How to Write a Captivating Feature Article | Blake McCoy | Chicago, IL

A feature story is a type of news story that goes beyond the usual facts to create a compelling and unique narrative. Feature articles provide an in-depth analysis of a particular subject or location. A good feature story will attract readers’ attention long enough to create a lasting impression.

There are various kinds of feature article writing. Journalists involved in feature writing are known to go beyond the usual facts to uncover the hidden stories beneath the surface. If you’re a new writer or a freelance journalist looking to improve your skills, these tips can help you get started.

Take Time to Research

Besides the usual facts, a good feature story also needs evidence. Aside from interviews and quotes, other sources such as family members, eyewitnesses, and anecdotes can help develop a compelling and unique story. Having the opportunity to hear their stories can help create a more balanced and exciting story.

Create a Powerful Headline

One of the most challenging aspects of feature writing is getting the readers’ attention. Unlike hard news stories, feature articles don’t try to hide the truth but rather provide an in-depth analysis of a particular subject or location. A good feature story should attract readers’ attention long enough to create a lasting impression.

Hook the Audience

The opening paragraph should be the main focus of the feature story, as it should introduce the reader to the story and provide them with a reason to keep reading. In addition to giving the reader a compelling and unique story, the first paragraph should also introduce tension and give readers a reason to keep looking for more information.

Fluid-Structure

Feature writing is structured similarly to how you would write a short story. However, don’t be afraid to try making the format your own. As long as the information flows seamlessly into your story and the emotional arc is connected, you will likely create a compelling feature article. Even if you’re writing a personality profile, make sure that the main elements of your feature story are related to the person you’re talking about.

Make it Effective

If you’re planning on creating a tense setup for your feature story, the reader should feel like there are many points to it. Your main body should contain all the necessary information and the payoffs the reader has anticipated. Even if the story doesn’t end as you want it to, the conclusion should still feel satisfying to the readers.

About Blake McCoy

Blake McCoy is a dynamic, engaging broadcast journalist with a depth of experience. As a network news correspondent, Blake has traveled the country sharing stories of human triumph and tragedy, struggle and perseverance. As a local anchor, Blake has connected with audiences by leading top-rated newscasts with authenticity, accuracy and care.

Blake McCoy’s news journey began in Boise, Idaho where he spent nearly two years establishing the foundation for his career as a reporter and morning anchor at KBOI-TV.

Next stop was Las Vegas, NV where Blake McCoy worked as reporter and weekend anchor at KTNV, ABC Action News. Vegas had gone from boom to bust overnight, rattled by the 2008 financial crisis. Reporting on tourism from the fast-paced Las Vegas Strip, Blake found new urgency in the constant push for reinvention. Just beyond the neon, reporting juxtaposed with deeply personal stories of job loss, home foreclosure and desperation.

After three years in Las Vegas, Blake McCoy’s next career opportunity came from the highly respected, award-winning team at KARE 11, NBC in Minneapolis, MN. Blake would keep is schedule anchoring weekend evenings and reporting on important issues in the community. At KARE 11, Blake’s authenticity and smart reporting was quickly embraced by viewers of their #1 rated newscasts.

Network attention followed. Blake McCoy became a National Correspondent at NBC News reporting for TODAY, Nightly News, and MSNBC. Minnesota became his second-home as he would return often covering major stories including investigations and trials of multiple high-profile police shootings, racial injustice and the death of music icon Prince.