Features could be described as non-fiction short stories, quotation filled, descriptive, informative and entertaining stories (reading week 1)
A new features; Tells the COMPLETE story! It explores an issue going BEYOND a single event, Provides solid research and planning.
News Features allow for expansion of a news story. It's a good way to profile a person...
Key elements include; Humanize, humanize, humanize which adds colour to a news event, educate the audience, illuminate about a complex series of events and is able to entertain your readers.
Longer in length than straight news stories.
The Process of writing a feature:
- Come up with a story or idea and get a clear idea of your angle and of the topic.
- Research your idea/topic.
- Create on clear concise statement that sums up the story you want to tell.
- Outline the logical steps.
- Use Visual support!
Your angle should be as unique as possible and allow you to remember your focus is what your pitch's first sentence is.
If this process is followed the reader should be able to stay focused throughout...
Before the body of your feature, write the lead and the conclusion then the body.
The structure of a Feature: the lead
A lead: a block of one or two paragraphs, used to arouse the readers, sets the mood and the scene and invites the readers into the feature.
THE NUT GRAPH - In straight news writing the nut is the first thing that will be provided in your story, in a feature the nut graph will come later on. It answers the question, 'so what?' It explains the reason why the story is being written.
THE BODY - It's main aim is to educate the reader. The body provides vital informaiton for the audience, informs about the event/topic discussed and, well done, it emotionally ties an audience to the subject.
Strong story telling skills required.
Use Background information as well.
RISKS: don't loose the reader's attention...
Dialogue, can be used to keep the story moving (However, dialogue must be very accurate in news features)
THE CONCLUSION - The ending of a feature wraps up the story and COMES BACK to the lead. If you don't tie the ending to the beginning there is a risk your story will just fade away, it could read like a story that lacks purpose.
Writing features doesn't involve the use of the INVERTED PYRAMID.
It's very common to note use the pyramid in features. The style is more narrative. News can be written escaping the inverted structure and still appear as a front page. Once you escape the pyramid the rules apply in other ways.
THE THREE ACT Structure in Plain English - Youtube it!
News features must include; rich descriptions, characters, interviews and can also include; anecdotes that are observed (not only spoken. E.g. impressions, feelings, facial expressions, mannerism, etc.)
Polishing the feature - Re-read your story before submitting it at least 3 times, check your tenses flow throughout the story, the fairness of the statements and facts. Only one idea per paragraph. First person should be reduced as much as possible.
Style is about many thing, it's your personality, it's your voice, what voice will you use in your feature... Style is about the use of techniques, the ability to blend factual details with rich descriptions.
