • Writing Lab 101
      • Writing Tips
      • Writing Tropes
      • Grammar Help
    • Contests & More
      • Contests for writers
      • Games for Writers
      • Quizzes for Writers
    • Writing Inspiration
    • Writing Prompts
      • Writing Prompts
      • Creative Writing Prompts
      • Student Writing Prompts
      • Journal Writing Prompts
      • Poetry Writing Prompts
      • Daily Writing Prompts
      • Holiday Writing Prompts
    • Writer’s Questions
  • Publishing
    • Publishing Tips
    • Literary Magazines
    • Book Publishers
  • Promotions
    • Book Promotions
    • Promoting Tips
    • News and Announcements
    • Classifieds
    • Newsletter
  • Teaching Writing
  • Submit
    • About Us
    • Submit
    • Privacy Policy
  • Community
Menu

Cinquain Challenge

Posted on November 12, 2014February 3, 2023 by Richard

Cinquain

 

Each month we are trying to do some interactive posts that will get you writing. I know this is nanowrimo, but we still think it’s fun to interact.

We’ve picked a short poetry form that many of you might know: the Cinquain. I know there are a few different forms of these, but I wanted to keep it simple. I don’t think a fun writing exercise should be frustrating in any way. Let’s see  the best Cinquain you can come up with. Winner will be published on Every Day Poems with a bio.

I’ve picked, what I feel is the simplest way of writing a Cinquain. It is the Holidays after all, and we don’t want to spend a week trying to write a complicated poetry form (in the future, perhaps). For now write your Cinquain IN THE COMMENTS like this:

 

Cinquain:

 

Line 1: A noun

Line 2: Two adjectives

Line 3: Three -ing words

Line 4: A phrase of four words

Line 5: Synonym for the noun in the first line

 

Simple example:

I,
bored, anxious
waiting, strumming, wanting,
to go home to
solitude

Write as many as you want:

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Richard
Richard
Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter  Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.
Richard
Latest posts by Richard (see all)
  • Science Fiction Quiz #1 - May 21, 2025
  • Awakening All Five Senses: How to Write Descriptions That Come Alive - May 15, 2025
  • Comment Contest: Win Promotion for Your Writing! - May 14, 2025
Category: Expired

3 thoughts on “Cinquain Challenge”

  1. Bethany Rohde says:
    November 20, 2014 at 10:40 am

    Daughter,
    Sixty, hushed.
    Kneeling, whispering, grasping
    her mother’s swollen hands.
    Child

    Reply
  2. Every Writer says:
    November 24, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    I like this very much. Do you mind if I use this margin in the next Every Writer?

    Reply
  3. Bethany Rohde says:
    November 24, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Oh, I’m glad to hear you like it. Yes, feel free to use it.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call for Submissions

Open Submissions for fiction and poetry. See our submission guidelines.

Search

Get the magazine and free books

When you sign up you get 2 free horror ebooks and digital copies of our magazine for free!



Latest

  • Capi Irato on HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN: 50 Words of Horror Contest: “The real horror was in her avid determination. “Mom, if you pass those out my life is over.” “Don’t be…” Jun 15, 07:16
  • David Reeg on HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN: 50 Words of Horror Contest: “I withered beneath the violent stare of my enemy. Icy diamond daggers dripped within his bloodshot eyes. He whispered that…” Jun 11, 18:56
  • K. Maier on HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN: 50 Words of Horror Contest: “The murmurs start and dread sews me stiff into the sheets of my bed. Mine is not the only shadow…” Jun 11, 08:55
  • K. Maier on HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN: 50 Words of Horror Contest: “He lays a rose at your grave. You’ve been buried eight days. He thinks he hid the truth well and…” Jun 11, 08:50
  • Demi Engemann Sweatshirt on The Only Love Haiku You’ll Ever Write Contest: “ohhhhh!” Jun 9, 23:51

Around our site

  • Writing Prompts
  • Writing Tips
  • Contests for writers
  • Submissions
  • Stories
  • Poetry
  • Literary Magazines
  • Book Publishers
  • Newsletter

New Poetry

Blindsight by Julie Dexter a poem

J.M Summers’ New Poem Crocuses

New Short Stories

1979, Hungary By Zary Fekete

Read 1979, Hungary By Zary Fekete

Damn if You Do…by R.S. Nelson

Damn if You Do…by R.S. Nelson

 

Featured Classic Work

The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft

© 2025 EveryWriter | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT