The featured story is a longer news article that dives beneath the surface of a topic and uncovers hidden layers, fresh angles and the human impact. It may expand on a breaking news story or illuminate lives that are otherwise overlooked.
In fact, almost any topic can be a featured story if written well. Great features are a mix of storytelling and reporting, with a narrative arc and strong writing techniques. They’re immersive, dropping readers into a scene and making them feel like they are witnessing a moment firsthand. They pose a question that they need to see answered, or make a bold statement that makes them want to keep reading. They also use literary and rhetorical devices to engage the reader, such as a snarky question or an anecdote.
Just as with a good fishing trip, the best feature writers plan ahead. They know where the fish are, how they feed and what bait to use. They also take into account the weather conditions and how long they are willing to spend on the water.
The most interesting topics require careful research, sharp writing and a keen eye for capturing the right angle. But even the most intriguing details can be lost if your story structure is off. For example, if you’re telling the story of a marathon runner, you need to “show” the reader the exhaustion, not just tell them that Johnny is tired after his run.
About the Author
