10 Captivating Feature Writing Examples That Hook And Inspire

The world of journalism brims with the power of storytelling, and among the most compelling tools at a journalist's disposal is feature writing. This form of writing dives deep into subjects, crafting narratives that not only inform but also engage and move readers emotionally. Here, we explore 10 Captivating Feature Writing Examples that not only showcase the craft's essence but also inspire aspiring writers to find their voice.

The Art of Immersion 🏔️

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Feature writing often requires journalists to immerse themselves in environments that are sometimes alien to them, to uncover stories in their rawest form.

Examples:

• 'Hole in the Sky' by Jon Krakauer: His account of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster is a testament to immersion, where the harsh reality of survival at high altitude is portrayed through personal experience and meticulous detail.

• 'The Double Life of Paul de Man' by Ian Buruma: Buruma delves into the life of Paul de Man, a literary scholar with a hidden past, exposing the complexities of human nature through direct engagement with his subjects and their environments.

Profile Writing That Breathes Life 📚

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Profiles are among the most intimate pieces of feature writing, where the writer paints a vivid picture of an individual's life.

Examples:

• 'Last of the Red Hot Papas' by David Remnick: Remnick's profile of Bob Dylan captures the enigma of a cultural icon, exploring Dylan's reclusiveness and artistic genius with a captivating narrative flow.

• 'The Man Who Could Talk to Fish' by Susan Orlean: Orlean's profile of Dr. George Sprague, a scientist who could communicate with fish, demonstrates how feature writing can make the unusual seem both human and accessible.

Historical and Cultural Dives 🏺

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A profound understanding of history or culture can elevate feature writing, blending past and present into a narrative that resonates deeply.

Examples:

• 'The Atomic City Girls' by Denise Kiernan: This book dives into the lives of women who worked on the Manhattan Project, intertwining their personal stories with the larger historical context.

• 'The Witch of Ravenswood' by Stacy Schiff: A feature on the 1880s witchcraft trial in New York, which explores the cultural fears and societal norms of the time through a narrative lens.

Investigative Journalism with Heart ❤️

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The marriage of investigative reporting with feature writing creates compelling stories that not only expose but also evoke empathy.

Examples:

• 'The Night That Changed America' by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams: Their investigation into the BALCO scandal in sports sheds light on the ethical dilemmas athletes face, told through intimate and engaging storytelling.

• 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot: Skloot's investigation into the life and the ethical issues surrounding HeLa cells combines scientific exploration with human drama, making it a quintessential example of engaging feature writing.

Personal Narratives and Memoir 🚀

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Writing about one's life experiences can be one of the most powerful forms of feature writing, resonating with readers on a deeply personal level.

Examples:

• 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi: This memoir reflects on life, death, and the profound journey of a young neurosurgeon confronting his own mortality, capturing readers with its poignancy and introspection.

• 'Eat, Pray, Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert: Gilbert's journey of self-discovery through Italy, India, and Indonesia is a testament to the power of personal narrative in engaging readers, inspiring many to seek their own paths to fulfillment.

Travel Features That Inspire Wanderlust 🌍

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Travel features have the unique ability to transport readers to new places, offering not just information but an escape.

Examples:

• 'The Geography of Bliss' by Eric Weiner: This travelogue explores happiness in different cultures, blending humor, observation, and personal narrative into a captivating feature.

• 'In Patagonia' by Bruce Chatwin: Chatwin's journey through Patagonia intertwines myth, history, and personal adventure, crafting a narrative that invites readers to imagine their own adventures.

Conclusion

These ten examples of feature writing highlight the genre's versatility, from immersion and profile writing to deeply personal memoirs and investigative reports. Each story, through its unique voice and perspective, not only informs but also inspires, stirring the soul of the reader with the art of narrative journalism. As writers, we can draw lessons from these pieces, understanding that the key to engaging feature writing lies in authenticity, depth, and the ability to connect with readers on an emotional level.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What makes feature writing stand out from other forms of journalism?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Feature writing stands out due to its storytelling aspect, where the narrative often focuses on human elements, uses descriptive language, and aims to evoke emotions rather than just reporting facts.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can feature writing be factual?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely, feature writing can be factual; it often blends facts with storytelling to make information more digestible and engaging.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I start writing features?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Begin by reading a wide variety of feature articles, study their structure, voice, and style. Practice writing profiles, personal essays, or even short pieces on interesting local events to hone your skills.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>