Read the top writers to produce great features

SCHOOL MAG:YOUR MAGAZINE is likely to carry a number of features – features differ from news in their approach to presenting a story. They introduce colour, very often a human element and the style of writing is key to drawing in the reader. Some features will take a big news story, like the rise in unemployment, down to ground level, perhaps by profiling individuals affected.

Another feature might take an individual story, like Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan’s liking for garlic, and broaden it out to a piece on the role of garlic in culture.

The Irish Times's feature editor Shane Hegarty advises feature writers to read widely in order to get a handle on feature tone. "Good feature writing requires colour and personality, but also the knowledge of when not to go overboard. It's about sketching the personality and atmosphere of the people and places they're writing about. They must have a good turn of phrase, an eye for detail, and to capture a moment. And they should be able to write it in a way that keeps the reader interested.

"Among those I'd recommend are The Irish Times's Miriam Lord and Kathy Sheridan, both of whom capture a mood, personality or an event as few others can.

“Each has her own style, but the best way to learn how to write well is by reading great writers.”

Next week: Design planning

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