A featured story is an article that gets extra visibility in a publication, bringing it to the attention of the audience. Featured stories are often promoted on the homepage or in other sections of the website. Writing a feature story requires a mix of journalistic skills and storytelling artistry. Choosing a compelling angle, conducting thorough research, and structuring the story effectively will all help you create a narrative that captivates your readers and leaves them with a lasting impression.
Unlike hard news, which presents information and events as facts, a feature story takes a more subjective approach. It may focus on a particular facet of an organization, individual, product or cause and use literary and rhetorical techniques to engage the reader.
Drop readers into a scene. Whether it’s an engaging interview or a riveting photo, a good feature article will make the reader feel like they are immersed in the story. Write with a strong sense of narrative: introduce a mystery, pose a question they need answered, or build tension. Strong features also have clear beginnings, middles, and ends that follow a story arc with a payoff that keeps the reader engaged.
A great feature starts with a strong first draft, but the final draft is where the magic happens. The best writers know that self-editing is the key to a polished piece of work. This means cutting the fluff, tightening the structure, and making sure every sentence earns its place.