Feature writing is one of the most engaging and influential forms of journalism, offering writers the chance to dive deep into subjects and explore them with creativity and depth. Unlike standard news reporting, which focuses on brevity and timeliness, feature writing allows for more narrative flexibility, making it an ideal genre for magazines—both print and online.
Whether you’re writing a profile of a fascinating individual, an investigative report, or a cultural commentary, your goal as a feature writer is to captivate your readers and hold their attention. This article explores 5 essential tips for writing compelling features that resonate with readers and stand out in competitive English-language newspaper magazines.
1. Start Strong with an Engaging Lead
The first sentence of any feature article is crucial. It’s your hook, the opening line that draws the reader in and entices them to continue reading. A compelling lead is essential for any feature piece because it sets the tone, piques interest, and establishes the direction of the story.
Types of Engaging Leads:
- Anecdotal lead: Start with a short, vivid story or personal experience that ties into the theme of the feature. Example: “When Jenna found the letter from her grandmother hidden in the attic, she had no idea it would change her life forever.”
- Descriptive lead: Paint a vivid scene or snapshot that immediately places the reader in the middle of the story. Example: “The sun set behind the hills, casting long shadows over the small town, where everyone was already huddled inside their homes, waiting for the storm to hit.”
- Provocative question: Pose a thought-provoking question that sparks curiosity. Example: “What if everything you knew about the world’s oldest living civilization was wrong?”
- Startling fact or statistic: Open with a surprising or alarming statistic that relates to your story’s theme, creating immediate interest. Example: “In 2023, one in three adults admitted to being financially insecure, a statistic that has only grown in the wake of global economic uncertainty.”
Why it works: A strong lead grabs attention in the first few seconds of reading, enticing the audience to continue exploring your feature.
2. Tell a Story, Not Just a Report
Feature writing isn’t just about presenting facts; it’s about telling a compelling story. The essence of a great feature lies in its narrative structure. Whether you are profiling a person, describing an event, or investigating a topic, the best feature articles read like stories, complete with characters, conflict, and resolution.
Building a Strong Narrative:
- Humanize the story: No matter the topic, anchor it in the human experience. Readers connect with people, emotions, and stories that resonate on a personal level.
- Create a story arc: Just like in any good story, your feature should have a beginning, middle, and end. Establish a problem or conflict early, build it up, and conclude with a resolution or reflection.
- Use storytelling techniques: Integrate elements like dialogue, scene-setting, and character development to make the feature feel immersive. This will keep readers emotionally involved in the narrative.
Example of a personal story angle: Instead of simply reporting on a homeless shelter’s operations, a feature could focus on a specific individual’s experience with homelessness, showing the struggles and resilience that shape their journey.
3. Research Thoroughly and Include Strong Evidence
Great features are grounded in solid research. Whether you’re writing about a trend, an event, or a personality, your story must be backed by thorough, credible evidence. Research is the backbone of a feature story and ensures that your claims are accurate, informed, and trustworthy.
Best Practices for Research:
- Multiple sources: Avoid relying on just one source. Interview experts, gather documents, and cross-check facts to ensure a rounded perspective.
- Depth over breadth: Go deep into the topic rather than skimming the surface. Thoroughly understand the nuances, challenges, and implications of your subject.
- Use real-life anecdotes: A feature shines when you can back up facts with anecdotes or testimonials from people who are directly impacted by the issue.
Example: If writing about the impact of social media on youth culture, research trends in social media use, interview young people about their experiences, and refer to academic studies or statistics on social media’s psychological effects.
4. Keep the Tone and Style Consistent
The tone and style of your feature play a significant role in shaping how the story is received. Different magazine audiences may have varying preferences for tone—some may prefer a formal, informative approach, while others might gravitate toward a more casual, conversational style.
How to Determine Your Tone:
- Audience: Consider who is reading your feature. A business magazine will require a more formal, analytical tone, while a lifestyle or cultural magazine can afford to be more conversational and creative.
- Purpose of the story: If your feature aims to entertain or provoke thought, a lighter, humorous tone might work. If you are reporting on serious issues, such as environmental destruction or human rights abuses, the tone should be respectful and empathetic.
- Consistency: Ensure the tone remains consistent throughout the feature. Jumping between styles can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of the article.
Example: A profile of a celebrity might use a more informal, light-hearted tone, while an investigative feature on government corruption would call for a more serious and authoritative voice.
5. Craft a Strong Conclusion
A strong conclusion wraps up the feature effectively, leaving the reader with something to ponder or a sense of closure. The ending is just as important as the opening in securing the emotional impact of the article.
Effective Conclusion Strategies:
- Reflective or thought-provoking: Leave the reader with a question or idea that lingers after they finish reading. Example: “As the sun sets on this quiet town, one must ask: will things ever change, or will the cycle continue forever?”
- Call to action: In some features, especially those on social issues or cultural topics, end with a call to action or a suggestion for what can be done moving forward. Example: “Now that we know the truth, it’s time for all of us to make a stand. What will you do next?”
- Full-circle conclusion: Return to the opening anecdote or question, giving the reader a sense of resolution or closure. Example: If your feature begins with a quote or story from a particular individual, the ending can bring the reader back to that individual, showing how their journey has evolved or resolved.
Bonus Tip: Edit, Edit, Edit
Even the most compelling features require editing. After writing your feature, take the time to review and refine it. This means not just checking for grammatical errors but also for structure, clarity, and flow. Consider:
- Pacing: Is the story engaging from start to finish? Are there any sections that drag or feel unnecessary?
- Conciseness: Have you expressed your points clearly and concisely, without any fluff or repetition?
- Clarity: Are all terms and ideas accessible to your target audience? Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to your readers.
Conclusion: Writing Features that Engage and Inform
Writing compelling features for English newspaper magazines is both an art and a science. By focusing on:
- Crafting a strong opening that hooks the reader
- Telling a compelling, narrative-driven story
- Conducting thorough research and providing solid evidence
- Maintaining a consistent tone and style
- Wrapping up with a thought-provoking conclusion
You’ll be well on your way to producing features that engage, inform, and captivate your readers.
Feature writing offers the opportunity to connect with your audience in a meaningful way, turning complex issues into accessible and captivating stories. Whether you’re profiling an individual, exploring a cultural phenomenon, or delving into investigative journalism, the keys to success lie in the details—the research, the structure, and the storytelling. If done right, a well-written feature can have a lasting impact on your readers and even shape public opinion. We recommand you to check our blog trending international news .
