Mastering The Art Of Feature Writing

Welcome to the exciting world of feature writing! Are you ready to dive in and learn how to craft compelling, engaging, and unforgettable stories? This guide, inspired by the expertise of journalist and former news anchor Lana Harris, will walk you through every step of the process. We'll cover brainstorming, research, execution, and everything in between. Whether you're a budding journalist, a student, or simply someone who loves to write, this is your roadmap to creating captivating feature stories.

Unveiling the Magic of Feature Stories

Feature stories are the heart and soul of any publication. They go beyond the straightforward reporting of facts and delve into the intricate details, the human element, and the compelling narratives that make a story truly resonate with readers. Unlike hard news, which focuses on immediacy and brevity, feature stories have the luxury of time and space. They allow for deeper exploration, more vivid descriptions, and the opportunity to paint a picture with words. Think of them as the novels of journalism, the documentaries of the written word. They entertain, inform, and often inspire. Feature writing gives you the chance to really dig into a subject, to explore it from all angles, and to connect with your audience on a personal level. It is a fantastic opportunity to share information, but it is also a way to connect with people and show them something new. Feature writing requires a different skillset and approach compared to breaking news. It values creativity, narrative structure, and in-depth reporting. The best feature stories are not just about what happened, but also why it happened, and what it means for the people involved. They engage the reader's emotions, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impression. That's the power of a well-crafted feature story.

Feature writing is more than just a job; it's an art form. It's about finding the story within the story, the human connection that brings the narrative to life. To excel in this field, you must be a keen observer, a skilled interviewer, and a passionate storyteller. You must have a strong command of language, an ability to structure a compelling narrative, and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and ethical reporting. The power of a feature story lies in its ability to transport readers to another world, to make them feel empathy, anger, joy, or any other emotion. It's about creating a connection, a bond between the writer, the subject, and the audience. And it's not just about what you write, but how you write it. The tone, the style, and the voice of the writer are just as important as the facts themselves. It is really important to know your audience and the context of the story, as this helps you tailor your approach to the feature article accordingly. The ability to grab attention is a really important ability to develop, and is something that can be applied to all forms of writing. Remember, the goal of a feature article is not just to inform, but also to entertain and engage.

Brainstorming and Idea Generation

The first step in writing a feature article is finding your story. This often starts with brainstorming. Think about topics that genuinely interest you, subjects you're passionate about, and issues you want to explore. Consider the news, the trends, and the stories that are being talked about. Look for the unique angles, the untold stories, and the human experiences that can make your article stand out. Brainstorming is the initial spark that ignites the whole process. There are many ways to start. You can make a list, draw a mind map, or just start writing down any ideas that come to mind. Don't censor yourself during this phase; let your thoughts flow freely, even if some ideas seem far-fetched or uninteresting at first. You might be surprised where your brainstorming sessions take you. Once you have a collection of potential topics, it's time to refine your ideas. Think about the target audience, the available resources, and the overall scope of your article. Is your topic timely and relevant? Is it something that people will want to read? Do you have access to the necessary sources and information? Consider the practicality of each idea and evaluate its potential for a compelling story. This is also the stage where you want to figure out your angle. What is your unique perspective on this topic? What makes your story different from everything else out there? Find the most interesting and unique point of view, and build your feature around it.

Before you commit, it's important to assess the feasibility of each idea. Can you realistically research and write this story within the given timeframe? Do you have access to credible sources and enough information to support your claims? Are there any ethical considerations or potential challenges that you need to be aware of? Once you have selected your topic and have a solid idea in mind, you are ready to begin. The brainstorming process is not a one-time event but a continuous process. You can revisit your brainstorm ideas at any point during your writing process, as you gather more information and gain new insights. Embrace the fluidity of the process. Be open to new ideas and willing to change your approach as needed. Be flexible. The best ideas often come when you least expect them. You may find that your initial idea evolves and transforms as you delve deeper into research and writing.

Conducting Thorough Research

Research is the backbone of any great feature story. It’s where you gather the information, the facts, the details, and the insights that will bring your story to life. You need to become an expert on your topic. Start by gathering as much background information as possible. Read books, articles, and reports. Watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, and explore online resources. The more you know about your topic, the better equipped you will be to write a compelling story. One of the most important things that you will need to do is identify and talk to the people who can offer unique perspectives. Conduct interviews with experts, eyewitnesses, and people who have a personal connection to the story. Prepare a list of questions in advance, but be flexible and open to following unexpected leads. Pay close attention to detail during the interviews. Take notes, record the conversations (with permission), and gather quotes and anecdotes that will enhance your story. Your sources are the heart of the story. They give it authenticity, credibility, and make it more interesting for the readers. However, it's also important to make sure that you are being ethical, and verifying the information you receive to make sure it is accurate. This is crucial for maintaining your credibility as a writer and building trust with your audience.

Remember, your goal is not just to report facts but also to uncover the human element of the story. Listen actively and pay attention to what your sources are saying, as well as how they are saying it. Look for the emotional connections, the personal experiences, and the unique perspectives that will make your story stand out. Use a variety of resources, including credible websites, academic journals, and government documents. Cross-reference information from different sources to ensure accuracy and look for any inconsistencies. Document everything. Keep track of your sources, your interview notes, and any other relevant information. This will help you to avoid plagiarism, and also help you cite your sources properly. The more research you do, the more you will understand your topic. You will start to see the connections, the patterns, and the nuances that will allow you to tell a compelling and informative story. It's a journey of discovery. Be open to new ideas, and don't be afraid to change your mind as you learn more. Always remember that good research is the key to creating a feature story that will inform and inspire your readers.

Structuring Your Feature Story

Structuring your feature story is like designing a building. You need a solid foundation, a clear framework, and an engaging layout to keep your audience interested. There is no one-size-fits-all structure for feature stories, as the best structure will depend on your topic, your angle, and your target audience. However, there are some common structures that work well. A typical feature story begins with an introduction. Your introduction is the hook that captures the reader's attention and makes them want to keep reading. Start with a compelling anecdote, a thought-provoking quote, or a vivid description that sets the scene. Keep it short and to the point, and don't give away too much information. You want to pique the reader's curiosity, not give them everything at once. From the introduction, move into the body of your story. Organize your article into logical sections and paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of your topic. Use headings and subheadings to break up the text and guide the reader through the story. Use a narrative approach where you tell the story by moving your reader from the beginning, through the middle, to the end of your story. This is useful for feature stories.

Weave together quotes, anecdotes, and observations to create a rich and engaging narrative. Use strong verbs, vivid descriptions, and sensory details to bring your story to life. Vary your sentence structure and paragraph length to keep your reader interested. Use transitions to smoothly move from one idea to the next. The order of information should follow a clear and logical flow. Begin with the most important information and then elaborate on it, or you could build the story in a chronological format. It depends on your article. Always try to keep the reader interested, so it's a good idea to consider techniques that can assist with this. If you are going to interview someone, think about how you can incorporate the information into your story in a way that is impactful. This can be achieved through different points of view. Your goal is to keep the reader engaged, so think about what format would do this most effectively. The ending is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. Tie up any loose ends, offer a final thought, or leave the reader with a sense of closure. You might use a powerful quote, a poignant observation, or a call to action. Whatever you do, make sure that your ending is as compelling as your beginning.

Writing and Refining Your Feature Story

Writing is where you put everything together: your research, your structure, and your creativity. You'll bring your story to life with words. Start by writing a draft. Don't worry about perfection at this stage. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper. Write freely, without worrying about grammar, spelling, or style. Just let the words flow. Writing is very hard work, and you need to give yourself space to get it done. Once you have a complete draft, it's time to revise. Review your work carefully, looking for areas where you can improve your writing. Edit for clarity, conciseness, and accuracy. Remove any unnecessary words or phrases. Make sure that your sentences are clear and your paragraphs are well-organized. Revise the structure and organization, adding headings and subheadings. Cut anything that doesn’t contribute to the story. If there is a section that is out of place, move it, and make sure that it flows smoothly.

Always remember to check your facts and ensure that everything is accurate. If you are quoting someone, make sure the quotes are accurate. When you are editing, focus on clarity, accuracy, and flow. Read your story aloud to check for any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors. Make sure that you are engaging with the reader. Is the tone appropriate? Are you using the best words possible? Can your reader understand what you are trying to say? Proofread your work meticulously. Check for any typos, spelling errors, or grammatical mistakes. Get a second pair of eyes to read your story. Ask a friend, a colleague, or an editor to provide feedback on your writing. Look for any areas where you can improve your story. Accept the criticism and use it to make your story even better. Always remember that good writing is a process. It takes time, effort, and revision to create a polished, compelling feature story. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to take risks, and to find your own voice as a writer.

Ethical Considerations in Feature Writing

Ethical considerations are paramount in journalism, especially when crafting feature stories. You're not just reporting facts; you're often exploring sensitive topics and delving into the lives of individuals. It's crucial to approach your work with integrity, fairness, and a deep respect for your sources and subjects. One of the primary ethical responsibilities is to obtain informed consent. Before interviewing anyone or using their story, you need to explain the purpose of your interview, how their information will be used, and the potential risks and benefits of participating. Be transparent about your intentions and the publication you're working for. Avoid any form of deception. Do not misrepresent yourself, your purpose, or your affiliations. Be truthful in your reporting and avoid any form of plagiarism or fabrication. Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else's work as your own. Fabrication is the act of creating false information or stories. Both are serious ethical violations that can ruin your reputation and lead to serious consequences. When dealing with sensitive topics, exercise caution and sensitivity. Avoid sensationalism and exploitation. Protect the privacy of your sources and subjects, and avoid revealing personal information that could put them at risk.

Be mindful of the potential impact of your story on the people involved. Consider the cultural context and be respectful of different viewpoints. Fairness and balance are also essential. Strive to present all sides of the story fairly and accurately. Give all relevant parties a chance to respond to any allegations or criticisms. Avoid bias and prejudice in your writing. Always be mindful of your own biases and try to present the story objectively. The goal of feature writing is to inform and educate. Stick to the facts, avoid speculation, and focus on providing accurate and reliable information. Always double-check your facts. Fact-checking is an important component of ethical journalism. Verify all information before publication. It's a crucial part of any journalist's job. Correct any errors promptly and transparently. If a mistake is made, acknowledge it and issue a correction as soon as possible. Adhering to ethical principles is not just about avoiding legal issues; it is about building trust with your audience. Ethical journalism is a public service. By upholding these standards, you can create stories that inform, enlighten, and inspire readers while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

Final Touches and Publication

As you approach the final stages of your feature writing journey, remember that the smallest details can make a big difference. Before you submit your story, carefully proofread it. Check for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos that you might have missed during previous editing rounds. It’s also very important to check for factual errors, as these can severely undermine your credibility. Check for quotes and make sure that you are attributing them properly. Ensure that all the sources and information is accurate, before sending it. Get a second pair of eyes to look over your work before you send it. Ask a friend, colleague, or editor to read your story and provide feedback. Getting an outside perspective can help you catch any mistakes or areas that need improvement. When you're happy with your story, you're ready to submit it for publication. Follow the submission guidelines for the publication you're targeting. Pay attention to the length requirements, the style preferences, and any other specific instructions.

Prepare a compelling pitch. Summarize your story, highlight its key features, and explain why it is relevant to the publication's audience. Be professional and courteous in your communications. Respond promptly to any inquiries and be willing to revise your story as needed. The final stage is publication. When your story is published, share it with your audience. Promote your work on social media, in your email newsletter, or other relevant platforms. Respond to any feedback or questions from readers. Engaging with your audience can help you build relationships and gain valuable insights for your future writing. Your goal is to inform, engage, and inspire your readers. A well-written feature story can have a profound impact. It can educate, entertain, and even change the world. By following these steps and honing your craft, you can become a feature writer. Embrace the process, be patient, and enjoy the journey.

Conclusion

Feature writing is a challenging but rewarding craft. It requires creativity, research, and a commitment to storytelling. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can write compelling feature stories that will captivate your readers. Remember to be curious, ask questions, and never stop learning. Keep practicing your writing skills, and don't be afraid to experiment. With time and effort, you can develop your own unique voice and style as a feature writer.

Further Resources:

• The Society of Professional Journalists: (https://www.spj.org/) - This website offers valuable resources, guidelines, and ethical standards for journalists, including those interested in feature writing.