A feature story is a non-news piece that takes the reader on an entertaining, insightful journey. These stories explore human impact and uncover hidden layers of an issue. They focus on a fresh angle, and use descriptive details, visuals and interviews to bring the subject to life.
Feature stories are often longer than hard news articles, because they take their time to tell the story and don’t rush through it like a headline. They also take the time to carefully research their subjects, combining primary sources with historical context, expert insight and real-world human experiences.
When you’re writing a feature story, think about the emotions your readers will experience and how those can translate to the text. A great feature should touch the heart and leave readers with an impression that lingers after they finish reading it.
For example, a typical hard news article about layoffs might focus on the number of people affected, but a feature story could instead zoom in on one worker and show how their personal life is impacted by the job loss. A good feature also includes sensory elements, such as full-screen images and maps. This helps readers connect with the topic by appealing to their senses, making them more engaged. Finally, a well-written feature ends with a memorable quote or call to action that leaves the reader thinking about the subject long after they’ve finished reading.
About the Author
