Tips for Writing Feature Articles

If you are writing for a print source or for online content, you might be interested to learn some tips for
writing feature articles. Writing feature articles can be a fun way to expose a particular topic, to feature a
particular individual you find inspiring, or even share your passions with other people. Your possibilities
for writing are endless.

Choosing a Topic
When most people ask about tips for writing feature articles, they usually first need help with finding a
topic. Ask an editor what kinds of material he or she is looking for from the publication. It can be very
tricky to come up with your inspiration unless you are very motivated by a particular topic.
Look online to see if you can find subjects that are interesting, thoughtful, and exciting. Keep reading the
news and checking blogs for content that might be interesting to write about in your own feature articles.
Whenever you meet someone interesting that you would like to interview in a feature article, consider
giving them your business card and asking them to keep you in mind for future writing as well.

Writing a Good Feature Article

The best way to learn about writing, epecially in the world of feature articles, is to keep reading. The
reality is, the more good writing you read, and the more you practice writing, the more fluent and
coherent a writer you will become. Your goal should be to build up flexibility as a writer and be able to
write about a variety of subjects.
Here are some more great tips for your writing:
 Make sure you quote people accurately and fairly. Taking someone's words out of context might
create buzz about the article, but it would not be fair representation.
 Try to get multiple points of view in your articles. It can be fun to have a completely opinionated
article, but striving for balance will help lots of people relate to your writing and want to read more
about the friction between different opinions.
 This being said, share your opinions! Feature articles are more interesting for readers when a writer
takes a stance with an expository style.
 Find a photographer to take pictures - these can make your articles much more interesting. In fact,
consider taking the pictures yourself!
 Stick to a word count. Many editors have strict word counts so that articles can fit on the page with
no stress - and so that they aren't left with blank space at the end. Keep track of your words and
augment / detract as necessary.
For more tips for writing feature articles, speak to an editor who can help you organize your thoughts.

Building an Audience: How to Get People Interested in Your Writing

When writing, you do not want to alienate any of your readers - keep in mind a general audience. Ask
yourself the following questions:
 What kinds of things would you want to read about?
 How can I keep things interesting?
From the get-go, let your friends, family, and colleagues know that you will be writing. Ask if they know
connections that might be interested in seeing your work, or if they would like to be interviewed for the
articles you write. Even if you have writer's block in the future, you can very easily lean back on your
contacts and networking to produce something spectacular - and you will learn a lot in the process as you
build your connections.
Share your writing widely. If you are doing print publications, consider photocopying bits of your work to
forward to people you know and people you want to write for. You can also consider sending links to
features articles which you write and publish online.
How to Write Effective Feature Articles

WHAT A FEATURE STORY IS - It is simply not a news story. The differences being: 1. Treatment of
issue (news have no room for opinions, feature stories can be opinionated); 2. The depth of research
(news are somewhat shallow, features go in-depth) 3. The style of writing (news are formal, features can
be flashy, informal) 4. Structure of the piece (inverted pyramid for news, normal pyramid for features)

It is not an editorial or opinion piece Features can use either the perspective of a first person to project
engagement or the second or third person to maintain distance. • It is not an academic paper Features are
written in a way that avoids the use of jargons and complex language that cannot be easily understood by
a general audience.

What is a feature article? • Offers insights about people, places, things or events that we encounter daily
but to which we pay little attention • Often exposes human emotion or feelings • Focuses on the most
interesting, not necessarily the most important, part of a story

Is always based on facts, not fiction • Presents and provides the human dimension to an event • It tends to
be original and descriptive; original in ideas and writing skills • It is based on that mysterious ingredient
in journalism called human interest---an event that appeals to us because we can relate to it

QUALITIES OF FEATURES

1. It contains an introduction, body, and conclusion. 2. The contents are based on the writer’s
development of ideas. 3. Can have complex narration or presentation, if “suspended interest structure is
used.” 4. It often reflects the personality, tendencies, beliefs, and aspirations of the writer. 5. It includes
quotations from principal characters, experts, and variety of sources. 6. It can use the elements of fiction
and informal writing. 7. It can use photographs, charts, sidebars or boxes, drawings, diagrams, among
others to reinforce the message and bring life and color to the subject.

TYPES OF FEATURES - Features are human interest stories that speak of people, places, and
situations. They tend to be descriptive and original in ideas and writing skills. But they can go beyond
description. (THERE ARE NO LESS THAN 14 TYPES OF FEATURES.)
1. NEWS BEHIND THE NEWS STORIES An in-depth look at the stories behind a current news. 2.
PERSONALITY SKETCH/PROFILE Profile stories of the rich and the famous. Readers want to know
the hidden traits and lives of famous personalities. 3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STORIES
They concentrate on the latest advancement in science and technology with the aim of informing the
readers and arousing their interests 4. HUMAN APPEAL STORIES They are also called “concerned
stories.” They expose burning issues which need urgent solutions. These stories show the magnitude of
the problem through cases, anecdotes, and quotable quotes. These features highlight the dramatic
condition and experiences of certain groups of people. They are written using heart-piercing presentations
which evoke emotional responses the readers. 5. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES
Historical events and sites can provide readers a sense of identity. By comparing the present to the past,
they can see how time has changed their environment, culture, values and perspectives.
 6. HOW-TO AND WHAT-TO-DO FEATURES They are educational in essence. They provide
knowledge about process or activity. 7. BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT FEATURES They provide
a glimpse and insight on the business world and the development of certain sector or area. This writing
requires a working knowledge and special interest on the workings and operations of the business
community. 8. LIFE STYE FEATURES Changing fashion trends and life-styles makes an interesting
reading. 9. ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES Movie stars, pop singers, and show business events are
common subjects. The goal is to entertain and give relief to people. 10. HOBBY FEATURES They
interest the readers who are into exceptional hobbies. 11. CAREER FEATURES They focus on career
guidance, tips or issues. 12. SEASONAL THEMES These articles magnify the significance and
relevance of holidays, anniversaries, and special events. 13. TRAVEL FEATURES These features
highlight the beauty of interacting with people and places. They offer endorsements and guidelines on
places where money would be worth spending. Travel feature writers demand exceptional descriptive and
narrative skills. 14. INSIDER FEATURE Insiders look at unusual occupations, issues, or events which
are hidden from the public. Readers are attracted to unusual details or “well-kept secrets” about
procedures or activities they might not ordinarily be exposed to or allowed to participate in.

THE EFFECTIVE FEATURE WRITER 1. Is a keen observer; 2. Has an analytical mind; 3. Is a wide
reader; 4. Is a frequent writer; 5. Clearly presents the message; 6. Is eloquent or able to express ideas in a
grand manner; and is a master of language.

THE STAGES OF WRITING A FEATURE 1. PRE-WRITING 2. WRITING 3. REVISING PRE-

WRITING Before setting the first draft, plan, research, gather data, organize information. Planning
involves finding out what you should write about and your purpose. WHAT TO SAY & HOW TO SAY
IT.

Limit the topic. Choose the theme. Narrow down and focus. (THEME, SUBJECT, TOPIC) WRITING
Know the level of consciousness and knowledge of your audience. Find out if they read for entertainment,
information, analysis, or commentaries. This will make your article more responsive and sensitive to the
issues and concerns of the reader. Observe the normal pyramid structure.

THE INTRODUCTION should be able to hook the readers. The body should sustain the interest. The
conclusion should help the reader remember the story. AN INTRODUCTION WITH A PUNCH The
introduction serves as a taste test for the rest of the article.

WAYS TO DEVELOP THE LEAD 1. Question lead asks the reader’s questions which the article
will try to explore and discuss. Who’s does not know Facebook? Did you know that shopping malls are
not safe? 2. Startling statements or exclamation leads to compel attention. a. Freedom! b. That’s
incredible! A college graduate at 12 years old? 3. Striking statement lead is enticing piece of
information in a short punchy format. It adds suspense. If you think that children do not understand
google maps, think again. 4. Descriptive lead can draw the reader into the story by creating a strong
image in his or her mind. The words are colorful and concrete enough for the reader to appreciate
and feel the ideas presented in the story. The island wears a human face. Its tranquility is mirrored by
the blue ocean. Its white sands and waving palms can comfort a weary soul. 5. Summary lead sums up
the general topic of the story (but does not follow the inverted pyramid). At an early age, Andoy and
Badong serve as breadwinners for their families by selling cigarettes and newspapers by day and night.
They represent the growing number of child workers in poor urban communities.
6. Anecdotal lead relies on a conversational tone to create an intimacy between the reader, the
writer and the characters in the article. It is loaded with specific details. David met Grace in a five-
star hotel bar in Bangkok. David, in his tuxedo, was mesmerized by the beauty of the Chinese-looking
female in red gown. “Can I offer you a drink?” the bachelor asked with confidence. The woman did not
refuse the gentle offer. They talked and smiled. That was three years ago. They now have two lovely
daughters. 7. Quotation lead relies on an arresting quote. The selected quotes reinforce the message
of the article. “Honesty is the best policy.” 8. Contrast lead, the writer sets off his subject with two
apparently contradictory pieces of information. This is to emphasize two contending ideas or
events. Three days ago, Mang Kanor was driving his boss to work. This morning, he was seen driving his
own car, the very first souvenir he bought for winning the jackpot prize in lottery. 9. Break formal lead
leaves to the reader ‘s imagination the things that happened in between events. He said he would. And he
did. 10. Character lead, which introduces the central person in a story. These are most common in
personality profiles or stories in which you use an individual to represent a larger topic. Here's an
example tied in to the national park setting: Marvin Wells always seems to have a smile on his face -
even when his truck won't start in the morning.

PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT Some techniques used to develop paragraphs and sentences:

1. Improve the simple narration strategy by magnifying the character of a person or an event. Instead of
saying that Pedro is happy, sad or angry try to reconstruct the sentence by saying that, “Pedro was so
happy that he kissed the forehead and cheeks of Mario and hugged him tight.” 2. Avoid using ambiguous
modifiers such as “tall,” “short,” “fat,” “thin.” Say: “Pedro was so short that he had to climb up the acacia
tree to see the parading soldiers.” 3. Animate verbs and work for sounds. Add color to the actions of the
characters. Instead of “drank quickly,” write “gulped,” walked quietly – tiptoed. 4. Use the active voice.
5. Avoid cliches by reconstructing them. 6. Play with figures of speech. a. simile b. metaphor c.
personification 7. Vary sentence length. This is to emphasize thought. CONCLUSION It is a rule that the
ending of a feature story should be glorious and must show the reader that the time they invested in
reading the piece was well-spent. It must remind them of the main message and idea of the article.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO END YOU FEATURE STORY

1. Summarize the key points of the story. Ex.: Emilia’s message is simple: We, the hope of the future,
must prepare our glasses to catch each and every single precious drop of knowledge. 2. The argument
conclusion mentions the main point of the article for the first time based on previous discussions.

3. Straightforward question is effective in challenging the readers and making them think through the
story. Ex.: Would you let malnutrition take the better of us? 4. Offering solutions and recommendations
help the readers make informed choices. Ex.: It is never wrong to give ourselves some time to relax in this
busy world.

5. Forecast or prediction shows a good understanding of the arguments and the implications of current
situation to the future. This conclusion offers inferences on the future based on the foregoing arguments.
Ex.: Given his determination to conquer his fears, it is never impossible for Dave to become the person he
wants to be. 6. Appropriate quotations are effective in dramatizing the main points raised by the article.
Ex.: Indeed, honesty is still the best policy.
32. POST-WRITING Edit your article for clarity and grammatical correctness. Refine your sentences,
find better choices for words, cut out unnecessary phrases, ensure your story flows in a coherent manner.

43. (Example of “personal experience feature”) (This “personal experience feature” was written by 17-
year-old Filipina, Dahlia Valeroso, who graduated valedictorian from the Ulysses S. Grant High School in
Los Angeles, California in the summer of 1991. The essay, which tells of her nostalgic moments as a
child in the Philippines, having grown up with her grandmother, won for her a $1,000 prize and the
chance to enroll under a partial scholarship at the prestigious Stanford University in California.) The
Importance of a College Education By Dahlia Valeroso It is unusual for Southern California to experience
an outpouring of rain. Hearing the raindrops pelting my roof is magical in itself, yet is made more special
by an outpouring of memories.

44. On rainy days like this one, I sat on my grandmother’s lap as a child. With hot cocoa in hand, I
listened attentively to the stories she told. With humble pride in her eyes, she used to recall the struggles
she and her children had weathered. My grandfather died early in life, leaving her with burden of raising a
family of six. It is evident that even today this would have been a trying situation to anyone. How my
grandmother managed to financially support six children with barely an elementary education is still a
mystery to me.

45. Even more impressive was her perseverance in furthering her children’s education. In a small town
where most people were content with an elementary education, her dogged pursuit of college diplomas for
all of her children was scorned and laughed at by her neighbors. They incessantly asked, “Why would
anyone go to the trouble of sending her kids to school when she barely has the money for food? She’s just
showing off by trying to do what is out of her reach.”

46. My grandmother remained undaunted by these cruel and scornful remarks. She sweated and toiled
immensely every year in order to assure sufficient funds for her children’s education. Luckily enough, she
received full cooperation from all her children, who possessed the same unusual dedication and desire for
further education that she had. They did their part by walking several miles to and from school. Rain did
not hinder them; they trudged on with nothing but banana leaves to scantily give them shelter.
Nevertheless, all the six children refused to allow any barriers in the pursuit of their goals.

47. My grandmother now has three teachers, one journalist, who is also a published author, one
accountant, and an engineer for her offsprings. I regret missing the chance to witness the silent pride in
her misty eyes as each one of her children walked across the stage to receive his or her hard-earned and
well-deserved diploma. Yet, I can see her expression vividly. Is it because of my mother’s clear
description when she recounted the family struggles? No, I must have seen that look in my grandmother
eyes myself. It was last week when I told I was graduating as class valedictorian. Her response was
simply to take me in her arms and whisper, “Keep up the tradition of academic excellence.”

48. My grandmother is now 72 years old. It almost made me cry when she pointed out that she might not
see me receive my own college diploma. Still, I am heartened by the fact that I will bring joy to her come
June 19, 1991, my high school graduation day. Even if she does not live long enough to share my next
triumph, I will hold dear in my heart her request and will keep up the tradition of academic excellence in
my family.