📰Narrative Journalism Unit 10 – Feature Writing

What's Feature Writing?

• Focuses on human interest stories that entertain, inform, and engage readers
• Differs from hard news reporting by taking a more in-depth, creative approach
• Explores the people, places, and events behind the news, providing context and meaning
• Utilizes storytelling techniques (vivid descriptions, dialogue, character development) to draw readers in
• Aims to evoke emotions, create a sense of connection, and leave a lasting impact on readers
  • Can inspire, motivate, or challenge readers to think differently about a topic
• Covers a wide range of subjects (profiles, trend pieces, explanatory articles, opinion pieces)
• Requires extensive research, interviews, and immersive reporting to uncover compelling stories

Types of Feature Articles

• Human interest stories delve into the lives and experiences of individuals or groups
  • Profiles showcase the achievements, challenges, or unique qualities of a person
  • Personality sketches offer a glimpse into someone's life, often focusing on a defining moment or characteristic
• Trend stories explore current fads, social phenomena, or cultural shifts
  • Analyze the causes, effects, and significance of the trend
  • Provide insights into how the trend impacts society or specific communities
• Explanatory articles break down complex issues, processes, or events
  • Provide background information, context, and analysis to help readers understand the topic
• Opinion pieces present the writer's perspective on a particular subject
  • Editorials express the official stance of a publication
  • Columns offer the personal views of a regular contributor
• Investigative features uncover wrongdoing, expose social problems, or shed light on overlooked issues
• Travel features transport readers to different locations, highlighting unique experiences and cultures
• Historical features revisit significant events or eras, providing new insights or perspectives

Finding Story Ideas

• Observe your surroundings and everyday life for potential stories
  • Look for interesting people, places, or events that spark your curiosity
  • Consider how seemingly ordinary situations might reveal larger truths or themes
• Follow current events and news stories to identify potential feature angles
  • Explore the human impact of news events or delve deeper into the background of a story
• Engage with your community to uncover hidden gems and untold stories
  • Attend local events, visit neighborhood gathering places, and strike up conversations with people
• Utilize social media and online resources to discover trending topics and emerging stories
  • Monitor hashtags, online forums, and social media discussions related to your interests
• Brainstorm with colleagues, editors, or fellow writers to generate fresh ideas
• Draw inspiration from personal experiences, passions, or areas of expertise
• Keep a notebook or digital file to jot down ideas as they come to you

Research and Interviewing Techniques

• Conduct thorough background research to familiarize yourself with the topic and identify potential sources
  • Utilize online databases, archives, and reputable websites to gather information
  • Review previous coverage of the subject to identify gaps or new angles
• Identify and reach out to relevant sources, including experts, witnesses, and those directly involved
  • Use online directories, professional associations, and social media to find potential interviewees
• Prepare a list of open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses and storytelling
  • Avoid yes/no questions and instead ask "how" and "why" to elicit more thoughtful answers
• Conduct interviews in person whenever possible to establish rapport and observe nonverbal cues
  • Choose a comfortable, quiet location that allows for an uninterrupted conversation
• Practice active listening during interviews, allowing the subject to share their story in their own words
  • Ask follow-up questions to clarify points or dig deeper into interesting aspects of the story
• Record interviews (with permission) to ensure accuracy and allow for later review
• Take detailed notes during interviews, jotting down key quotes, observations, and potential leads
• Verify information and fact-check details provided by sources to ensure accuracy

Structuring Your Feature

• Begin with a compelling lead that hooks the reader and sets the tone for the story
  • Use descriptive language, a surprising fact, or a poignant quote to draw readers in
  • Avoid clichéd or overly broad openings that fail to engage the reader
• Employ a clear and logical organizational structure that guides the reader through the story
  • Consider chronological, thematic, or narrative structures depending on the nature of the story
• Use transitions and subheadings to smooth the flow of the story and signal shifts in focus
• Incorporate dialogue, quotes, and anecdotes to bring the story to life and reveal character
  • Use direct quotes sparingly and strategically to emphasize key points or insights
• Provide context and background information to help readers understand the significance of the story
  • Weave in relevant facts, statistics, and historical details without overwhelming the narrative
• Build towards a satisfying conclusion that ties together the main themes and leaves a lasting impression
  • Avoid abrupt endings or tacking on unnecessary information
  • Consider ending with a powerful quote, a thought-provoking question, or a call to action

Crafting Compelling Narratives

• Develop a strong central theme or message that unifies the story and resonates with readers
  • Identify the deeper truths or universal experiences that the story illustrates
• Create vivid scenes and descriptions that transport readers into the world of the story
  • Use sensory details (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures) to create a rich, immersive experience
  • Show, don't tell: allow readers to draw their own conclusions based on the details provided
• Develop multi-dimensional characters that readers can relate to and care about
  • Reveal characters' motivations, struggles, and growth throughout the story
  • Use dialogue and actions to convey personality and depth
• Employ narrative techniques such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, and metaphors to add layers of meaning
• Create a sense of tension or conflict that propels the story forward and keeps readers engaged
  • Introduce obstacles, challenges, or unanswered questions that create anticipation
• Vary the pacing of the story to maintain reader interest
  • Alternate between fast-paced action and slower, reflective moments
  • Use short paragraphs and sentences to create a sense of urgency or intensity

Stylistic Elements and Language

• Develop a distinct voice and tone that reflects the subject matter and engages the reader
  • Consider the appropriate level of formality, humor, or intimacy for the story
• Use vivid, precise language to paint a clear picture in the reader's mind
  • Choose specific, concrete words over vague or abstract language
  • Employ figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification) to add depth and creativity
• Vary sentence structure and length to create a pleasing rhythm and flow
  • Combine short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones for variety
  • Use parallel structure for emphasis and clarity
• Avoid jargon, clichés, and overused phrases that can distract or disengage readers
  • Opt for fresh, original language that captures the essence of the story
• Use active voice to create a sense of immediacy and engagement
  • Emphasize the subject of the sentence and their actions
• Pay attention to the sound and cadence of the language, reading passages aloud to ensure they flow well
• Infuse the writing with a sense of authenticity and emotional truth
  • Draw upon personal experiences, observations, and insights to create a genuine connection with readers

Editing and Polishing Your Work

• Set aside the first draft for a day or two before beginning the editing process
  • Approach the work with fresh eyes and a more objective perspective
• Read through the entire piece to assess its overall structure, flow, and coherence
  • Identify any gaps in information, awkward transitions, or areas that need clarification
• Eliminate unnecessary words, phrases, and sentences that don't contribute to the story
  • Streamline the language to create a more concise and impactful narrative
• Ensure that the central theme or message remains clear and consistent throughout the piece
  • Remove any tangents or digressions that distract from the main point
• Check for accuracy in facts, names, dates, and other details
  • Verify information with multiple sources and double-check spellings and titles
• Proofread carefully for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors
  • Use spell-check tools, but also read through the piece manually to catch any missed mistakes
• Pay attention to consistency in style, tone, and formatting
  • Ensure that the writing adheres to any established style guides or editorial standards
• Seek feedback from trusted colleagues, editors, or beta readers
  • Consider their suggestions and insights for improving the piece, but trust your own instincts as well
• Read the piece aloud to identify any awkward phrasing, repetition, or unclear passages
  • Make necessary revisions to improve the overall flow and readability of the story
• Allow time for multiple rounds of editing and revision
  • Refine the language, tighten the structure, and polish the final product until it shines