The Art And Craft Of Feature Writing
Feature writing is a form of journalism that involves in-depth reporting and storytelling. Unlike news writing, which focuses on delivering information in a concise and straightforward manner, feature writing aims to engage readers through vivid descriptions, personal narratives, and insightful analysis.
The Elements of a Good Feature Story
A good feature story has several key elements that make it compelling and memorable. These include:
- A strong lead: The lead is the opening sentence or paragraph of the story that hooks the reader and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It should be attention-grabbing and relevant to the story.
- Vivid descriptions: Feature writing relies heavily on descriptive language to paint a picture in the reader's mind. Writers should use sensory details, such as sights, sounds, smells, and emotions, to bring their stories to life.
- A clear structure: A feature story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each section flowing logically into the next. It should also have a central theme or message that ties the story together.
- Strong quotes: Quotes from sources can add depth and credibility to a feature story. Writers should choose quotes that are both informative and interesting, and that add value to the story.
- A compelling conclusion: The conclusion of a feature story should leave the reader with a lasting impression. It should tie up any loose ends in the story and leave the reader with something to think about.
The Art of Interviewing
One of the key skills of a good feature writer is the ability to conduct effective interviews. Here are some tips for conducting a successful interview:
- Prepare: Before the interview, research the topic and the person you will be interviewing. Come up with a list of questions that will elicit the information you need for your story.
- Set the tone: Begin the interview with some small talk to put the interviewee at ease. Make sure they know what the interview is about and what kind of information you are looking for.
- Listen: Listen carefully to the interviewee's answers and ask follow-up questions to encourage them to elaborate. Don't be afraid to ask difficult or sensitive questions, but be respectful and tactful.
- Take notes: Take detailed notes during the interview, or record it if the interviewee is comfortable with that. Make sure you write down direct quotes accurately.
- Thank the interviewee: At the end of the interview, thank the interviewee for their time and let them know when and where the story will be published.
The Craft of Writing
Once you have conducted your interviews and gathered your information, it is time to start writing your feature story. Here are some tips for crafting a well-written and engaging piece:
- Start strong: As mentioned earlier, the lead of your story should be attention-grabbing and relevant to the story. It should give the reader a reason to keep reading.
- Use descriptive language: Descriptive language is the key to bringing your story to life. Use sensory details to make the reader feel like they are there with the people and places you are writing about.
- Show, don't tell: Instead of simply telling the reader what happened, show them through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes.
- Be concise: While feature stories are often longer than news stories, they should still be concise and to the point. Cut out any unnecessary information or tangents that do not add to the story.
- Edit and revise: Once you have written your first draft, go back and edit it for clarity, concision, and flow. Revise it until you are happy with the final product.
Conclusion
Feature writing is a challenging but rewarding form of journalism that allows writers to tell stories in a unique and engaging way. By mastering the art of interviewing and the craft of writing, you can create feature stories that captivate your readers and leave a lasting impression.
