Feature Writing

Unit 1 – Introduction to Feature Writing

Unit 2 – Generating Story Ideas and Angles

Unit 3 – Research Techniques for Feature Stories

Unit 4 – Conducting Effective Interviews

Unit 5 – Narrative Structure and Organization

Unit 6 – Descriptive Writing and Scene Building

Unit 7 – Developing Character and Dialogue

Unit 8 – Voice, Style, and Tone in Feature Writing

Unit 9 – Fact–Checking and Accuracy

Unit 10 – Ethical Issues in Feature Writing

Unit 11 – Crafting Personal Essays and Memoirs

Unit 12 – Writing Profiles and Personality Pieces

Unit 13 – Investigative Feature Stories

Unit 14 – Editing and Revising Feature Articles

Unit 15 – Pitching and Publishing Features

## What do you learn in Feature Writing

Feature Writing teaches you how to craft compelling, in-depth stories that go beyond basic news reporting. You'll learn to develop unique angles, conduct thorough research, and use narrative techniques to engage readers. The course covers different types of features, including profiles, trend pieces, and human interest stories, while focusing on developing your own writing style and voice.

## Is Feature Writing hard?

Feature Writing can be challenging, but it's also super rewarding. The hardest part is often coming up with fresh ideas and angles that haven't been done to death. You'll need to put in some serious effort to research and interview people, which can be time-consuming. But once you get the hang of it, it's pretty fun to see your stories come to life on the page.

## Tips for taking Feature Writing in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram for exams and brush up on key concepts. 🌶️
2. Read a ton of feature articles from different publications to get a feel for various styles.
3. Keep a notebook or app handy to jot down story ideas whenever inspiration strikes.
4. Practice interviewing friends or family to get comfortable with asking questions.
5. Watch documentaries like "Page One: Inside the New York Times" for insight into journalism.
6. Experiment with different writing techniques, like using dialogue or descriptive scenes.
7. Join your school's newspaper or literary magazine to get more writing practice.

## Common pre-requisites for Feature Writing

Introduction to Journalism: This course covers the basics of news writing, media ethics, and journalistic principles. It's a great foundation for understanding the field before diving into more specialized writing.

News Writing and Reporting: Here, you'll learn how to gather information, conduct interviews, and write concise news stories. This class helps sharpen your reporting skills, which are crucial for feature writing.

## Classes similar to Feature Writing

Magazine Writing: Focuses on crafting longer-form articles for print and digital magazines. You'll learn about pitching ideas, working with editors, and tailoring your writing to specific publications.

Creative Nonfiction: Explores the art of telling true stories using creative writing techniques. This class helps you develop a more literary style that can enhance your feature writing.

Investigative Journalism: Teaches you how to dig deep into complex stories, uncover hidden information, and present findings in a compelling narrative. It's great for developing research and analytical skills.

Multimedia Storytelling: Combines writing with other media elements like photos, videos, and interactive graphics. You'll learn how to create immersive stories for digital platforms.

## Majors related to Feature Writing

Journalism: Focuses on reporting, writing, and producing news across various media platforms. Students learn about ethics, media law, and different types of journalistic writing.

English: Involves studying literature, language, and writing. Students develop strong analytical and communication skills that can be applied to various forms of writing, including features.

Communications: Explores how information is shared across different channels. Students learn about media theory, public relations, and effective communication strategies.

Creative Writing: Emphasizes developing original written work in various genres. Students hone their storytelling skills and learn to craft engaging narratives, which can be applied to feature writing.

## What can you do with a degree in Feature Writing?

Magazine Writer: Produces in-depth articles for print and digital publications. They often specialize in specific topics like travel, food, or technology.

Freelance Journalist: Works independently, pitching and writing stories for various outlets. They have the flexibility to cover diverse topics and work with multiple publications.

Content Strategist: Develops and manages content for businesses or organizations. They create engaging stories and articles to attract and retain audiences across different platforms.

Book Author: Writes long-form nonfiction books on various subjects. They often use their feature writing skills to craft compelling narratives and explore topics in depth.

## Feature Writing FAQs

How long are typical feature articles? Feature articles can range from 1,000 to 5,000 words or more. The length often depends on the publication and the complexity of the topic.

Do I need to be an expert in a specific subject to write features? Not necessarily. Good feature writers are often curious generalists who can quickly research and become knowledgeable about various topics.

How is feature writing different from news writing? Feature writing allows for more creativity and personal style compared to news writing. It often includes more descriptive language, scenes, and character development.

Journalism

1.4 The Role of Feature Writing in Journalism

1.3 Characteristics of Effective Feature Writing

1.2 Types of Feature Stories

1.1 Defining Feature Writing

2.4 Creating Story Pitches

2.2 Developing Unique Angles

2.3 Evaluating News Value and Reader Interest

2.1 Sources for Feature Story Ideas

3.3 Fact-Finding and Verification Strategies

3.2 Online Research Tools and Databases

3.1 Primary and Secondary Research Methods

4.4 Recording and Note-Taking Methods

4.3 Handling Difficult Interviewees

4.1 Interview Preparation and Planning

4.2 Interviewing Techniques and Best Practices

5.3 Organizing Information for Maximum Impact

5.2 Effective Leads and Endings

5.1 Story Arc and Narrative Frameworks

6.3 Balancing Description with Action

6.2 Creating Vivid Scenes

6.1 Sensory Details and Imagery

7.3 Integrating Quotes and Attribution

7.2 Writing Authentic Dialogue

7.1 Character Development Techniques

8.2 Adapting Style to Different Feature Types

8.3 Maintaining Appropriate Tone

8.1 Developing a Distinctive Writing Voice

9.3 Legal Considerations in Fact-Checking

9.2 Handling Conflicting Information

9.1 Verification Processes

10.3 Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

10.2 Handling Sensitive Topics and Sources

10.1 Journalistic Ethics and Standards

11.3 Balancing Personal Experience with Universal Themes

11.1 Elements of Personal Essays

11.2 Memoir Writing Techniques

12.3 Balancing Facts with Interpretation

12.2 Capturing Personality and Character

12.1 Approaches to Profile Writing

13.3 Presenting Complex Information Clearly

13.2 Data Analysis and Interpretation

13.1 Planning and Executing Investigative Features

14.1 Self-Editing Techniques

14.2 Working with Editors

14.3 Revising for Clarity, Coherence, and Impact

15.1 Crafting Effective Pitch Letters

15.4 Navigating the Publication Process

15.3 Building Relationships with Editors

15.2 Understanding Publication Guidelines

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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