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Writing Guidelines

Prewriting ■ Selecting a Topic

The best features leave the reader thinking, “I’m really glad I read that story.” Search for a story idea your audience ought to know about. Features can be about people, places, things, or events that readers will be interested in, so you can find topics in many places.

Gathering Details

You need to gather background information about your topic as well as conduct interviews.

Interviewing

Use the following quick guide for interviews. (Also see page 252.)

• Pre-interview. Begin by setting up the interview. Compile a list of questions and star the ones that you definitely need to have answered.
• Interview. During the interview, stay engaged by nodding your head or saying “I see” or “okay.” Take notes of key details, such as the correct spelling of names.
• Post-interview. After the interview, review your notes.

Details. Details. Details.

Collect specific details just as Sean Anderson did in his feature.