So, you want to write like Shakespeare? You’re aiming high, my friend, but fear not—it’s not as impossible as it sounds. The Bard of Avon may seem untouchable, but his genius is rooted in techniques you can actually practice.
From dazzling metaphors to jaw-dropping insults, Shakespeare knew how to craft language that captured hearts, minds, and even the occasional theater critic. Let’s break down how to write like Shakespeare below.
With these SEVEN tips on writing you can sprinkle a little Shakespearean magic into your writing!
1. Embrace the Power of Metaphor
Shakespeare writing is pure metaphorical beauty.
He didn’t just tell you Juliet was beautiful—he turned her into the sun. This guy didn’t deal in ordinary descriptions. His metaphors painted vivid pictures and brought emotions to life. Take Hamlet, where he calls life “a sea of troubles.” That’s not just relatable—it’s poetry.
Try this: Instead of saying, “I’m sad,” go full Shakespeare and say, “My heart is a shipwreck on a stormy sea.” Too much? Maybe. But the more you play with metaphor, the more creative you’ll get. Think of everyday objects and find ways to give them emotional weight. Your readers will thank you for it.
2. Invent New Words (Seriously)
Coining new words or phrases is evident in Shakespeare writing. And, it’s one of the best writing tips for story writers. Ever described something as “bedazzling” or felt “swagger”? You can thank Shakespeare for those words. The Bard was a linguistic rebel, coining words when the English language didn’t suffice. He added over 1,700 words to our lexicon, including “eyeball,” “lonely,” and “elbow.”
Why not try it yourself? If you can’t find the perfect word, make one up! Need a term for that feeling when you finish a book and feel lost? Call it “post-novel melancholy.” Sure, it’s a bit cheeky, but Shakespeare proved that creativity is how language evolves. Who knows? Your word might catch on.
3. Play with Rhythm and Rhyme
Writing like Shakespeare involves playfulness. Shakespeare loved rhythm, especially iambic pentameter. It’s a fancy way of saying he liked writing lines with ten syllables that alternated between unstressed and stressed beats—da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM. For example:
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”
You don’t have to write an entire play in iambic pentameter (unless you want to flex), but experimenting with rhythm can make your writing more musical. Try rhyming couplets for fun or sneak a subtle beat into your sentences. This is also among the best writing tips for fiction.
It’ll make your prose more memorable, like a song stuck in someone’s head.
4. Use Dialogue to Reveal Character
Dialogue writing? Nobody can write like Shakespeare. His characters don’t just speak; they reveal their souls. Think of Macbeth saying, “Life’s but a walking shadow.” That one line tells you he’s spiraling into despair.
In your writing, use dialogue to show who your characters are, not just what they’re doing. Instead of “I’m scared,” have a character say, “My hands tremble as if they’ve seen a ghost.” Let their words hint at their fears, dreams, and flaws. This is a great advice for writing a book!
Bonus points if you throw in a bit of drama—it’s Shakespearean, after all.
5. Master the Art of the Insult
To write like Shakespeare, become matter-of-fact.
Let’s be real: Shakespeare was savage. In Shakespeare writing, we see lots of hot insults. He didn’t just insult people; he turned it into an art form. Take Twelfth Night, where someone is called a “dim-witted knave, a haggard raven of despised feathers.” That’s a burn so poetic, you almost feel honored to be roasted.
Why not channel your inner Bard and have some fun with creative insults? Maybe call someone a “cucumber-hearted scoundrel” or a “twinkling fool of no consequence.” It’s all in good fun, and it sharpens your wordplay skills.
6. Make Your Themes Timeless
Best writing advice: make timeless themes. Shakespeare’s plays are still performed today because they tackle universal themes: love, jealousy, power, ambition, betrayal, and the meaning of life. His stories resonate because they explore emotions and struggles that are as real today as they were in the 16th century.
Think about the themes in your writing. Are they relatable? Do they tap into something deep? Even if you’re writing a sci-fi epic or a romantic comedy, grounding your story in timeless emotions will give it staying power. Write about what makes us human, and your work will stand the test of time.
*In particular, this is one of the perfect tips for writing a fantasy novel!
7. Embrace the Dramatic
How to write like Shakespeare without creating drama. Impossible, of course.
Subtlety is great, but sometimes you need to go big or go home. Shakespeare wasn’t afraid to crank up the drama. Ghosts? Check. Star-crossed lovers? Check. Murderous plots and epic battles? You bet.
Don’t hold back in your writing. If a scene calls for fireworks, give it fireworks. Let your characters feel deeply, act boldly, and speak passionately. After all, nobody remembers the quiet moments of Romeo and Juliet—they remember the love-at-first-sight balcony scene and that tragic ending.
Final Thoughts – How to Write Like Shakespeare
Writing like Shakespeare isn’t about copying his style word for word (or thy for thy). It’s about embracing his spirit of creativity, boldness, and emotional depth. So, next time you sit down to write, channel your inner poet.
Get playful with language, let your characters shine, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some drama. Who knows? You might just create something timeless.
Now, go forth, noble writer, and conquer the blank page!
