How to Write a Feature Story
1. WHAT IS A FEATURE STORY?
A feature story is a form of journalism that tells a true story in a compelling, narrative style. Unlike hard news stories, which focus on delivering information quickly and efficiently, feature stories emphasize storytelling, human experience, description, and context.
Feature stories still require accurate reporting and verification, but they allow the writer to:
• Use scenes and narrative structure
• Include rich description
• Highlight human interest
• Explore meaning and context
A feature story answers the same core questions as news (who, what, when, where, why, how), but it does so in a way that engages the reader emotionally and intellectually.
Key Characteristics of Feature Stories
Feature stories typically:
• Begin with an engaging lead rather than a summary lead
• Focus on people and experiences
• Include descriptive detail
• Use dialogue and quotations
• Follow a narrative structure
• Provide context and interpretation
Feature stories often appear in:
• Newspaper feature sections
• Magazines
• Long-form journalism outlets
• Online storytelling platforms
2. TYPES OF FEATURE STORIES
Feature writing covers many different kinds of stories. Some of the most common include:
1. Human Interest Stories
Stories focusing on individuals or groups whose experiences illustrate broader themes.
Examples:
• A student overcoming homelessness to graduate
• A local firefighter saving a neighbor’s life
2. Profiles
An in-depth look at a person’s life, personality, and work.
Example topics:
• A beloved teacher retiring after 40 years
• A local artist gaining national recognition
3. Trend Stories
Stories that explore patterns or trends affecting communities.
Examples:
• College students turning to meditation for stress relief
• The rise of plant-based diets among athletes
4. Seasonal Features
Stories tied to holidays, seasons, or annual events.
Examples:
• Behind the scenes of a town’s Christmas parade
• Local farms preparing for pumpkin season
5. Explanatory Features
Stories that help readers understand complex issues.
Examples:
• How artificial intelligence is changing college classrooms
• Why housing prices are rising in a small town
6. Narrative Features
Stories told primarily through scenes and storytelling.
Example:
A day in the life of a rural paramedic.
3. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HARD NEWS AND FEATURE WRITING
HARD NEWS
Focuses on immediate events
Uses summary leads
Written in inverted pyramid
FEATURE STORY
Focuses on deeper understanding
Uses narrative or descriptive leads
Often follows narrative structure
Emphasizes speed Emphasizes storytelling
Usually shorter Often longer
Hard news answers the question: What happened?
Feature writing asks: Why does it matter? What does it mean? What does it feel like?
4. FINDING FEATURE STORY IDEAS
Good feature stories are everywhere. The key is learning to recognize them.
Sources of Feature Ideas
People:
• Students
• Professors
• Local residents
• Business owners
• Artists and performers
Places:
• Unique local businesses
• Historic sites
• Community gathering places
Events:
• Festivals
• Competitions
• Community traditions
Issues:
• Mental health on campus
• Housing affordability
• Climate change effects locally
Oddities:
• Unusual hobbies
• Strange traditions
• Record-breaking achievements
Questions That Lead to Feature Stories
Ask yourself:
• Who has an interesting story?
• What changes or trends are happening?
• What problem affects many people?
• What hidden stories are not being told?
5. REPORTING FOR A FEATURE STORY
Feature writing still requires rigorous reporting.
Research
Before interviewing sources, gather background information.
Sources may include:
• Previous news coverage
• Academic research
• Government reports
• Public records
• Statistics
Research helps you ask smarter interview questions.
Interviews
Feature stories depend heavily on interviews.
You should typically interview:
• The main subject
• Friends, coworkers, or family
• Experts or officials
• People affected by the issue
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Avoid questions that produce yes/no answers.
Instead ask:
• “What was that moment like?”
• “How did you feel when that happened?”
• “What changed for you afterward?”
Observations
Observation is a key reporting skill in feature writing.
Notice details such as:
• Body language
• Facial expressions
• Surroundings
• Sounds
• Smells
• Atmosphere
These details help create vivid scenes.
6. THE FEATURE LEAD
The lead (or lede) is the opening of the story. In feature writing, the lead is designed to grab attention and draw readers into the story.
Unlike hard news leads, feature leads often delay the main point.
Types of Feature Leads
1. Anecdotal Lead
Tells a short story that illustrates the main topic.
Example:
At 5:30 every morning, Maria Hernandez unlocks the doors to the small bakery on Main Street. By noon, every loaf of bread will be gone.
2. Scene-Setting Lead
Describes a moment vividly.
Example:
The gym is silent except for the squeak of sneakers on hardwood and the steady thump of a basketball.
3. Descriptive Lead
Paints a picture using sensory details.
Example:
The scent of roasted coffee beans drifts through the tiny shop on Oak Street.
4. Question Lead
Asks a provocative question.
Example: What would you do if your hometown disappeared overnight?
(Use sparingly.)
5. Shocking or Surprising Lead
Presents an unexpected fact.
Example:
Nearly one-third of college students report feeling lonely most of the time.
7. THE NUT GRAPH
After the lead, feature stories typically include a nut graph.
The nut graph explains:
• What the story is about
• Why it matters
• Why readers should care
It connects the engaging lead to the broader story.
Example: Hernandez is one of dozens of immigrant entrepreneurs reshaping the local food scene.
8. ORGANIZING THE FEATURE STORY
Unlike hard news, feature stories may follow several different structures.
1. Narrative Structure
Tells the story chronologically.
Structure:
1. Scene
2. Background
3. Conflict
4. Resolution
2. Hourglass Structure
Begins with a summary, then shifts into narrative storytelling.
Structure:
• News summary
• Transition
• Chronological narrative
3. Sectional Structure
Divides the story into thematic sections.
Example sections:
• History
• Current situation
• Impact
• Future outlook
9. USING DESCRIPTION
Good feature writing shows rather than tells.
Weak:
The restaurant was busy.
Better:
Waiters hurried between crowded tables while diners leaned close to hear one another over the clatter of dishes.
10. USING QUOTES EFFECTIVELY
Quotes add authenticity and personality to feature stories.
Use quotes to reveal:
• Emotion
• Personality
• Insight
• Conflict
Avoid quotes that merely repeat facts.
Weak:
“The event starts at 5 p.m.,” Smith said.
Better:
“This is the one day each year when the entire town shows up,” Smith said.
11. TRANSITIONS
Transitions help move readers smoothly from one section to the next.
Examples:
• “But the story didn’t begin there.”
• “For many residents, the change has been dramatic.”
• “The problem extends beyond the campus.”
12. THE ENDING
Feature stories rarely end with a summary.
Instead, they often end with:
Circular Ending—
Returns to the opening scene.
Powerful Quote—
Ends with a memorable statement.
Emotional Resolution—
Shows the outcome of the story.
Example:
As the sun sets, Hernandez locks the bakery door again—already thinking about tomorrow’s bread.
13. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Feature writers must follow the same ethical rules as news reporters.
Important principles:
• Accuracy
• Fairness
• Verification
• No fabrication
Never:
• Invent quotes
• Invent scenes
• Exaggerate events
Even narrative journalism must remain factually correct.
14. REVISION AND EDITING
Good writing comes from revision.
When editing a feature story, check for:
Clarity—
Are sentences clear and understandable?
Structure— Does the story flow logically?
Detail—
Are descriptions vivid but concise?
Quotes—
Do quotes add meaning?
Accuracy—
Are facts verified?
15.
COMMON MISTAKES IN FEATURE WRITING
Students often make these errors:
1. Weak Leads
Opening with dull background information.
2. Too Much Background
Readers lose interest before reaching the story.
3. Lack of Focus
Trying to include too many topics.
4. Overwriting
Too many adjectives or dramatic language.
5. Missing the Nut Graph
Readers never learn what the story is about.
16. EXAMPLE FEATURE LEAD + NUT GRAPH
Lead:
The first thing visitors notice about the classroom is the silence. Twenty students sit cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, breathing slowly.
Nut Graph:
The unusual scene is part of a new meditation program designed to reduce stress among college students.
17. CHECKLIST FOR FEATURE WRITERS
Before submitting your story, ask:
• Does the lead grab attention?
• Does the nut graph explain the story?
• Are quotes vivid and meaningful?
• Are scenes and descriptions clear?
• Does the structure flow logically?
• Does the ending feel satisfying?
• Are all facts accurate?
Conclusion
Feature writing is one of the most rewarding forms of journalism because it allows writers to combine reporting with storytelling.
The best feature stories:
• Reveal human experiences
• Provide insight and meaning
• Engage readers emotionally
• Maintain journalistic accuracy
When done well, feature writing transforms information into stories readers remember.