2. Objectives
The learner will be able to:
• Describe the special characteristics of a feature story.
• List ideas that could be developed into a feature story.
• Explain the importance of organization in the writing
process
• Write a polished feature story for publication.
3. What is feature writing?
• Think of the feature story as a news story written like a
piece of short fiction.
• You must combine the rigors of factual reporting with the
creative freedom of short-story writing.
• The feature story’s form must be more fluid than that of a
news story; the inverted pyramid style won’t work here
because the story needs a definite beginning, middle and
end.
• The readers won’t be able to scan a few paragraphs; they
will have to read the whole story to understand it.
4. What Is A Feature Story?
• A feature story is a prominent news
story written like a piece of short
fiction. The story is usually not related
to a current event, but it could be.
5. Features Evoke More Emotion Than
News
• Feature stories place a greater emphasis on
facts that have human interest.
• Features put people in the story; they make
the reader think and care.
• You can write a feature story about anyone
if you find an unusual angle that captures
the interest of your readers.
6. Types of feature
Generally feature stories are of two types:
• News features, which are usually written as
a follow-up or as a sidebar story that is
linked to a breaking news event
• Timeless story, which does not have to be
used immediately. The information in this
story will be just as relevant if saved for a
future issue
8. Human Interest
• Involves persons rather than things
• Students who win an award or do something significant
such as scoring 1600 on SAT or qualifying for Olympic
Games
• Retiring teacher
• What it’s like to be a crossing guard
9. Interviews
• Usually done with prominent persons
• Can be informational or personal profile feature
• Informational interviews deal with an authority whose
opinions are of significant value
• Personality interviews are interesting because of the
individual rather than the subject matter.
10. Informational Features
• Of historical, social, practical interest
• Basic purpose is not to entertain but to inform.
• History of the school
• How-to features such as “how to buy a good stereo” or
“what to do if you’re arrested or in an auto accident”
11. Personality Sketches
• Develops a total picture of the person
• Attempts to reveal personality through anecdotes
• Looks at mannerisms, actions, dress, experiences.
• Facts readers will want to know:
1. Name
2. Personality
3. Background
4. Physical appearance
5. Environment
6. Hobbies
7. Influence on others
8. Anecdotes, observation
12. Featurettes
• Also called mini-features
• Clever
• Attention-getting leads
• Events usually told in chronological order
• Conclusion is often a surprise
• Short—told quickly
13. Feature story ideas
Talk radio Weird cravings
The truth about goat cheese The best books not to read
Crazy answering machine messages
Beepers, cell phones Coincidences
Psychotherapy Tattoos, body piercing
Individualism
14. Feature story ideas
Foreign exchange students Eating disorders
Part-time jobs Unusual hobbies
Teacher features Favorite movies
Favorite celebrities Fast-food
restaurants
Fashion trends Top Ten Lists
15. The Feature Lead
• The beginning of the story must pull the reader in.
The first sentence must make the reader want to
read the second sentence. The lead may or may
not contain a hook, a detail that draws in the
reader’s attention.
16. Types of Feature Leads
Some good feature leads include:
Narrative
Descriptive
Striking statement
Punch or astonisher
17. More Information On Feature Leads
The best rule in feature writing is to observe no
rules, aside those of basic journalistic style and
structure.
The best lead for a feature story is a natural
extension of the story—nothing forced or
contrived without consideration to the tone or
subject of a story.
The best lead is the lead that’s relevant, grabs the
reader’s attention and fits the mood of the story.
18. Novelty Leads
Following are feature leads, also called novelty
leads. They should be used with caution, should
never be forced or sound artificial. They should
sound natural and fit the mood of the story.
When a novelty lead serves the purpose of grabbing
the reader’s attention and holding it so that he/she
wants to read the rest of the story, it should be
used without reservation.
