8.1 Elements of compelling feature stories

Feature stories captivate readers through creative storytelling, evoking emotions and exploring complex themes. Unlike hard news, features dive deep into characters, employ narrative arcs, and use vivid descriptions to immerse readers in the story.

Feature writers seek unique angles, from human interest to untold stories, and conduct extensive research. Immersive reporting techniques and in-depth interviews help create rich, nuanced narratives that provide lasting value and impact for readers.

Engaging Feature Story Components

Evoking Emotion through Storytelling

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• Feature stories aim to evoke an emotional response in the reader through the use of creative storytelling techniques, sensory details, and a strong narrative arc
• The lede of a feature story should be compelling and draw the reader in, often using an anecdotal or descriptive approach rather than the traditional inverted pyramid structure (e.g., beginning with a vivid scene or character introduction)
• The conclusion of a feature story should leave a lasting impact on the reader, often circling back to the initial hook or providing a thought-provoking takeaway (e.g., ending with a poignant quote or reflection)

Focusing on Characters and Themes

• Feature stories rely heavily on character development, focusing on the people involved in the story and their unique experiences, perspectives, and emotions
  • Interviews and observations help to create well-rounded, relatable characters
  • Character arcs and transformations can be used to drive the narrative forward
• Effective feature stories have a strong central theme or message that resonates with readers and provides insight into a particular issue, event, or human experience (e.g., resilience, social justice, personal growth)
• Vivid descriptions and sensory details are essential in feature writing to create a sense of place and atmosphere, allowing readers to feel immersed in the story (e.g., describing the sights, sounds, and smells of a location)

Crafting a Narrative Arc

• The structure of a feature story often follows a narrative arc, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and may employ techniques such as foreshadowing, suspense, and resolution
  • The beginning sets the stage and introduces the main characters and conflict
  • The middle develops the characters, explores the central theme, and builds tension
  • The end provides a resolution or reflection on the story's events and implications
• Pacing and rhythm are important considerations in feature writing, with writers varying sentence length, paragraph structure, and scene transitions to create a compelling flow

Feature vs Hard News

Storytelling Approach

• Hard news reporting focuses on delivering timely, factual information about current events, while feature writing takes a more in-depth, creative approach to storytelling
• Feature stories often have a longer shelf life than hard news articles, as they explore evergreen topics or provide fresh perspectives on issues that may not be tied to a specific event

Structure and Style

• Hard news reporting relies on the inverted pyramid structure, prioritizing the most important information at the beginning of the article, while feature writing employs a more flexible, narrative-driven structure
• Feature writing allows for more subjectivity and interpretation than hard news reporting, which strives for objectivity and impartiality in presenting facts
• Hard news articles are typically shorter and more concise than feature stories, which have the space to explore topics in greater depth and detail

Research and Reporting

• Feature writing often involves more extensive research, interviews, and immersive reporting techniques compared to hard news reporting, which may rely more heavily on official sources and press releases
  • Feature writers may spend weeks or months researching a story, conducting interviews, and gathering background information
  • Immersive reporting techniques, such as participant observation or embedding with a community, are more common in feature writing than hard news

Unique Angles for Feature Stories

Human Interest and Unconventional Perspectives

• Look for the human interest element in a story, focusing on the individuals involved and their unique experiences, challenges, or triumphs (e.g., a profile of a community leader or a survivor's journey)
• Consider unconventional or contrarian perspectives on a topic, challenging common assumptions or presenting a fresh viewpoint that goes against the grain (e.g., exploring the benefits of a controversial practice or policy)

Trends, Patterns, and Untold Stories

• Identify trends or patterns that emerge from seemingly disparate events or phenomena, and use these connections to develop a compelling narrative thread (e.g., the rise of a new social movement or the impact of a technological advancement)
• Seek out untold stories or underrepresented voices, giving a platform to individuals or communities whose experiences may have been overlooked in mainstream media coverage (e.g., the struggles of a marginalized group or the triumphs of an unsung hero)

Historical Connections and Behind-the-Scenes Access

• Use anniversaries, milestones, or historical parallels as a hook to explore the lasting impact or relevance of a particular event or issue (e.g., revisiting a significant moment in history or comparing current events to past occurrences)
• Employ a "behind the scenes" approach, offering readers an inside look at a process, institution, or subculture that is typically hidden from public view (e.g., the inner workings of a specialized industry or the daily life of a unique community)

Exploring the "Why" and Implications

• Explore the "why" behind an event or issue, delving into the underlying causes, motivations, or implications that may not be immediately apparent (e.g., examining the root causes of a social problem or the potential long-term effects of a new policy)
• Look for stories that shed light on broader societal issues or universal human experiences, using specific examples to illustrate larger themes or trends (e.g., a personal story that reflects a wider cultural shift or a local event that symbolizes a national debate)

Research for Feature Writing

Developing Deep Understanding

• Thorough research helps feature writers develop a deep understanding of their subject matter, enabling them to provide context, nuance, and insight in their storytelling
• Effective feature writers often employ a combination of primary and secondary research methods, such as reviewing documents, analyzing data, and visiting relevant locations or events

Immersive Reporting Techniques

• Immersive reporting techniques, such as participant observation or embedding with a community, allow feature writers to capture the authentic voices, experiences, and details that bring a story to life
• Immersive reporting allows feature writers to capture sensory details and vivid descriptions that transport readers into the world of the story and create a sense of emotional connection (e.g., describing the atmosphere of a community gathering or the emotions of a key character)

Conducting Interviews and Fact-Checking

• Conducting extensive interviews with a wide range of sources, including experts, stakeholders, and individuals directly affected by an issue, helps feature writers paint a comprehensive and balanced picture of their topic
  • Interviews can provide valuable quotes, anecdotes, and insights that enrich the storytelling
  • Talking to a diverse range of sources helps to ensure that multiple perspectives are represented
• Fact-checking and verifying information is crucial in feature writing to maintain accuracy and credibility, especially when dealing with complex or sensitive subject matter
  • Writers should cross-reference information from multiple sources and seek out official documents or data to support their reporting
  • Fact-checking helps to build trust with readers and protect the integrity of the story

Setting Feature Stories Apart

• The depth and quality of research and reporting in a feature story can set it apart from more superficial or cursory treatments of a topic, providing lasting value and impact for readers
• Well-researched feature stories have the potential to influence public opinion, spark meaningful conversations, and drive social change by providing a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of a subject