Writing a feature article involves a lot of creativity and research.These types of articles are different from typical news stories in that they often are written in a different style and give more details and description than just stating objective factsThe reader will be given a chance to fully understand some of the article's topics.While writing a feature article takes a lot of planning, research, and work, doing it well is a great way to creatively write about a topic you are passionate about and it's a perfect chance to explore different ways to write.
Step 1: The story should be compelling.
Talk to people to find interesting stories.Think about how you can talk about phenomena in a new and innovative way.
Step 2: Do your research on the topic.
Background information can help you identify subjects to interview.Online research may only get you so far.To make sure you are aware of the issues surrounding a topic, you may need to consult books.A visit to an archive is required for a historical article.
Step 3: Pick the type of feature you want to write.
Depending on what you want to focus on, there are a number of ways to write a feature.Many feature stories focus on an issue as it impacts people.They tend to focus on one person or a group of people.This feature type focuses on an individual's lifestyle.The purpose of this type is to show the reader a glimpse into someone's life.These features are written about celebrities.How to teach readers how to do something.The writer will write about their journey to learn a task, such as how to make a wedding cake.There are features that honor historical events.They help to root the reader in a shared history by juxtaposing the past and the present.The beginning of summer vacation or the winter holidays are ideal times to write about.Readers can get insight into an unusual process, issue or event with these features.It can introduce them to something that is not open to the public.
Step 4: Consider the audience you would like to speak to.
Think about who will read the stories.Who will be my readers?What types of angles appeal to readers?If you write a profile about a pastry chef, you should write it the same way as if you wrote about wedding planners looking to buy a wedding cake.
Step 5: You should consider the type of publication you are writing for.
If you are writing for a magazine or a website with a very specific topic, such as gardening, you will need to tailor your feature article to reflect that interest in some way.A newspaper may be more open to varied content and is meant for a more general audience.
Step 6: You can schedule an interview at a convenient time.
When and where is the best place for the interview to take place.If they give you a choice, ask for a quiet place where you won't be disturbed for the duration of the interview.You can schedule about 30 minutes with this person.Don't take up their whole day and be respectful of their time.To make sure the time works for the interviewer, be sure to confirm the date and time a couple of days before the interview.Be flexible if your interview needs to be changed.Remember, they are being generous with their time and allowing you to talk with them, so be generous in your responses as well.It's never a good idea to make an interviewer feel guilty about having to change their mind.If you want to observe them doing a job, ask if they can bring you to their workplace.Asking if your interviewer will teach you a short lesson about what they do will give you some knowledge of the experience to use when you write.
Step 7: Prepare yourself for the interview.
You should research ahead of time to get the most compelling questions.Keep the conversation going with a long list of questions.Know your interview subject's background and experience, as well as their views on the subject that you're interviewing them about.
Step 8: Give your interviewee a list of questions.
The interviewer should not be surprised by the direction of the interview.They will be able to give more thoughtful answers if they are given the questions before the interview.
Step 9: Arrive before the interview starts.
You don't want to waste the appointment rushing in and catching your breath because your interviewee's time is valuable.It's a good idea to get to the interview site early.Get your audio recording equipment set up.You should have extra pens and paper.
Step 10: The interview can be audio- recorded.
Take notes throughout the interview, but use an audio recorder to record it.It is possible that your recorder will run out of batteries or memory.If it is okay to audio-record the interview, be sure to ask your interviewee.If you plan to use the audio for any purpose other than for your own purposes, you must tell them and get their consent.If they decline audio recording, don't pressure them.
Step 11: Inform your interviewer about their details.
You don't want to write a lengthy feature about a person only to find out they spelled their name wrong.The spelling of their name is important to the story.
Step 12: Ask questions that are wide-ranging.
Asking for yes or no answers will not give you a lot of information.Asking questions that start with "how" or "why" gives the interviewer a chance to tell a story, relate details or give their opinion.Tell me about a time when.This allows the interviewer to tell you the story that's important to them, and can often produce rich information for your article.
Step 13: Don't be passive.Actively listen.
A good interview involves listening.Do react to what they are telling you by smiling or nodding, but don't give too much of your own observations.People are more likely to keep talking if their audience is receptive.
Step 14: Follow up questions are what you should ask.
When it will be helpful to prompt someone for further discussion is a part of being a good interviewer.You can use your follow up questions to connect ideas.
Step 15: Immediately after the interview, write down your thoughts.
When the interview is fresh in your mind, make observations and notes immediately.What the person looked like, how they were carrying themselves, and the location are some of the things that might be observed.
Step 16: The interviewer should describe the interview.
It can be difficult to describe the entire interview.It's important to get quotes correct, but it can be helpful to read what your interviewer said.Do this yourself or pay someone to do it for you.
Step 17: You can send a thank you note.
Give them an idea of when to expect an article about them, and thank them for their time.If you find you need more information, you can ask a few follow-up questions.
Step 18: You should choose a format for the article.
Hard news articles have a formula that is different from feature articles.The style of writing that conveys the "who, what, where, when and why" of a news story doesn't need to be followed.Pick a more inventive way to write a story.Start by describing a dramatic moment and then uncover the history that led up to that moment.A story-within-a-story format uses a narrator to tell the story of someone else.The story should start with an ordinary moment.
Step 19: Determine the approximate length for the article.
Magazine features run from 500 to 5,000 words, while newspaper feature stories run between 500 and 2,500 words.There are features from 250 to 2,500 words.To find out how long your article will be, check with your editor.
Step 20: It's a good idea to outline the article.
Pick quotes, review your notes, and draft a structure for the article.Determine how you want to build the article by starting with your introduction.What information would you like to reveal first?Think about the overall theme or lasting impression you want to leave with the reader as you get to the conclusion.Consider what can be cut from the story.If you are writing a 500-word article, you will need to be very careful about what you include, because you have more space to write in a 2,500 word article.
Step 21: If you want to open your story, write a hook.
Your first paragraph is the beginning of your story.If the opening paragraph is hard to follow, your reader will not continue on to the rest of the story.A good hook starts with an interesting fact, a quote, or an anecdote.Your opening paragraph should be short.
Step 22: The second paragraph should be expanded on your lead.
The reason for the story needs to be explained in your second paragraph and subsequent paragraphs.Why are we reading this story?What are the most important things about it?
Step 23: Follow your outline.
It is possible to stay on track to build a good feature article if you have drafted your article in an outline form.The outline helps you remember how details connect to each other and how quotes support certain points.Be flexible.In a way that is different from your outline, the flow makes sense when you write.If it seems like it reads better that way, be prepared to change the direction of your piece.
Step 24: Don't tell, show.
It is possible to describe people and scenes in a feature article.The reader can clearly see a setting or person if they are given a description.
Step 25: Don't use too many quotes
It can be tempting to include the interviewee's own words in the story, but don't rely too much on quoting them.This becomes more of a straightforward interview.To build a story and help the reader understand what the interviewee is saying, write around their quotes.
Step 26: You should choose language that is appropriate for your readers.
Write to the target audience of the publication for which you are writing.You may need to explain things if they don't know what you're talking about.If you want to explain jargon or slang, be sure to spell it out.It is better to write in a style that is more personable.
Step 27: Your opinion should not be in the article.
A feature article contains information about a person or phenomenon.You don't have an opportunity to give your opinion on a topic.Your writing style conveys your personality.
Step 28: Allow your article to be revised.
Put the article away for a day to get away from it.When you are fresh, read through it all the way.Think of ways to make explanations simpler.What areas need to be cut out?What areas need more information?
Step 29: Make sure you check for accuracy and check again.
The last thing you want to do is write an article that isn't accurate.Double-checking how names are spelled, the order of events, and other details.
Step 30: Have your reader read it.
Some may argue that this can detract from the journalistic quality of a piece, and that not all feature writers do this.Many subjects want to see their article before it is printed in order to make sure they are represented fairly.You can either incorporate or not.
Step 31: Check spelling and grammar.
Don't detract from your feature article with bad words."The Elements of Style" is the standard for proper usage."The Associated Press Stylebook" can be consulted for style guidelines, such as how to format numbers, dates, street names, and so on.
Step 32: Receive feedback on the article.
You can ask a friend or colleague to read the article.Your editor will give you feedback.Don't take feedback personally and be open to it.They want you to write a good, solid article, and will give you advice on how to change, clarify or expand on what you have already written in order to make the best article possible.
Step 33: A headline should be written.
If you want the initial entry into the article to be reflective of your content, you should write a headline that does that.If that is the case, the headline is short and to the point.The headline should convey why the story is important.The reader should be drawn into the article.A sub-headline is a secondary sentence that builds on the headline.
Step 34: You have until the deadline to submit an article.
Make sure you submit your article to your editor before the deadline.All of your hard work will either be delayed until the next issue or not published at all, because late articles usually do not get printed.