Gathering Information for Feature Stories

Writing feature stories is very gratifying in that sharing an in-depth descriptive story with the reader is a good feeling. A lot of time goes into writing a feature piece and using exactly the right words and language to depict the scene for the audience. However, even more time is put in behind the scenes, which the reader never sees or even thinks about.

The reader only sees the final product; the strong and enthralling story that grabs their attention and doesn't let go until the piece is finished. However, before all of that was put together on paper, the writer had to do more research than the reader realizes.

Another reason feature stories may be so gratifying is because of all the work that goes into them. Feature writers must be extremely observant at all times. Often times people get moving so fast that they brush past people and places without noticing details. Feature writers must notice each and every detail and not take those for granted. Without these details, a feature story would be extremely weak.

Furthermore, feature writers must do a good bit of background information and interviewing. Often times, most of this information won't even be used in the story but it's necessary to understand and fully grasp everything you are writing about. Although it can be frustrating to put so much time and effort into gathering information and then not using it for the reader to see, having that knowledge is essential to writing a strong feature and that knowledge will show to the audience.

When interviewing for a feature story, you can't simply focus on the quotes. Instead, just like in building a scene for the reader, you must use your senses and notice everything. Everything includes facial expressions, dialect, scents, sounds, emotions, anything that could possibly be used later on to strengthen the story.

It took some time getting used to just how much detail and information you have to gather as a writer. However, if you want your piece to be as strong as you'd like then it's a necessity. Ultimately, once you are finished with the story it should feel as though all the background work was well worth the time and effort because the story will be so in-depth and detailed that both you and your readers will love it.