Question

I'm writing a sonnet... I'm not really sure what a sonnet has to have (how manys words each line, lines per paragraph sorta thing) help?

Answer 1

They are written in iambic pentameter.
They are fourteen lines long.
They have a set rhyme scheme.
They have a turn or volta
They all bear the name “sonnet.”

In order to write a sonnet you must be able to write a iambic pentameter

Answer 2

There are two main types of sonnets - English sonnets and Italian sonnets. Your teacher probably wants you to write an English sonnet. Mikasa is right, they are in iambic pentameter - which means each line has ten syllables and every other syllable should be a foot, or should be emphasized. They are fourteen lines long and the rhyme scheme is
a
b
a
b
c
d
c
d
e
f
e
f
g
g

The last two lines (a couplet) should be the "turn." This means that the sonnet is tied together or the readers take a turn in meaning there. Think M. Night Shyamalan.