Repasky,+Erika+J.


 * Unfamiliar Genre **

For my Unfamiliar Genre Project I would like to explore writing a **feature article** for a magazine or newspaper. I am interested in this genre because I enjoy reading magazines, and in addition to teaching, it is a dream of mine to write for some sort of column for either a magazine or newspaper. I like to be creative in my writing and I think it would be fun to discover pieces that I can write about for a specific audience. To me, feature articles seem fresh and those that people turn to for specific information in a magazine or newspaper. I think this will present a challenge in that you need to really be able to grab the reader's attention, or your feature is boring and a waste of time for everyone! What I do know about a feature article (after some brief research) is that it is the main topic or focus of the magazine/newspaper, and typically mentioned on the first page of the publication. Most of the time pictures are included as well. From what I’ve read in the past, I don’t believe that features share the opinion of the author(s), rather they tell about a certain event. I also think it would be interesting and probably a lot harder than it seems to write a **critique on art or photography**. All I know about this genre is that I've glanced over these types of critiques in maybe The New Yorker or New York Times, and it just seems way detailed about one small object - it obviously means a lot more I'm guessing if you've been able to experience the art or photo. It would be challenging to write with so much detail on something that you could most likely sum up in a few words. I would think you would need to keep a certain audience in mind and know all the art/photo "lingo" or you would completely lose your target audience; you wouldn't be seen as a credible source. I am interested in this genre because I'd like to work on writing a detailed, yet unrepetitive piece, and I'd like to learn more about a piece of art and/or photography. Erika: The feature article is a good challenge, but it will be easier if you locate some magazines or newspapers that print the kind of thing you like to read. Are we talking //The Detroit News// or //People Magazine// or the //Ann Arbor Observer// or what? Some require research or interviews, while some may just depend on your experience.

Bill

**__ Extra, Extra: A User’s Guide to Writing a Feature Article __**

What does a feature article do? It //INFORMS//, //PERSUADES//, and //ENTERTAINS!//

When beginning your feature article, you should always:


 * Brainstorm ideas
 * Ask yourself “What is the purpose?”
 * Choose your “language” – Will your feature evoke emotion and a personal response within your reader? Will you include jargon to make your article more authentic? Will your article be humorous?
 * Research your topic
 * Grab the reader’s attention
 * Keep your reader interested throughout the story
 * Use your conclusion to leave a lasting impression

While feature articles may vary in form, they should always follow the basic structure:

1. ** Title and headline ** : The main functions of the title and headline is to grab the reader’s attention and to highlight the main focus of the article

2. ** Introduction ** : The introduction is used for a variety of purposes. The intro is the author’s chance to build a relationship with the reader, entice the reader to choose a side by presenting controversial information, asking questions, or presenting statistics. The author needs to be creative in choosing an introduction that will make the reader want to keep reading now that the title and headline have sparked interest.

3. ** Details ** : The details are the main article. This portion of your feature is very important because it is the “meat and potatoes” of your feature – it //is// the feature! The author may include quotes from experts/authorities and then express his/her stand on the issue. The author may also choose to tell stories, include pictures, and/or stories. It is useful to include subheadings throughout your feature article so that the text does not come across as overwhelming, and it keeps the article organized. If the author chooses to present his/her opinion only in the article, it is smart to include facts and statistics that support it! (Obviously J )

4. ** Conclusion: ** Finally, as a feature article author, you want to close your article strongly! Present to the reader a course of action, or a piece of information that leaves a lasting impression and encourages the reader to contemplate your viewpoint. The conclusion should always reiterate the main idea of your feature.

And finally (drum roll, please)…

5. ** Proofreading: ** Make sure you always proofread your article for factual, grammatical, and spelling errors. This is a no-brainer and a must if you are going to submit your article to a publisher. Have other people check your work because it is easy for you as the author to overlook your mistakes - you know what you are trying to say. Consequently, you will not know if an idea is unclear or a sentence does not make sense if someone else does not proofread for you.

**__ Annotated Bibliography __**

This article is really useful in helping someone to construct a feature article. It tells you what the main purpose of a feature is and gives you examples of ten different types of feature articles. This link also includes a short animated video that would be beneficial in peaking student interest about writing a feature article. The article includes detailed steps that include all the structural components of a feature as well.
 * 1)  “How to Write a Great a Great Feature Article”. SQUIDOO []. Accessed October 8, 2010

2. “Feature Articles”. SUPERKIDS: Education for the Future. []. Accessed October 8, 2010. This web link provides a list of about 30 different examples of feature articles. Each article talks about a human interest piece and many of them include a visual whether it is a graph, photo, or virtual component.

3. Perkins, Karen. “How to Write Feature Articles for Magazines: Basic Steps to Well-Written Magazine Articles.” Suite101.com. August 12, 2008. http://www.suite101.com/content/how-to-write-feature-articles-for-magazines- a64096. Accessed October 8, 2010. A concise article – lists the four major parts of a feature article including title, lead, body, and conclusion with examples. Perkins also gives tips on editing your article before submitting it to an editor.

4. Ricketson, Matthew. __Writing Feature Stories: How to Research and Write__ __ Newspaper and Magazine Articles. __ Allen & Unwin. Crows Nest NSW, Australia. 2004.  I do not have this book in my hands yet, but by looking at the table of contents and the first two chapters using the “Look Inside” feature at a Borders.com, I think it would be the perfect book to help me learn to write a feature story. Almost every chapter looks like it has a portion of a feature to explain the point of the chapter which would be really helpful. It’s a newer book so it appears to be full of updated information and not the same boring “stuff.”

5. Burleigh, Nina. “The Race to Find Myself.” __Elle__. October 2010: 420-425, 482. This article has a lead that catches the reader’s attention and has a good element of personal interest. It uses pictures and blown-up quotations from the story set within the text. I noticed that the feature is very detailed – including descriptions of the skin color, texture, and physical features of those detailed in the story. The article is useful to me because I can see all the elements of the “how-to” articles implemented in a real life feature article. Burleigh keeps the reader guessing and forces us to almost construct the story for ourselves because of her unique choice of order and use of flashbacks to tell the story.

6. Drummond, Katie. “The Hunger Diaries.” __Marie Claire__. November 2010: 132-134. Once again, by reading this article I see the importance of a “catchy” lead in a feature. A very “new age” article in that it investigates blogging as a potential threat to the health of readers. Focuses on a group of women, the “Big Six” that give health and diet advice by means of journaling their own day-to-day eating and exercise regimes. The bloggers are controversial because only one is a certified specialist. Drummond presents both sides of the story, allowing the reader to make up his/her mind, but her presentation is titillating enough to make you want to check out the blog sites of the “Big Six” whether you agree or disagree with what they are doing.

** // Fashionistas in Training, Look no Farther. Your Perfectly Polished Winter Wardrobe is Right around the Corner…… // ** Fall is here, and we’ve already felt the brisk winter wind scamper across our rosy tinted cheeks, which only means one thing: winter is on a high-speed chase towards our front door…and our closets. Although it is tempting to slough out into the rain, sleet, and snow in our comfiest sweats and UGGs, it is important to remember our sense of style even in the winter months. My eight simple solutions to looking winter wonderful are accessible for a person with any budget, occupation, or lifestyle, and they will not only keep you looking hot and trendy, but // warm //. You’ll be dying to jump out from under the comforter into the following trends adorning your boudoir.   ** 5. Prints -  ** The story at many design shows for this winter, (including our fav, Dolce and Gabanna), was print, print, and more print. Whether it is bright and flowery or fierce and animal like, the name of the game and a sure must have for Winter 2010 is prints. Pair your botanic haven or your jungle–istic journey with heavier fabrics, like a chic leather mini-jacket to balance the look while still keeping it edgy.  ** 6. Pioneer chic –  ** You read it correctly – plaid flannels, faux shearling, and fur-trimmed boots are invading this season’s fashion scene swifter than a pack of wolves. Pair an oversized flannel with leggings, or lumberjack boots with a dress and blazer, and you are set to hit the Adirondacks or Fifth Avenue.   **  8. ** ** Dr. Martens - **You read it correctly and after you read it again, put down your glasses and go dig out your “Best of the ‘90’s” collection so you can start sporting your own. Celebrity fashion royalty, Jessica Alba, has been seen sporting her “Docs” since the middle of summer and now is the perfect time for the rest of us to follow suit. To update the look, stay away from flared jeans and pair instead with leggings and a lacy dress or skinny jeans and a billowy tee to top off the look. Accessorize as usual. Just what the doctor ordered.
 * 1) **  Lace & Tulle –  ** All the rage at BCBG right now is this lovely and ultra feminine combination, seen paired with lots of leather, suede, and cashmere for a preppy meets ballerina look. The trick to pulling off this twist in fashion couture? Keep the colors neutral and close to the hue of you own skin. When all is said and done, the ultra-femme, ultra-glam appeal will have you looking good-enough-to-eat.
 * 1) **  Ankle boots  ** – The fashion gods have granted us with the next best thing since knee boots and that is the ankle boot. Wear these with skinny jeans or a flirty dress and you’re sure to get lots of adoring stares from your fellow fashionistas. What’s perfect about this heavenly creation is that you can use them to dress up a pair of cargo’s or tone down a slinky leopard print dress.
 * 1)   **  Military –  ** Support our troops in style by incorporating cargo, felt, and brass trimmings into your winter wardrobe. Whether your taste is high-end or Old Navy, this is, across the board, a look that is easily accessible no matter what your budget. The updated skinny cargo and perfectly tailored, army-infused jackets refresh the senses when it comes to this recurring, (yet never boring), fashion must-have for the season.
 * 1) **  Capes–  ** This season would simply not be complete without this updated version of the every-day jacket. Because a cape adds a lot of fabric to your silhouette, make sure you are not adding weight in any other realm of your outfit – keep the rest simple to avoid looking like you’re smuggling a Newfoundland across town.. A pair of jeggings, a tee, and a pair of ballet flats or pumps will do the trick, topped off with a luxurious scarf.
 * 1)    **  Jeans -  ** No season would be complete without the casual wardrobe staple: Jeans. This winter they are anything but your grandfather’s overalls. The skinny jean has rocked its way into our closets and there is no departure in the near future. To keep your skinny jean 2010, check out the new “jegging” – a spin off the original, just a bit thinner than the norm, yet heavier than a legging so you can add an over-the-knee sock sans bulkiness. Throw on a tall, suede boot and your look is nothing but new. In the mood mmood for retro? Stores like Urban Outfitters and American Apparel are now making a high-wasted version of the sexy, versatile favorite. We recommend wearing with a tank and knee-length sweater for an urban - boho effect.