A featured story is a deep dive into an in-depth subject that informs, inspires and entertains. It takes more time and research than a hard news article, but it also allows writers to add their own observations and opinions, making it more of an exploration. Feature articles can range from in-depth profiles of individuals to a detailed analysis of industry trends. They may include a mix of narrative, visual and interactive elements, depending on the topic.
Feature stories must engage readers throughout, and the opening paragraph (known as the lead) sets the tone for the whole piece. It should be attention-grabbing and introduce the main idea in a compelling way, whether through an anecdote, a thought-provoking question or a vivid description. Typically, the story will follow a narrative structure with a clear beginning, middle and end.
The best feature writers use words to paint a picture and transport readers into the world they’re exploring, and they know that every word should count. They also employ apt organization, moving deftly from scene to explanation, and using a mix of voices (like quotes from interviews) and their own.
Lastly, they understand that a strong feature requires thoughtful editing. Writers should comb through their work, looking at it from different angles and cutting out any unnecessary fluff. Then, they should run a sentence-by-sentence edit, making sure that each sentence is carrying its weight. This is where good writing becomes great writing. By following these tips, beginner journalists can craft features that captivate and engage.