2.1 Sources for Feature Story Ideas
9 min read•july 30, 2024
Feature writing is all about finding unique angles and untold stories. To do this, writers need to cast a wide net for inspiration, drawing from diverse media, personal experiences, and current events.
Successful feature writers cultivate curiosity, build relationships with sources, and stay attuned to emerging trends. They use techniques, organize their ideas, and leverage their passions to uncover compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
Feature Story Idea Generation
Diverse Media Consumption for Inspiration
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- Regularly consuming a broad range of media (newspapers, magazines, blogs, podcasts, ) exposes writers to inspiring stories, unique perspectives, and emerging trends that spark fresh feature ideas
- Diverse media consumption helps writers identify underreported stories, spot patterns across different outlets, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the current media landscape
- By following a mix of established and alternative media sources, writers can discover contrarian viewpoints, untold stories, and niche angles that mainstream outlets may overlook
- Subscribing to industry newsletters, trade publications, and specialist blogs can surface story ideas specific to particular beats or target audiences
Brainstorming Techniques for Concept Generation
- Participating in brainstorming sessions, whether alone or in a group, using techniques like , word association, or "what if" scenarios, can help generate a high volume of raw story concepts to later assess and refine
- Mind mapping involves visually organizing related ideas and subtopics around a central theme, helping writers explore different facets of a potential story and identify unexpected connections
- Word association exercises, where writers quickly jot down ideas sparked by a particular word or phrase, can lead to surprising juxtapositions and creative story angles
- Posing hypothetical "what if" questions (What if a major event had turned out differently? What if a common assumption were challenged?) can spur counterfactual thinking and imaginative story premises
Idea Capture and Organization Systems
- Maintaining a story idea journal, swipe file, or digital database provides a centralized repository to capture and organize potential feature angles as they arise, allowing writers to regularly review and expand on them
- Using a physical notebook or digital note-taking app (Evernote, OneNote) to jot down observations, overheard conversations, and random musings can prevent promising ideas from being forgotten
- Creating a digital swipe file of intriguing articles, images, and multimedia clips encountered online, organized by theme or topic, provides a rich source of inspiration and reference material for future stories
- Regularly reviewing and categorizing one's idea collection helps writers identify patterns, make connections between seemingly disparate concepts, and prioritize the most promising angles to pursue
Personal Experiences for Story Concepts
Mining Personal Experiences for Resonant Themes
- Mining one's own life experiences, including major events, challenges overcome, lessons learned, or unique skills developed, can yield compelling personal essays or that resonate with readers
- Reflecting on formative moments (a life-changing trip, a mentor's advice, a transformative failure) can uncover universal themes and emotional truths to explore in first-person narratives
- Examining how one's personal struggles and triumphs (battling illness, navigating a career change) mirror broader societal issues can lead to features that blend memoir with cultural commentary
- Highlighting unique talents or expertise gained through experience (mastering a craft, navigating a subculture) can position the writer as a credible guide for readers seeking to understand a particular world
Hyperlocal Observation for Community-Based Features
- Keen observations of one's local community, from neighborhood characters and gathering places to cultural traditions and social issues, can inspire hyperlocal feature stories that illuminate the human condition
- Regularly walking or biking different routes through one's neighborhood, paying attention to sensory details and changes over time, can spark feature ideas grounded in a strong sense of place
- Attending (town halls, festivals, high school games) and striking up conversations with locals of all ages and backgrounds can unearth surprising stories and perspectives
- Identifying local issues that reflect national trends (gentrification, the opioid crisis) allows writers to use their community as a microcosm to explore complex social problems
Curiosity-Driven Questioning for Fresh Angles
- An insatiable sense of curiosity, constantly asking questions about the "how" and "why" behind the people, places, and phenomena one encounters, often leads to surprising story revelations and fresh angles
- Asking follow-up questions that go beyond surface-level details (What motivates this person? How has this place evolved over time?) can help writers uncover the deeper meaning and context behind a story
- Seeking out the perspectives of people with different backgrounds and experiences can challenge assumptions, overturn stereotypes, and lead to more nuanced, empathetic storytelling
- Cultivating a childlike sense of wonder about the everyday world (How does this machine work? Why do we do things this way?) can help writers approach familiar subjects from a fresh, inquisitive angle
Personal Passion as a Wellspring of Ideas
- Identifying and exploring one's personal passions, whether food, travel, activism, or the arts, can help writers spot potential feature subjects and uncover stories they are uniquely qualified and motivated to tell
- Attending events and connecting with fellow enthusiasts in one's areas of interest can lead to story ideas that align with the writer's expertise and excitement
- Researching the historical, cultural, and social significance of one's hobbies and pursuits can provide rich context for features that educate and enlighten readers
- Drawing connections between one's personal passions and larger trends or issues in society can result in features that feel both intimate and broadly relevant
News Events and Trends for Feature Angles
Breaking News Analysis and Reporting
- Monitoring breaking news, from local happenings to global events, can surface timely opportunities to provide in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes reporting, or a fresh perspective on a developing story
- Identifying the key players, stakeholders, and communities affected by a breaking news event can lead to compelling human-interest angles and untold stories
- Analyzing the historical context, potential consequences, and broader significance of a news event can elevate a feature beyond mere recitation of facts to offer valuable insight and interpretation
- Obtaining exclusive , access to private settings, or previously undisclosed documents related to a breaking story can help a feature stand out from competitors' coverage
Trend Spotting and Contextualization
- Spotting emerging cultural, business, or technology trends, by studying forecasting reports, influencer chatter, and fringe developments, allows feature writers to explain and contextualize the forces shaping our world
- Monitoring social media hashtags, online forums, and other digital spaces where tastemakers congregate can provide early signals of emerging trends and behavioral shifts
- Interviewing experts and analysts who study macro-level patterns can help writers understand the underlying drivers and potential implications of a particular trend
- Examining how a trend is playing out in specific industries, subcultures, or geographic regions can lead to focused feature angles that make a broad topic feel concrete and relatable
Timely Hooks for Seasonal and Anniversary Stories
- Anticipating upcoming anniversaries, holidays, seasonal events, and pop culture moments provides a timely news hook for features that explore the deeper significance and backstories behind these occasions
- Researching the origins, evolution, and cultural impact of annual traditions (Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo) can inspire fresh angles that go beyond superficial coverage of the festivities
- Examining how different generations, communities, or cultures celebrate the same milestone or holiday can reveal diverse perspectives and spark stories about identity, values, and social change
- Using a seasonal change (spring cleaning, back-to-school) as a jumping-off point to explore the rituals, businesses, and psychological effects associated with that time of year
Localizing National and Global Issues
- Localizing national or international news stories, by finding a relevant community angle or personal connection, creates an opportunity to make a distant event feel relevant and relatable to one's target readership
- Identifying local individuals or groups working on issues of national significance (climate change, immigration reform) can lead to profiles and case studies that humanize abstract policy debates
- Comparing how a global trend or event (a new technology, a trade agreement) is impacting different communities can highlight regional disparities and spur productive dialogue
- Exploring how a local community has responded to or been shaped by a major national event (a natural disaster, a political shift) can uncover stories of resilience, adaptation, and change
Diverse Sources for Story Leads
Relationship Building for Tips and Access
- Proactively building relationships with a wide spectrum of people, from community leaders and subject matter experts to everyday folks with unique perspectives, creates a trusted network that can provide tips and access
- Attending neighborhood events, volunteering for local causes, and participating in hobbies or interest groups can help writers connect with potential sources in an authentic, non-transactional way
- Following up with sources after an initial interview to thank them, share the resulting story, and maintain the connection can lead to future story ideas and referrals
- Proactively reaching out to sources in advance of predictable news events (an election, a product launch) to arrange interviews and gather background can give writers a head start on timely features
Industry Events and Conferences for Emerging Ideas
- Attending industry events, conferences, workshops, and social functions allows writers to connect with potential sources, hear about emerging innovations, and spot feature story opportunities before they become widely known
- Studying event agendas and speaker bios in advance to identify sessions and experts aligned with one's beat or interests can help writers make the most of their time and focus their networking efforts
- Taking detailed notes during presentations, asking questions during Q&A sessions, and following up with speakers afterwards can yield valuable insights and leads for future stories
- Exploring the exhibit halls, demo booths, and poster sessions at conferences can expose writers to cutting-edge research, products, and ideas that could inspire visually driven features
Social Media Engagement for Source Cultivation
- Following thought leaders and influencers on social media, and actively engaging with their insights and content, can lead to mutually beneficial relationships that provide a pipeline of story ideas and opportunities for collaboration
- Participating in Twitter chats, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn discussions related to one's beat can help writers stay attuned to industry conversations and connect with knowledgeable sources
- Monitoring sources' social media feeds for mentions of their upcoming projects, travel plans, or personal milestones can provide timely hooks for profiles and Q&As
- Sharing one's own articles and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the writing process on social media can attract potential sources and story subjects who appreciate the writer's work and approach
Interview Techniques for Uncovering Additional Angles
- When interviewing sources for a specific story, always ask what else they are working on or thinking about, as these additional insights and angles can often spark ideas for future features
- Asking sources to recommend other people to talk to or resources to consult can lead to a chain of valuable referrals and a more comprehensive understanding of a topic
- Encouraging sources to share anecdotes, examples, and personal experiences related to the subject at hand can provide colorful details and potential ideas for standalone stories
- Saving unused quotes and tangential details from interviews in a separate file for later review can help writers identify patterns and connections that could form the basis of a new feature angle
Data and Archival Research for Untold Stories
- Studying census data, research reports, and archival records can reveal untold stories, historical patterns, and potential sources to profile, especially when combined with on-the-ground exploration and interviews
- Analyzing demographic data to identify trends and outliers (a rapidly growing immigrant population, a shrinking industry) can lead to features that explore the human impact of abstract statistics
- Searching historical archives (newspapers, photo collections, oral histories) for noteworthy events, characters, or artifacts from a community's past can inspire features that connect the present to the past
- Submitting public records requests to government agencies and institutions can unearth story ideas and primary documents that shed new light on contemporary issues and public figures
Key Terms to Review (16)
Audience analysis: Audience analysis is the process of understanding the characteristics, interests, and preferences of a specific group of readers in order to tailor content that resonates with them. This technique helps writers create engaging and relevant stories by considering what the audience values and how they consume information, making it essential for effectively conveying messages and achieving desired responses.
Background Research: Background research is the process of gathering information and context about a subject or story idea before diving deeper into reporting. This foundational step helps writers understand the history, significance, and various perspectives surrounding their topic, which ultimately enriches the narrative and enhances its credibility.
Brainstorming: Brainstorming is a creative problem-solving technique that involves generating a large number of ideas or solutions in a short period of time, often in a group setting. This process encourages free thinking and the sharing of thoughts without immediate judgment, making it an essential tool for developing story pitches and identifying potential sources for feature stories.
Character development: Character development refers to the process of creating and evolving characters in a story, making them relatable and engaging for readers. It involves crafting their backgrounds, motivations, personality traits, and growth throughout the narrative, which can significantly influence the storytelling style and impact. Strong character development enhances different feature types, contributes to effective storytelling, and shapes the balance of action and description.
Community events: Community events are organized gatherings that bring people together in a specific geographic area, often aimed at fostering social interaction, cultural exchange, and civic engagement. These events can range from festivals, parades, and fairs to workshops and volunteer activities, serving as a platform for local issues, talents, and traditions to be showcased.
Field research: Field research is a method of data collection that involves gathering information from real-world settings rather than relying solely on secondary sources or theoretical models. This approach allows researchers to observe and interact with subjects in their natural environment, leading to insights that can significantly enhance the richness and depth of feature stories. By conducting field research, writers can develop unique angles, discover fresh sources for story ideas, and better understand the different types of feature stories they can tell.
Interviews: Interviews are a method of gathering information where a journalist asks questions to one or more individuals to obtain insights, opinions, and firsthand accounts related to a particular story. This technique is crucial for developing narratives, verifying facts, and uncovering unique angles in feature writing, as the dialogue can lead to unexpected insights and deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Joan Didion: Joan Didion is an influential American writer known for her distinctive style and insightful commentary on American culture, personal experience, and societal issues. Her work often blends personal narrative with broader observations, making her essays and articles powerful examples of personal essays that resonate deeply with readers.
Mind mapping: Mind mapping is a visual thinking tool that helps organize information by creating a diagram that connects ideas, concepts, and tasks around a central theme. This technique enhances understanding and retention by illustrating relationships and hierarchies among the pieces of information, making it especially useful for brainstorming and planning. By using colors, images, and lines, mind maps can make complex information more digestible and spark creativity in the process of developing feature story ideas or organizing notes.
Narrative arc: A narrative arc is the structure that guides a story through its beginning, middle, and end, showcasing the development of characters and plot over time. It helps in creating emotional engagement and a clear path for readers to follow, making it essential in storytelling across various forms of writing.
Profile pieces: Profile pieces are a type of feature story that focuses on a person, exploring their life, personality, and experiences in depth. These articles often combine interviews, anecdotes, and rich descriptions to paint a vivid picture of the subject, making them relatable and engaging for readers.
Social media: Social media refers to digital platforms and applications that enable users to create, share, and exchange content in real-time. These platforms facilitate communication and interaction among individuals and groups, allowing for the dissemination of information and ideas, often shaping public opinion and trends.
Story pitch: A story pitch is a concise proposal presented by a writer to an editor or producer, outlining the idea and concept for a potential feature story. This pitch includes key elements such as the angle, significance, and target audience, and is designed to capture the attention of the decision-maker, encouraging them to approve the project. Effectively crafting a story pitch is crucial as it helps convey the uniqueness and relevance of the story idea amidst a multitude of other proposals.
Storyboarding: Storyboarding is a visual planning tool used to outline and organize the sequence of events in a story or project, typically through a series of illustrations or images. This technique helps writers and creators to visualize the flow of their narrative, ensuring that key elements such as pacing, character development, and emotional impact are effectively conveyed. It serves as a blueprint for both creating story pitches and sourcing feature story ideas by allowing the storyteller to see how concepts can come together cohesively.
Surveys: Surveys are research tools used to collect data from individuals or groups, typically through questionnaires or interviews, to understand opinions, behaviors, or characteristics. They serve as a primary method for gathering quantitative and qualitative data, providing valuable insights that can inform feature stories and enhance data analysis. By utilizing surveys, researchers can obtain feedback that reflects the views of a larger population, helping to generate story ideas or support existing narratives.
Tom Wolfe: Tom Wolfe was a prominent American author and journalist known for his influential work in the genre of New Journalism, which combines literary techniques with factual reporting. His unique narrative style and keen observations provided a fresh perspective on various aspects of American life, making his work a vital source of ideas and inspiration for feature stories, showcasing the role of feature writing in capturing the human experience.