Writing Feature Stories

Good writing engages as it informs and feature journalism offers writers the opportunity to tell deep, affecting stories that look beyond the immediate mechanics of who, what, where and when and explore the more difficult-and more rewarding- questions: how and why? Whether you're a blogger, a news journalist or an aspiring lifestyle reporter, a strong voice and a fresh, informed perspective remain in short supply and strong demand; this book will help you craft the kind of narratives people can't wait to share on their social media feeds. Writing Feature Stories established a reputation as a comprehensive, thought-provoking and engaging introduction to researching and writing feature stories. This second edition is completely overhauled to reflect the range of print and digital feature formats, and the variety of online, mobile and traditional media in which they appear. This hands-on guide explains how to generate fresh ideas; research online and offline; make the most of interviews; sift and sort raw material; structure and write the story; edit and proofread your work; find the best platform for your story; and pitch your work to editors. 'A wide-ranging, much-needed master class for anyone who tells true yarns in this fast-changing journalistic marketplace' - Bruce Shapiro, Columbia University 'Useful and thought provoking' - Margaret Simons, journalist and author 'A must read for any digital storyteller who wants to write emotive, engaging, believable content.' - Nidhi Dutt, foreign correspondent

A practical guide to all aspects of feature writing for journalists and freelance writers.

Feature Writing for Journalists considers both newspapers and magazines and helps the new or aspiring journalist to become a successful feature writer. Using examples from a wide range of papers, specialist and trade magazines and 'alternative' publications, Sharon Wheeler considers the different types of material that come under the term 'feature' including human interest pieces, restaurant reviews and advice columns. With relevant case studies as well as interviews with practitioners, Feature Writing for Journalists is exactly what you need to understand and create exciting and informative features.

Real Feature Writing emphasizes story shape and structure by illustrating several distinct types of feature and non-fiction stories, all drawn from the real world. Author Abraham Aamidor presents a collection of distinct non-deadline story types (profile, trend, focus, advocacy, and more), providing an introduction to each story type, a full-text example, a critical analysis of the example, and clear directions for producing similar stories. In this second edition, Aamidor and his guest contributors (all with real-world journalistic experience) demonstrate in clear, honest language how to write features. New for this edition are: *updated examples of feature writing, integrated throughout the text;*a chapter on ethical journalism, which takes a critical look at propaganda;*a chapter on international perspectives, including coverage of issues in the Middle East;*chapters on research, freelancing, content editing, copyediting, and literary journalism. This text is appropriate for upper-level journalism students, and will be a valuable resource for freelance writers and young working journalists needing guidance on writing features.

This book provides a practical and richly informative introduction to feature writing and the broader context in which features journalists operate. As well as covering the key elements and distinctive features that constitute good feature writing, the book also offers a rich resource of real life examples, case studies and exercises. The authors have drawn on their considerable shared experience to provide a solid and engaging grounding in the principles and practice of feature writing. The textbook will explore the possibilities of feature writing, including essential basics, such as: Why journalists become feature writers The difference between news stories and features What features need to contain How to write features The different types of features The text is intended for both those who are studying the media at degree level and those who are wishing to embark on a career in the print industry. It will be invaluable for trainee feature writers.

Storytelling—how to catch and hold a reader’s interest through artful narration of factual material William E. Blundell, one of the best writers on one of America's best-written papers—The Wall Street Journal—has put his famous Journal Feature-Writing Seminars into this step-by-step guide for turning out great articles. Filled with expert instruction on a complex art, it provides beginners with a systematic approach to feature writing and deftly teaches old pros some new tricks about: · How and where to get ideas · What readers like and don’t like · Adding energy and interest to tired topics · Getting from first ideas to finish article · The rules of organization · How—and whom—to quote and paraphrase · Wordcraft, leads, and narrative flow · Self-editing and notes on style … plus many sample feature articles.

Updated with fresh facts, examples and illustrations, along with two new chapters on digital media and blogs this third edition continues to be the authoritative and essential guide to writing engaging and marketable feature stories. Covers everything from finding original ideas and angles to locating expert sources Expanded edition with new chapters on storytelling for digital media and building a story blog Captivating style exemplifies the authors’ expert guidance, combining academic authority with professional know-how Comprehensive coverage of all the angles, including marketing written work and finding jobs in the publishing industry Essential reading for anyone wishing to become a strong feature writer Accompanied by a website with a wealth of resources including PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and Q&As that will be available upon publication: www.wiley.com/go/sumnerandmiller

This book provides a thought-provoking look at how to find, write and sell feature stories. The contributors--outstanding writers, editors, and teachers--offer advice and helpful tips on writing and stalking the feature story. David Finkel writes on the importance of being a reporter, Bob Ehlert on using description effectively, Mimi Sheraton on what it takes to be a good food writer, Kay Mille on the art of interviewing, Richard Cheverton on newspaper hiring practices, and Jim Molnar on travel writing. The volume also covers the ins and outs of doing freelance book reviews, movie criticisms, theater reviews, and fashion writing, and includes examples and targeted exercises to hone one's feature writing skills. ISBN 0-89879-470-6 : $18.95.