an introduction by Tracy Lynn Lim, MMS Feature Writing an introduction by Tracy Lynn Lim, MMS

DEFINITION

DEFINITION A feature story is an in-depth look at a person, situation or place. It is not news… but some overlooked or underappreciated tale. ALITO L. MALINAO Feature, Editorial and Opinion Writing

DEFINITION A feature story is a write-up “that is based on that mysterious ingredient in journalism called human interest, an event that appeals to us because we can relate to it.” JOHN HOHENBERG The Professional Journalist

DEFINITION A feature story is an article… that is not meant to report breaking news, but to take an in-depth look at a subject. … Feature stories are becoming more common as they can be more engaging to read…. WIKIPEDIA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feature_writing

BROAD CATEGORIES

Alief Hastings High School BROAD CATEGORIES NEWS FEATURES usually written as a follow-up or as a sidebar story that is linked to a breaking news event TIMELESS STORIES do not have to be used immediately. The information in this story will be just as relevant if saved for a future issue. DIANNE SMITH PPT on Feature Writing Alief Hastings High School

BROAD CATEGORIES In either type of feature story, good reporting is essential. You collect as many details as possible. You describe people, settings and feelings, the elements of storytelling. When all the details are added together, the reader is placed in the scene you are describing. DIANNE SMITH PPT on Feature Writing Alief Hastings High School

HARD VS. SOFT STORIES ALITO L. MALINAO Criterion Straight News Feature Story Presentation of facts Objective Subjective Time element Timely Timeless Language Simple Elegant Structure Inverted pyramid Pie, funnel, square Main function To inform To illuminate To entertain ALITO L. MALINAO Feature, Editorial and Opinion Writing

FUNCTIONS Profile people Analyze events and trends Teach an audience how to do something Make suggestions Narrate a personal experience

like grabbing a Jollibee yum with cheese SUBJECT MATTER ORDINARY TOPICS like grabbing a Jollibee yum with cheese

like eating Head Cheese and Hog Maw SUBJECT MATTER OFFBEAT TOPICS like eating Head Cheese and Hog Maw

SUBJECT MATTER Head Cheese and Hog Maw: What It Actually Is Being Pennsylvania Dutch, I grew up on pigs stomach, pickled pigs feet and some disgusting concoction called head cheese, which looks exactly like a combination of snot mixed with rubber cement… By the way, to the Pennsylvania Dutch (for which this dish is a norm) it is called "hog mawl" You order the pig stomach from the butcher. He has to soak it to kill off the enzymes. You chop up equal parts of potatoes, onions and country sausage (not breakfast links or Italian, it's a main dish sausage). Stuff the stomach and bake until it is brown and crispy on the outside. To serve, you slice it just like roast. Hmmm... Good. CLAUDIA Utterly Outrageous Recipes http://www.wildrecipes.com/

SUBJECT MATTER There are no restrictions... You are limited only by your imagination. Often a feature story is a simple story about a common person in an uncommon circumstance. The feature’s job is to find a fresh angle—to find the story behind the person. DIANNE SMITH PPT on Feature Writing Alief Hastings High School

“Copy” Time .