📖Magazine Writing and Editing Unit 7 – Feature Writing: Crafting Narratives

What's Feature Writing?

• Focuses on telling a compelling story rather than just reporting facts and events
• Aims to entertain, inform, and engage readers on a deeper level
• Often explores a topic, issue, or person in greater depth and detail than a typical news article
• Utilizes narrative techniques (vivid descriptions, dialogue, character development) to create an immersive reading experience
• Requires extensive research, interviews, and observation to gather information and craft a well-rounded story
• Can cover a wide range of subjects (human interest stories, profiles, trend pieces, investigative reports)
• Allows for more creativity and flexibility in writing style compared to traditional news writing

Key Elements of Feature Stories

• A strong, attention-grabbing lead that hooks the reader and sets the tone for the story
• Engaging characters with depth and complexity, often including quotes and anecdotes to bring them to life
• A clear and compelling narrative arc that keeps readers invested from beginning to end
• Vivid descriptions and sensory details that transport readers into the story and create a sense of place
• Thematic elements that explore deeper meanings, insights, or universal truths
• A satisfying conclusion that ties together the story's threads and leaves a lasting impact on the reader
• Accuracy and credibility, ensuring all facts, quotes, and details are verified and presented fairly

Finding and Developing Story Ideas

• Observe the world around you and look for interesting people, places, or events that could make a compelling story
• Follow your curiosity and explore topics that fascinate you or that you feel passionate about
• Stay informed about current events, trends, and issues that may provide a timely angle for a feature
• Brainstorm with colleagues, friends, or family to generate fresh ideas and perspectives
• Use social media, online forums, and community events to discover potential stories and sources
• Keep a notebook or digital file to jot down ideas, observations, and potential leads as they come to you
• Develop your ideas by asking "what if" questions and exploring different angles or approaches to the story

Research and Interview Techniques

• Conduct thorough background research using reliable sources (books, articles, databases) to gain a deep understanding of your topic
• Identify key people to interview, including experts, witnesses, and those directly involved in the story
• Prepare a list of open-ended questions that encourage detailed, thoughtful responses
• Practice active listening during interviews, allowing the subject to speak freely while taking notes and asking follow-up questions
• Record interviews (with permission) to ensure accuracy and to capture quotes and details
• Observe your subject in their natural environment, noting details about their appearance, mannerisms, and surroundings
• Verify facts and details through multiple sources to ensure accuracy and credibility

Structuring Your Feature Article

• Begin with a compelling lead that captures the reader's attention and sets the stage for the story
• Use a narrative structure that follows a clear arc, with a beginning, middle, and end
• Organize your story into sections or scenes that flow logically and keep the reader engaged
• Use transitions to smoothly connect different parts of the story and maintain a cohesive narrative
• Vary the pacing of your story, alternating between action, dialogue, and description to maintain interest
• Build towards a climax or turning point that brings the story's themes and conflicts to a head
• End with a satisfying conclusion that ties together the story's threads and leaves a lasting impact

Writing Techniques for Engaging Narratives

• Show, don't tell: Use vivid descriptions and sensory details to bring the story to life in the reader's mind
• Incorporate dialogue to reveal character, advance the plot, and create a sense of immediacy
• Use metaphors and other literary devices to add depth and meaning to your writing
• Vary sentence structure and length to create a dynamic, engaging reading experience
• Choose specific, concrete words over vague or abstract language to create a clear, vivid picture
• Use active voice to create a sense of immediacy and keep the story moving forward
• Develop a distinct voice and writing style that reflects your unique perspective and engages the reader

Editing and Polishing Your Feature

• Read your draft aloud to identify awkward phrasing, repetition, or unclear passages
• Cut unnecessary words, phrases, or sections that don't contribute to the story's overall impact
• Ensure that your lead is strong and engaging, and that your conclusion ties the story together satisfactorily
• Check for accuracy in all facts, names, dates, and details
• Verify that quotes are properly attributed and that you have permission to use them
• Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
• Share your draft with trusted colleagues or editors for feedback and suggestions

Pitching and Publishing Your Work

• Research publications that are a good fit for your story's style, subject matter, and target audience
• Craft a compelling pitch that summarizes your story's key elements and explains why it's a perfect fit for the publication
• Keep your pitch concise, professional, and tailored to the specific editor or publication you're targeting
• Include a brief bio that highlights your relevant experience and qualifications
• Be prepared to revise or adapt your story based on editorial feedback or publication requirements
• If your pitch is accepted, work closely with your editor to refine and polish your story for publication
• Promote your published work through social media, your website, or other channels to attract readers and build your professional reputation