Are you a creative writer looking to try your hand at feature-writing? If so, you’re in the right place! Writing a feature article can be a rewarding experience that allows you to showcase your storytelling skills and connect with your readers on a deeper level. But where do you start? How do you paint a picture with your words and keep your audience engaged until the very end?
In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the process of creating a feature article. We’ll provide you with tips, examples, and ideas to help you craft a compelling story that will captivate your readers. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of feature-writing, let’s get started!
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that a feature article is not just a news report. It’s a human interest story that goes beyond the facts. It delves into the lives of real people, explores their experiences, and offers a unique perspective on a particular topic. So, don’t be afraid to open yourself up to new ideas and opinions. Consider yourself not just a writer, but also a reporter, as you uncover the hidden gems and untold stories that will make your feature article truly special.
When it comes to writing a feature article, one of the most important things to consider is your audience. Who are you writing for? What are their interests and concerns? Understanding your readers will help you tailor your article to their needs and ensure that it resonates with them on a personal level. So, before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm and research your target audience. What topics would they be interested in? What stories would they find compelling? This will provide you with a solid foundation for your feature article.
Feature article writing
When it comes to feature article writing, many people don’t know where to start. Writing a feature article can be a journey, but with the right tips and guidance, you can paint a picture for your readers and engage them with your story.
First, consider the topic you’re writing about. What is it that you want to explore? What facts or opinions do you want to bring to light? Brainstorming ideas and thinking about what might be interesting and useful to your readers is a great way to start.
Once you have a topic in mind, it’s time to open up your mind and let the words flow. Don’t be afraid to be conversational in your writing. Feature articles often have a more conversational tone, so remember to write as if you’re having a conversation with your readers.
Setting the scene is important in feature writing. Take your readers on a journey down the street or into a person’s life. Use descriptive language to help them visualize the stories you’re telling.
Don’t be afraid to include examples, quotes, and personal stories. Adding these elements can bring your feature article to life and make it more relatable to your readers.
Lastly, remember that feature articles are not news stories. While they should still be based on facts, your goal is to tell a story and evoke emotions in your readers. So, be creative and let your imagination run wild.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start writing your own feature articles. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to find your own voice and style. Practice makes perfect, and with each article you write, you’ll improve your skills as a feature writer.
Brainstorming
When it comes to writing a feature article, the first step is brainstorming. This is where you gather ideas and explore different angles for your story. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider a variety of topics that might be of interest to your readers.
You can start by thinking about the human interest stories that you want to tell. What are the stories that will really capture your readers’ attention? Consider the facts and opinions that you will need to gather to support your article.
If you’re a reporter, you might want to think about the people you could interview or the places you could visit to gather information for your article. Setting the scene and adding details can be useful in painting a picture for your readers.
Don’t feel like you have to have all the ideas right away. Sometimes it takes time for ideas to come together. Keep a notebook or a document where you can jot down any ideas that come to mind throughout the day. You never know when an idea might strike!
Remember to keep an open mind during the brainstorming process. Consider different perspectives and be willing to change your direction if a new idea presents itself. Sometimes the journey of writing a feature article can be just as important as the final piece.
Once you have a list of ideas, try organizing them into categories or themes. This will help you stay focused as you start writing. You might find that some ideas can be combined or that certain topics are more interesting than others.
Here are some examples of brainstorming techniques that you can use:
- Freewriting: Set a timer for a certain amount of time, and just write down whatever comes to mind without worrying about grammar or spelling.
- Mind mapping: Start with a central idea and branch out with related ideas, creating a visual representation of your thoughts.
- Listing: Make a list of all the ideas that come to mind, and then prioritize them based on their potential interest and relevance to your article.
Remember, the goal of brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as possible. You’re not looking for the perfect idea right away – you’re just trying to get the creative juices flowing. So don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild and explore different possibilities until you find the one that resonates with you.
Brainstorming is an essential part of the feature-writing process. It helps you generate ideas, think critically, and find the unique angle or perspective that will make your article stand out. So grab a pen and paper, and start brainstorming!
Examples of Feature Stories
When it comes to feature writing, there are countless topics and ideas that you can explore. Whether you’re intrigued by an up-and-coming artist or want to dive into the world of street art, the sky is the limit when it comes to creating engaging feature articles. To give you some inspiration, here are a few examples of feature stories that you can use as a guide:
1. Exploring the Journey of a Street Artist
Take your readers on a visual and emotional journey as you shadow a street artist and document their process of creating art in public spaces. Dive deep into their background, their influences, and the motivation behind their work. Capture the setting and atmosphere of the streets and let readers feel like they’re right there with you.
2. Uncovering the Secrets of an Abandoned Building
If you’re looking for something more mysterious, consider investigating the history and stories behind an abandoned building in your city. Research the facts, interview locals, and explore the hidden corners of the place. Weave a narrative of the building’s past and present, intertwining personal stories and urban legends, and let the readers uncover the hidden gems within the decay.
3. The Human Side of a Controversial Topic
Feature writing is the perfect opportunity to tackle complex issues and provide a fresh perspective. Choose a topic that sparks public interest, such as climate change or mental health, and dig deep into the human stories that are often overlooked. Interview experts, share personal anecdotes, and provide a well-rounded understanding of the topic while keeping your article conversational and relatable.
4. Discovering the Life and Art of a Renowned Painter
If you’re fascinated by the world of art, why not focus on an influential painter? Take your readers on a vivid journey through their life, their inspirations, and the stories behind their most famous pieces. Use vivid descriptions and personal interviews to paint a picture that brings their art to life and showcases the impact a single artist can have on the art world.
5. Unveiling the Truth Behind a Popular Urban Legend
If you’re a fan of mysteries and lore, why not investigate a popular urban legend in your area? Collect different accounts and opinions from locals, interview experts in the field, and provide a comprehensive overview of the story. Delve into the history, examine the facts, and untangle the web of myths and truths surrounding the legend.
Remember, the key to a great feature article is to not just report the facts, but to also bring the story to life. Use your writing skills to captivate your readers, and don’t be afraid to add your own opinions and insights along the way. Happy brainstorming!
Useful Feature-Writing Tips
When it comes to feature-writing, there are a few tips that can help you on your journey to creating a compelling and engaging article.
Firstly, don’t be afraid to spend some time brainstorming ideas. Feature articles should be unique and interesting, so take the time to think outside the box and come up with fresh angles. Consider the human element and how your story can connect with readers on a personal level.
Once you have a topic in mind, it’s important to gather all the facts and information you will need. Be a thorough reporter, digging deep into the subject matter to provide your readers with accurate and valuable information.
Next, consider the structure of your article. A feature article is not just a report; it should paint a picture and take the reader on a journey. Make sure to set the scene and create a compelling setting for your story. Use vivid descriptions and engaging language to keep the reader hooked.
When writing your feature article, it’s essential to remember that you’re not just giving information – you’re telling a story. Use examples and anecdotes to add depth and context to your article. Don’t be afraid to inject your own opinions, as long as they are grounded in facts and add value to the overall piece.
Another useful tip is to write in a conversational style. Feature articles should read like a conversation with the reader, so keep things light and engaging. Use storytelling techniques and language that is relatable to your target audience.
Finally, when you think you’re done, read your article again. Editing is a crucial part of the writing process, so take the time to check for any grammar or spelling mistakes. You may also want to seek feedback from others to ensure that your article is clear and impactful.
Remember, feature-writing is an art form. It takes time and practice to master, but with these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating useful and engaging feature articles.
Be Conversational
When writing a feature article, it’s important to have a conversational tone. You want your readers to feel like they’re having a conversation with you, not just reading another article on the street. To achieve this, you should write in a way that is relatable and easy to understand.
Imagine yourself sitting down with a friend or a family member, discussing a topic that interests both of you. Use that same conversational tone when writing your feature article. Don’t be afraid to use personal anecdotes, share your opinions, and give examples from your own life. This will make your article more engaging and relatable to your readers.
Remember, you’re not a reporter just presenting facts and figures. You’re a storyteller on a journey with your readers. Don’t be afraid to open up and let them into your world. Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas. Paint a picture with your words that will capture their interest and keep them hooked until the end.
One useful technique is to think of yourself as an artist. Your words are your paintbrush, and the page is your canvas. Use them to create a conversational setting that will draw your readers in and make them feel like they’re a part of the story.
While brainstorming ideas for your feature article, consider what topics and stories might be of interest to your readers. What are their concerns, needs, and interests? Think about what’s going on in the world around them and how your article can provide a useful guide or a fresh perspective.
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be yourself and write in a way that feels natural to you. Your readers will appreciate your authenticity and connect with you on a deeper level.
When writing conversationally, it’s important to think about the human connection. Imagine that you’re having a conversation with a friend, and write as if you’re speaking to them directly. This will help create a stronger bond and establish a relationship with your readers.
So, the next time you sit down to write a feature article, remember to be conversational. Use your words to engage your readers, be open and honest, share your thoughts and opinions, and create a connection that will keep them coming back for more.
Don’t Be Afraid of Opinions
When it comes to feature articles, it’s important to remember that opinions are a crucial element. Don’t be afraid to express your own thoughts and ideas in your writing. In fact, opinions can add depth and interest to your article, creating a more engaging reading experience for your audience.
Here are some tips to use opinions effectively in your feature articles:
- Start with a topic you’re interested in: To write an engaging feature article, choose a topic that you’re passionate about. This will help you express your opinions and thoughts more effectively.
- Consider different perspectives: It’s important to consider different angles and viewpoints on the topic. This will allow you to present a more balanced and comprehensive view in your article.
- Use examples and facts: To support your opinions, use examples and facts that are relevant to the topic. This will help strengthen your arguments and make them more persuasive.
- Engage in brainstorming: Before writing your article, spend some time brainstorming and jotting down your thoughts and ideas. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your opinions are clear and coherent.
- Be conversational: Feature-writing often involves a conversational tone, so don’t be afraid to write as if you’re having a conversation with your readers. This will make your article more relatable and enjoyable to read.
- Include personal stories: Sharing personal stories and experiences can add a human element to your article. This will make your opinions more relatable and help readers connect with your ideas on a deeper level.
Remember, feature articles are not just about reporting facts. They are about creating a journey for your readers and painting a picture with your words. Opinions are an essential tool in this process, so don’t shy away from using them in your writing. Embrace them, and you’ll find that your feature articles will be more engaging, thought-provoking, and memorable.
Remember You’re Still a Reporter
When writing a feature article, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the story and forget that you are, first and foremost, a reporter. Yes, you’re telling a more personalized, conversational story, but you still need to gather the facts and be a reliable source of information.
Don’t be afraid to use your reporter skills when writing a feature article. Start by thinking about what topics might interest your readers and then consider what you can bring to the conversation. Use your creativity and ideas to guide you as you open up a new article.
Remember that a feature article is not just about the person or topic you’re writing about, but also about the relationship between the reader and the story. If you’re writing about an artist, for example, think about how you can paint a picture of them in a way that will be useful and interesting to your readers.
One key difference between feature writing and traditional reporting is the use of opinions. In feature articles, you have more freedom to share your own thoughts and feelings. However, these opinions should still be grounded in facts. Don’t be afraid to include examples and evidence to support your claims.
Until you start brainstorming, you might not know exactly where your feature article will take you. That’s okay – the journey is part of the fun! Allow yourself the time to explore different ideas and see where they lead. Be open to new possibilities and don’t be afraid to make changes as you go.
Remember that feature articles are meant to be human and relatable. You’re not just reporting the facts; you’re telling a story. Use a conversational tone and let your personality shine through in your writing. Your readers will appreciate the personal touch.
So, when you’re writing a feature article, don’t forget that you’re still a reporter. Gather the facts, be a reliable source, and paint a vivid picture for your readers. Use your own opinions and experiences to enhance the story, but always remember to back them up with evidence. Happy writing!
Paint a Picture
When it comes to feature-writing, one of the most important skills is the ability to “paint a picture” for your readers. As a reporter, your job is not just to report facts and opinions, but to guide your readers on a journey. You need to create a setting and bring your readers into the story with you.
One useful guide for feature-writing is to think of yourself as an artist. Start by brainstorming ideas and examples that will help you bring your topic to life. What can you use to make your readers see, hear, and feel what you’re writing about?
One way to do this is to be open and conversational in your writing. Don’t be afraid to use storytelling techniques to engage your readers. For example, instead of just saying “John said,” you might say “John said, with a smile on his face.” This added detail helps your readers imagine the scene and connect with the people you’re writing about.
Another important tip is to remember that feature articles are about people. Even if you’re writing about a larger topic, such as a city street or a grossman, find a person or a group of people to focus on. Use their stories and opinions to bring the topic to life.
As you’re writing, don’t just rely on facts. Give your readers a sense of what it feels like to be in the scene you’re describing. Use sensory details to help them see, hear, and smell what you’re talking about.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the tone of your article. Feature-writing often has a more conversational and personal tone than news reporting. Don’t be afraid to let a bit of your own personality and opinions shine through. Your readers will appreciate the honesty and authenticity.
So, if you’re ready to start writing feature articles, remember to paint a picture for your readers. Use examples, storytelling techniques, and sensory details to bring your topic to life. Don’t be afraid to be conversational and let your own voice shine through. With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to becoming a skilled feature-writer.
