How to Write Feature Articles To Show, Don't Tell

A feature story might show Bob, who restores houses.

If you want to write feature articles that show, don't tell, you'll need to pay attention to details, have good interviewing and listening skills, and know how to weave a story out of facts.

Leave your hard fact reporting behind and grab your creativity for features article writing.

Things You'll Need

• Topic to write about
• Computer
• Interview subject(s)
• Notes
• Critical and creative thinking skills

Instructions

1. 

   ~Decide on a Topic~

   To write feature articles that show, don't tell, decide what your feature article will be about. Narrow down the topic so you can fully delve into the details.

   For example, you might write about Bob, who restores houses. Decide what makes Bob special. Why should you write about him? Nail down why the fact that Bob restores houses is worthy of being a topic for features writing.

2. 

   ~Tell a Story~

   Make the facts read like a story, not a news account. Set the tone of the feature article in the first two or three paragraphs. Don't feel like you have to spill the beans right away. Build up to the meat of the story. Make the reader want more.

   In our example of Bob, begin the feature article about how Bob tried to help his dad fix things as a young boy but always seemed to get in the way instead. Make the feature story something the reader will want to spend time reading.

3. ~Gather the Facts~

   Once you have the slant of the feature article in mind, gather the facts you'll need for your features writing. Interview the subjects and anyone else who can shed light on the topic. Do your research so you know what the background of the story is whether you end up using all of it or not.

   For Bob's story, interview Bob several times. Be sure to visit him at a house he is restoring to get a feel for how Bob works, what he does, and how he goes about restoring homes.

4. ~Take Notes~

   Take notes or use a tape recorder during interviews. Make sure that using a tape recorder is all right with the subject. It's acceptable during feature article writing to pause to jot down information. Explain to the subject what you're doing and politely ask them to wait to continue speaking till you're ready.

   Bob may be thrilled that someone is interested in his story. Respect his enthusiasm by being interested in what he has to say.

5. 

   ~Write the Story~

   When you have all of the facts and information you need, write the feature article. Generally a good feature story is written in chronological order, but flashbacks can be used if done correctly. Include details about the person, the setting, and emotions to convey how the subject feels, not just a regurgitation of the facts. Remember to show, don't tell.

   For example, make Bob come alive with a description of him, his mannerisms, and a quote or two to introduce him to the readers. Begin Bob's story in the present day but revert back to when Bob was a boy helping his father. Bring the story back to present day and show (don't tell) how Bob now takes pride working with his hands, earning his living in a way he once thought was out of reach.

6. ~Use Exact Quotes~

   Effective feature writing includes using quotes from the person(s) being interviewed. Their exact language needs to be used in the quotes. Word-for-word quotes, with grammar errors intact, add to the flavor of a good feature.

   One way for features writing to work is to let Bob tell in his own words why he wanted to restore houses. This will explain things much better than your lengthy writing about it can do.

7. 

   ~Take Photographs~

   Take lots of photos. A picture really is worth a thousand words. Several clear, crisp photographs for the final features article will enhance a good feature, telling its own tale in ways words cannot.

   Show before and after pictures of Bob with a house he has restored and the pride it brings him to be able to do this job.

Tips & Warnings

• Read Erik Larson's nonfiction books--Isaac's Storm, The Devil in the White City, and Thunderstruck--to learn how to show, don't tell.

• Don't write in a condescending or patronizing way. Features writing is still an objective exercise.

Resources

• Feature Writing for Newspapers and Magazines: The Pursuit of Excellence