What is a Feature Writer?
One who knows fully the art of fine writing in all its dimensions.
A journalist who not only can report facts but can transmit the mood and tone of an event.
A journalist who can impress upon the reader the significance of what happens.
Facts for authority; mood and tone for sympathy; interpretation for lucidity.
Qualities of a Good Feature Writer:
Inquisitive
Eager to learn
Sympathetic towards other people’s feelings
Capable of seeing beneath the surface of ordinary events.
What is a Feature Story?
Key function is to:
o humanize
o add color
o educate
o entertain
o illuminate
What is a Feature Story?
- As opposed to news stories, features are generally believed to be more creative in
orientation.
- It is allowed to deviate from the formula of “5 Ws” and “1H” format.
- Underpinned by factual detail and news sense longer, more expansive and more personal
than news stories.
- It may or may not be tied to current events.
- Feature writers have more freedom to use their own voice and incorporate their personal
experiences.
- They can also include more sources, background, and context.
Structure of the Feature Story:
The Lead
- The most important function of an introduction to a feature story is that first, it needs to
make the reader want to continue, and second, it must explain what it is all about.
- Below are five (5) questions that you can ask yourself when you are trying to come up with
an introduction:
What is the most interesting fact?
What is the best anecdote?
What is the most sensational quote?
What is the most surprising event?
What did you know about those intriguing factors?
The Body
- Must have unity, coherence, and emphasis.
- It must be able to hold and sustain the interest of the readers.
- In the body, the writer makes use of:
Descriptions
Narrations
Figures of Speech
Quotations
Surveys and Statistics
Interviews
Incidents and anecdotes that give color to the story.
The Conclusion
- The end can be:
A comment
Arguing a case/ drawing a conclusion
A concluding quote
How to Write a Feature Story?
1. Choose an interesting topic.
2. Narrow down your subject to just one specific area/subtopic. Think of a fresh angle to the
topic.
3. Give it a tentative title.
4. Highlight the important things. How to Write a Feature Story?
5. Focus on the main or most important feature with specific details.
6. Use devices to give color to the feature and hold the interest of the readers.
7. Read what you have written paying attention to what should be added or omitted.
8. Rewrite your piece.
9. Give a catchy title.
10. Make the final copy.
Characteristics of a Good Feature Story
A. Creativity
- Creative but must be anchored on data gathered not merely on the imagination.
B. Factual
- Content Informs the reader of the situation which might not have been covered
Characteristics of a Good Feature Story by the hard news.
C. Human Interest
D. Entertainment Value
E. Timelessness or Imperishability
- Feature stories can be had for weeks or months without losing their usefulness.
F. Entirety
- Stories are read in their entirety so the writer can place the highest point at the
end.
G. Variety of Tone and Style
- The writer can use novelty leads and employ what is suitable. Characteristics of a
Good Feature Story.
H. Organization
- Features apply the principles of creative writing to achieve unity, coherence, and
emphasis.
Cardinal Principles in Writing Features
1. Unity (Kaisahan)
- Having a central theme or main idea carried throughout the article.
2. Coherence (Kaugnayan)
- Bridging the transition of each paragraph smoothly.
3. Emphasis (Diin)
- Avoiding abrupt changes of thought.
4. Interest (Kawilihan)
- The state of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.
