Tips on Feature Writing

• Choose an interesting unusual subject. For example, instead of writing a feature on fashion trends, write a feature that has endured over time such as blue jeans.
• Remember, show don't tell. Present details that let readers see, smell, hear, taste and touch the elements of the story.
• Personalize and localize your features. Whatever the topic try to involve people from your school and community. (And don't just focus on the "in" crowd.)
• Keep an eye open mind. Don't begin a feature assignment with preconceived ideas.
• Draw information from several primary sources and a good sampling of secondary ones.
• Don't spend too much time setting the scene. Get to the people and events of the story quickly.
• Use the devices of fiction writers. Read, read, read to see how writers describe characters, build suspense and establish a mood.
• Use only an anecdote, example or quote to get across an idea.
• Build to a strong ending that reemphasizes your angle.
• Make the lead inviting, clear and simple.
• Give the story movement, by blending paragraphs with transitions, by using short words and by varying sentence rhythm.
• Good writing is build on a foundation of solid reporting. Go to the scene, talk to the source personally.
• Start writing only after you know what you want to say. If you have time, write an outline, which need consist only of a few key words that remind you to your story structure.