1. Feature Stories

2. Qualities of a Feature Story Full of detail Strong narrative Strong lead paragraph that grabs reader’s attention and makes him/her want to read on Include quotations from person or people involved Combines facts and opinions with a focus on the human interest side of the story While they report news, the news content is not of primary importance

3. Feature stories are both informative and entertaining They can include humor Contains the voice of the writer Can be organized in a variety of ways: Chronologically or narrative – having more of a plot structure Feature stories often put the “meat” on the “skeletal bones” of a news story Most importantly – a clear focus

4. Brainstorming to Write Feature Story List of Talents Tennis Running Writing Cooking Communicator Passions or Interests Reading – books favorites, not Gardening – successes, failures Teaching - Family – Kids, parents, siblings Pets – Owen, Mitzi, Bella Traveling – Europe, Mexico, Canada

5. Write a 3-4paragraph Feature Story Choose one of the topics from your list of talents, interests, or passions Pre-write: list as many things about that topic as you can Create a strong lead for your story Did you include voice, description, detail, information

6. Types of Feature Stories The Profile – an article about an individual. Politicians, athletes, celebrities anyone who is interesting and newsworthy News Features – Cover the same subjects as hard news stories but do so in greater depth and detail and include the human interest aspect. Example: Heart disease: Hard news – heart disease on the rise, statistics, quotes from experts etc. Feature story – would likely be about a person suffering from heart disease, describes the struggles of individual and family. Trend Story – fashion trends, tech trends, movies, music. Take the current culture of the moment and look what’s new Live-In – in-depth article that paints a picture of a particular place. Cool vacation spot, town to visit

7. Elements of a feature story Lead paragraph – Set the scene and grab reader’s attention with something interesting Description – brings people and places to life. Prompts reader to create mental image in his/her mind. Uses voice and descriptive language Quotes