Emily Katz
April 21, 2011
From reading the examples, I’ve learned that successful feature writing lies in the vivid descriptions and imagery the writer uses, artful organization of the information and smooth transitions, a variety of sources and perspectives to add dimension, and an ending that leaves the reader with something. I’ve learned the importance to have an engaging lede. The writer needs a hook that will pull the reader in. It helps if the lede portrays some aspect of the title. For example, the piece titled “Trial by Fire” has a lede with the description of the fire scene. The style of the lede will largely depend on the writer’s angle into the story. The characterization (utilizing a lot of imagery) of Frank Sinatra is used as the lede to the piece “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold,” and it is fitting because the piece is about him as a legendary figure.
In the article, “Is Urban Loneliness a Myth,” the nut graph, or the justification for why the story is relevant now, appears right after the lede. The narrative lede is told through the first person (the journalist’s own perspective, which is also used by the journalist who wrote “Insane Clown Posse”) and is supported by the nut graph that contains statistics about how New York City has the highest number of single dwellers.
Profiles of the main characters are helpful with telling the story, as it gives the reader background and context. For example, the profile of Todd Willingham in “Trial by Fire” helps portray his character and establish ambiguity around his guiltiness. Quotes from minor characters further help with telling the story. Elizabeth Gilbert’s account of Todd Willingham further sheds light on how perhaps he is wrongfully convicted. I’ve also learned of the importance of incorporating essential sources. In “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold,” the journalist incorporates quotes from Sinatra’s close friends, press agent, his first wife, his daughter, and his son—each helping to paint a more complete picture of Frank Sinatra. In “Fatal Distraction,” the journalist incorporates experts on the justice system, an expert on human memory, several parents who have left their child in the car, and an advocate from Kids and Cars. These multiple perspectives add dimensions to an otherwise bland story.
I also feel that with a feature piece, the writer has certain liberties to also tap into novel writing. The writer can structure the piece in a way that creates suspense (such as “Trial by Fire), or utilize imagery to make it dramatic (“Fatal Distraction” and the descriptions of the dead children) or humorous (Frank Sinatra).
The icing on the cake for feature writing is the ending, where the writer can leave a lasting image in the reader’s mind. In “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold,” the last image the reader pictures is Sinatra having a brief connection with a young girl while he is in his car. He thought she might not recognize him because of their generational differences, but she does! The ending image helped portray Sinatra as a true legend in American music. The endings to “Trial by Fire” and “Fatal Distraction” leave the reader with some ambiguity about the issue. One questions the “justice” of our legal system while the other questions whether parents who accidentally killed their kids should be given a second chance in being a parent. Both stir emotions within the reader.
This is really excellent. You've totally nailed the essential points of good feature writing, both structurally and stylistically. This will serve you well when you're writing your own!
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