Download - The Art of Feature Writing
The Art of Feature Writing
FEATURE
actual not fictitious
ntertaining
ppealing to the emotions
imely or not timely
nusual
eader-oriented
xplanation, extrapolation – extending or projecting known info
Organization of Ideas1. Tease me.
2. Tell me what you are up to.
3. Prove it.
4. Help me remember it.
Core Components1. Headline
2. By-line
3. Feature Lead a.k.a. Introduction
4. Body
5. Kicker a.k.a. Conclusion
Grabs the audience’s attention and persuades them to read on
Highlights the main ideas of the article
Headline
Example Hindi Pa Kami Laos Don’t Smoke Your Life Away The Rape of the Forest A Tale of Horror – Population Explosion
States the writer’s name
Example
By-line
by Jesper Silva by Zinnia Jane Fabre by Ronald Candy Lasaten
The opening sentence must grab and hold the reader’s attention by using specific, interest arousing words
The lead must catch the spirit of the story and create the proper tone: serious, sarcastic, ironic, flippant, and melancholy
Outlines the subject or the theme of the article Create a relationship between the writer and
the reader
Feature Lead
Do not use cliches
Do not use “Imagine this”
Stating the obvious
Avoid 1st and 2nd person
Remember!
Common Leads Narrative Lead – tells a story usually an
anecdote
Descriptive Lead – describes a scene, person or subject
Direct Quote – begins with a powerful quote
Provides vital information while it educates, entertains, and emotionally ties an audience to the subject
Expand the body with: Facts and statistics Personal viewpoint Opinions from authorities and experts Quotes and interviews Anecdotes and stories Specific places/names/dates
Body
Transition It is when one paragraph moves smoothly
to the next one
PEEL
oint
xplain
vidence
ink
Paragraph Structure
2 common styles A powerful quote
Tie the ending back to the lead
The kicker should be memorable.
30 #
Kicker a.k.a. Conclusion
Guidelines Active voice Precise and colorful words/language Emotive, dramatic and descriptive language Personality, flavor and style Accuracy, clear, concise sentences Selective use of facts to persuade or entertain Comments by experts or important people Statistics
WorkshopTHE CTE BULLETIN
Zinnia Jane FabreManaging Editor, The CTE Bulletin
Topic Does Forever
Exist? Love Is Sweeter
The Second Time Around.
Love Knows No Boundaries.
ContestTHE CTE BULLETIN
Jesper SilvaChief Correspondent, The CTE Bulletin