FEATURE WRITING

What is a feature article? A feature article is a creative, human-interest article that focuses on a particular person, place or event. It is found largely in newspapers, magazines, newsletters, websites, blogs, TV broadcasts and another forms of mass media.

What are the characteristics of a feature article? It is journalistic non-fiction, which means it deals with real events, issues and situations. It places emphasis on the people involved instead of the straight facts. It is an in-depth look at the subject.

It focuses on a specific issue but has broad, often universal, relevance. It is written in an entertaining and appealing way.
It freely uses descriptive and colorful phrases, idioms, metaphors and other figures of speech.

The best features have tension elements that dont fit together and dont cry out for a resolution.
Examples: people in conflict, ideas that contrast with each other, trends that have worrisome implications, unanswered questions, etc.

What is the main purpose of the feature article? To entertain.

What are the types of feature articles? Human Interest discusses issues through the experience of someone Examples: a tragic experience, a continuing struggle

Profile exposes different aspects of a subjects personality so that the readers may feel that they know the person Example: Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago

How-to helps people by telling them how to do something difficult, unusual or extraodinary
Example: how to lose a guy in 10 days, how to build your own empire in a year, how to forgive someone when you cant

Historical revisits important dates in history and puts a human face in issues that were only tackled in history books
Example: Martial Law era, Manila hostage-taking crisis

Seasonal Themes stories about specific holidays and change in seasons

Example: graduation, Christmas, Labor Day

STEPS IN DEVELOPING A FEATURE STORY

Step 1: Develop a theme.

Ask the following questions: What is your topic? Who are your readers? What do your readers already know? What do your readers need to know?

What is your topic? Think like an everyday reader. Read other publications. Think back to the past. Think forward to the future. Seek a different vantage point.

Who are your readers? Demographics (age, sex, socio-economic status) Psychographics (attitudes, lifestyles, hobbies, goals, problems, etc.)

What do your readers already know? Read other publications, watch TV programs and browse the Internet for what has been said about your topic.

What do your readers need to know? Are there contradictory sources of information? Are there questions left unanswered? Do conclusions seem to be true?

Write down the answers to your questions.

Develop a theme.
Refine your theme.

Step 2: Gather your sources. Interview experts. Read. Look for sources with different point-of-views.

Step 3: Organize your information.

Core facts 5 Ws and 1 H Documentation your sources Significance why you are writing the story Conclusion the most important lesson in your story

Perspectives contrasting opinions Background why the story is happening Predictions what will happen next

Step 4: Choose a story structure. Building Blocks Presents the major points of a story Useful for descriptive features

Inverted Pyramid

Used for stories about major events or important findings

Chronology shows how events unfold Alternative viewpoints begins with anecdote then generality then anecdote again Wall Street Journal formula 1. Beginning anecdote or illustration of theme 2. Nut Graf the theme 3. Body what is happening, why, whats being done about it and whats going to happen

Step 5: Write the lead. The purpose of the lead is to hook the reader in.

What are the different ways of writing a lead?

Drama Tension Scene-setter Question Promise Anecdote Startling statement Narrative Quote from source Salawikain (Be careful.)

Step 6: Write the nut graf. This is where you state your theme in a not-soobvious way.

Step 7: Write the body. Provide background information. Write clearly and concisely. Use a thread to connect lead, body and conclusion. Use proper transitions.

 Use dialogue. Establish a voice. Use quotes from your source.

Step 8: Write your conclusion. Take your reader back to the beginning. Tell one last story. Pull the reader out of that narrow slice of the world and into the wider world.

 Summarize the entire feature. Ask an open-ended question. Make a prediction.

Step 9: Write your title. Think of adjectives, adverbs and verbs. Pair them off. Pick a part that stands out and describe it. Write down words that are related to your theme and see how they go along.

TIPS FOR FEATURE WRITERS

1. 2. 3. 4.

Use informal, conversational tone. Use jargon relevant to your topic. Use facts to validate your story. Exaggerate and generalize for humor.

5. Use sound devices. 6. Use figures of speech. 7. Use repetition with purpose. 8. Play with hyphenated adjectives. 9. Use ironic descriptions. 10. Show, dont tell.

GENERAL WRITING TIPS

1. 2. 3. 4.

Keep your paragraphs short. Use short words and sentences. Use action verbs. Avoid cliches.