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Feature Writing Intro Course

Write compelling features for print and digital on this two-day introduction course.

Taught by working journalists, with practical exercises and feedback on your own work.

Write compelling features for print and digital on this two-day introduction course. Taught by working journalists, with practical exercises and feedback on your own work.

86 Reviews
9.6/10 Satisfaction
98.8% Recommend
See reviews
Feature Writing Intro training course

Feature Writing Intro Course

All Feature Writing courses

Write compelling long-form features for print and digital on this two-day introduction course.

You'll learn what defines a great feature story and how it differs from news, how to find and develop strong ideas, how to research your subject effectively, how to structure your feature for maximum impact using different formats, how to write a powerful opening that hooks the reader immediately, how to use quotes and interviews to bring your piece to life, and how to write with the style and authority that editors want.

Practical throughout with exercises and feedback.

View course outline

Private & team training

Get a quote for Feature Writing Intro

This course isn't on the public schedule right now. Request a quote and we'll come back with dates, pricing and delivery options, at our centre, live online or at your venue.

Course outline

1

Introduction

Defining characteristics of a feature story

How to construct a feature

Different feature formats: the Inverted Triangle vs the Diamond and other formats

2

Finding and researching good feature subjects

How to turn good ideas into good features

How to decide what features will work best

How to research a feature

Using the web and other published material and archives for new ideas

Spotting ideas in other sources that were not intended to offer feature options

3

The essentials of good English

Grammar and spelling

Sentence and paragraph construction

Feature writing styles

4

Secrets of structuring a feature

How to get your feature off to the right start

Organising elements in the most logical and interesting way

Different structures and formats

Finding a good ending for your feature

5

How to interview

Preparing for an interview

Deciding who to interview

Ensuring you are well-briefed

6

Getting the right quotes

Gaining your subject's confidence

Deciding when to use direct quotes

When to convert information into reported speech

7

Writing for digital readers

The differences between print and online reading habits

Linking to and embedding multimedia content in your features

8

How to meet deadlines

Setting realistic deadlines

Tips and tricks on how to make feature editors happy

9

Questions and answers

This course is available as a private course. This allows you to choose any dates for your training. And, if you wish, we can tailor the content for you or your team. Please contact us for more details.

Who is this course for?

For journalists, bloggers, content writers and aspiring feature writers who want to write long-form features for print or digital publication. No prior feature writing experience required.

86 Reviews
9.6/10 Satisfaction
98.8% Recommend

Really interesting, inspiring and helpful with feedback.

Lottie – 5 December 2022

Thank you Piers, this was an excellent day - so informative and useful! I have learnt so many things I'm keen to put into action in my next…

Jacqueline – 28 September 2020

Emphasis on useful tips and relevant examples rather than a lot of time getting participants to try things out - an excellent balance - and…

Louise – 28 September 2020

This was a hugely helpful, thought-provoking course. Exactly what I needed! Piers was a knowledgeable and supportive trainer.

Sarah – 28 September 2020

Piers was very interesting and engaging and had taken the time to look at some of our features ahead of the course.

Craig – 28 September 2020

Session covered lots of ground, offered really valuable practical and relevant tips. It delivered an ideal mix of Piers talking, group disc…

Tom – 28 September 2020

Our trainer was extremely good and very welcoming. It was nice to spend the two days with him.

Elaine – 11 December 2019

Was a great experience, really can't fault it. I think it was the best course i've been on. Good timings for breaks etc and fab, knowledgea…

Abigail – 11 December 2019

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Who attends?

Getting better at your job icon

Getting better at your job

You need a skill for the role you already have, or your employer is investing in the team.

Changing career icon

Changing career

You're moving into a new field and need the practical skills it asks for.

Just graduated icon

Just graduated

You know the theory. A practical course and a certificate of attendance show employers you can do the work.

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