Honors Journalism

🎙️Honors Journalism Unit 10 – Feature Writing and Human Interest Stories

Feature writing is a captivating form of journalism that goes beyond hard news to tell compelling stories. This unit explores the art of crafting engaging narratives that entertain, inspire, and evoke emotions in readers through in-depth coverage of people, events, and issues. From human interest stories to investigative features, this unit covers various types of feature articles and their unique characteristics. Students will learn essential skills like research techniques, interview strategies, and narrative crafting to create immersive and impactful stories that resonate with audiences.

What's Feature Writing?

  • Focuses on storytelling and human experiences rather than breaking news or hard facts
  • Aims to entertain, inspire, or evoke emotions in readers
  • Provides in-depth coverage of a particular topic, event, or person
  • Employs creative writing techniques (vivid descriptions, dialogue, and narrative structure)
  • Requires extensive research and interviews to gather information and insights
  • Often longer than traditional news articles, allowing for more detail and context
  • Can be timely or evergreen, depending on the subject matter and angle

Types of Feature Stories

  • Human interest stories delve into the lives and experiences of individuals or groups
  • Profile pieces offer an in-depth look at a particular person, often a public figure or someone with a unique story
  • Trend stories explore emerging patterns, behaviors, or phenomena in society
  • Explanatory features break down complex issues or processes for readers
    • Provide background information and context to help readers understand the topic
    • Use analogies, examples, and visual aids to make the content more accessible
  • Investigative features uncover hidden truths or shed light on controversial issues through extensive research and reporting
  • Seasonal stories tie into holidays, anniversaries, or other recurring events
  • Behind-the-scenes features offer readers a glimpse into the inner workings of an organization, event, or industry

Anatomy of a Human Interest Story

  • Lead captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for the story
    • Can be anecdotal, descriptive, or a compelling quote
    • Should hint at the central theme or conflict of the story
  • Nut graph summarizes the main point or takeaway of the story
  • Body provides details, background information, and supporting quotes or anecdotes
    • Follows a narrative arc with rising action, climax, and resolution
    • Uses descriptive language to create vivid scenes and characters
  • Conclusion ties the story together and leaves the reader with a lasting impression
    • Can circle back to the lead or offer a final insight or observation
  • Sidebars offer additional information or resources related to the main story (timelines, fact boxes, or expert opinions)

Research and Interview Techniques

  • Conduct thorough background research on the topic, subject, or event
    • Consult primary sources (documents, records, or firsthand accounts)
    • Review secondary sources (news articles, books, or academic papers)
  • Identify and secure interviews with key sources, including experts, witnesses, or people directly involved in the story
  • Prepare open-ended questions that encourage sources to share their experiences and insights
  • Practice active listening during interviews and ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on important points
  • Record interviews (with permission) to ensure accuracy and allow for direct quotes
  • Verify information and claims made by sources through additional research or fact-checking

Crafting Compelling Narratives

  • Begin with a strong lead that hooks the reader and establishes the central conflict or theme
  • Use a clear and logical structure that guides the reader through the story
    • Chronological order for stories with a clear timeline
    • Thematic organization for stories exploring multiple aspects of a topic
  • Employ vivid descriptions and sensory details to create immersive scenes
  • Incorporate dialogue to bring characters to life and reveal their personalities
  • Use pacing and transitions to maintain momentum and flow between sections
  • Build tension and anticipation leading up to the climax or turning point of the story
  • Provide a satisfying resolution that ties together the main threads of the narrative

Style and Voice in Feature Writing

  • Develop a distinct voice that reflects your personality and the tone of the story
    • Can be conversational, humorous, or serious, depending on the subject matter
    • Should be consistent throughout the piece
  • Use figurative language (metaphors, similes, and analogies) to create vivid imagery and connections
  • Vary sentence structure and length to create rhythm and emphasis
  • Choose precise and evocative words to convey meaning and emotion
  • Avoid clichés and overused phrases that can make the writing feel stale or generic
  • Edit for clarity, concision, and coherence, eliminating unnecessary words or details
  • Read the piece aloud to check for flow and natural-sounding language

Ethical Considerations

  • Ensure accuracy and fairness in reporting, avoiding sensationalism or bias
  • Obtain informed consent from sources, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or vulnerable populations
  • Protect the privacy and safety of sources, particularly in cases involving minors or victims of crime
  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest or personal connections to the story
  • Avoid plagiarism by properly attributing quotes and information to their original sources
  • Respect the rights of subjects and sources, including their right to decline participation or withdraw consent
  • Consider the potential impact of the story on the lives of those involved, weighing the public interest against individual privacy

Pitching and Publishing Features

  • Identify target publications or outlets that align with the style and subject matter of your story
  • Research the publication's submission guidelines and editorial calendar to ensure a good fit
  • Craft a compelling pitch that summarizes the key elements of your story and its relevance to the publication's audience
    • Include a brief synopsis, potential sources, and estimated word count
    • Highlight any unique angles or access you bring to the story
  • Tailor your pitch to the specific editor or department, demonstrating familiarity with their work and interests
  • Be prepared to revise or adapt your story based on editorial feedback or changing circumstances
  • Promote your published work through social media, professional networks, and personal websites to attract readers and build your reputation as a feature writer


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.