Feature Structure

How to write transitions: cliffhangers

External transitions move readers from section to section

Talk about a transition. Here’s how author Erik Larson ends one chapter of Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America:

“‘Would the thin rods (of the first Ferris wheel) be sufficient to sustain not only the enormous weight of the structure and that of the 2,000 passengers who might chance to be in the cars, but the pressure of the wind as well?’

… Read the full article

How to write a transition sentence

Avoid transitional clichés

Transitions can be hard to write. Maybe that’s why we keep turning back to these hackneyed transitions, listed in a Poynter Institute forum:

Let’s pause and ponder that for a minute too.… Read the full article

Background tops the types of feature story leads to avoid

Don’t start with the blah blah blah

The background might be an important component of your story. After all, the readers might need some of the following elements to fully understand your story:

A definition
A short description of a key concept
A one-paragraph history of the subject
Additional facts or details that give context to the story or “prove” your point

Background comes third

But readers don’t need this material first.… Read the full article

Build a better body for the feature story structure

Five ways to avoid flabby middles

My favorite scene in the movie “High Fidelity” is when Rob Gordon (John Cusack) becomes so depressed over his failed love life that he seeks solace in reorganizing his albums.… Read the full article

How to write a nut graf, or nut graph

Tell readers what you’re going to tell ’em

If I came to your house and told you to grab your things and follow me, how far would you go?… Read the full article

Anecdotes make good feature leads

To draw readers in, tell them a story

Here’s how Korbel Champagne Cellars topped a PRSA Silver Anvil Award-winning pitch:

Have you heard about the guy who mowed “Will You Marry Me?”

… Read the full article

Why should you write feature article leads?

The New York Times runs 33% feature leads

New York’s Grey Lady isn’t so gray any more. Topping one-third of its stories with feature leads, The New York Times covers the world in living color.… Read the full article

End with a bang

Leave a lasting impression in the kicker

Think of the kicker as the fireworks display at the end of the Fourth of July picnic. It’s the reader’s reward for making it to the end of the piece.… Read the full article