Feature Story
For this assignment, you will draw upon best practices for feature writing outlined in Chapter 7: Creating Feature Content and Op-Eds. With feature stories, you will start with a premise or theme. You will then present information and opinions that back your point and close by bringing the reader to a conclusion. As outlined in the chapter, there are SIX types of features:
Feature story
Case study
Survey or research study
Backgrounder
Personality profile
Historical piece
Standard outline for a feature story:
Title
Subtitle (optional)
Introductory paragraph (lead)
Body paragraphs (2-3)
Closing paragraph (conclusion)
Requirements:
Create your own document for this assignment
Your feature should be no less than 500 words
Write in first or third person
Include at least one original quote or quote you find and can cite
See note in the APPENDIX below about “story mapping” to help guide you through the brainstorming process.
Topics you can choose from for your feature include:
Consumer tips or how-to feature (example: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/how-to-start-a-business/) and (https://www.theatlantic.com/books/archive/2022/01/books-for-bad-moods-feel-good-morrison-ferrante/621399/)
Personality profile about a person who inspires you or inspired you in the past (example: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/11/22/how-kristen-stewart-became-her-generations-most-interesting-movie-star)
Research feature or product review (example: https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/i-tried-yoga-in-the-metaverse/)
APPENDIX
A note about “story mapping” (using a person profile as a basis)
A helpful exercise when writing features is a technique called “story mapping.” It gives a writer a general framework for breaking down key aspects of the story without the pressure of everything being profound or fitting in place. You are encouraged to map your story before writing it using the story map elements shown below.
The Lead: Your introductory paragraph should captivate the audience and motivate them to want to read more. Your lead should spark reader interest with an interesting anecdote, a moving scene or quote that occurred in the past and hooks readers. Then you can go back to the beginning and tell your story with your first body paragraph – focusing particularly on scenes that capture the essence of your subject. Common techniques used in leads:
Anecdotes (brief story)
Vignettes (vivid description of the setting, sensory details)
Inspirational quotes – quotes or mantras that set the stage
Familiar sayings or play on words that connects to the reader
Surprising statistics or facts
Question or questions for the reader
An unusual statement
Body Paragraphs: Your piece is relatively brief so you will not have more than 2-3 body paragraphs. For this story, you can use an outline such as:
Body paragraph #1: Describe the person – who they are, what they do, what makes him/her unique.
Body paragraph #2, 3: Answer the “why this person inspires me” question – specifics around how they made an impact on who you are today. Also include information about why this person matters, why his/her influence made a difference.
Conclusion: Your conclusion should give the reader the sense that the article is finished, make a point, and leave the reader something to think about. It is also best practice for the closing to connect back to the lead.
I will also some past examples below.
