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