In the length of my feature writing class at college, I have learned three valuable things about writing features. The first, keep it short. Brevity is the key to an interesting read and to hold the reader's attention. The second, write something you're passionate about or there is no point at all. For one of my assignments is started out on a topic that wasn't close to my interests; I can safely say it was one of the worst pieces of writing I have produced. Fortunately I changed my topic on time and came up with a much worthier feature instead. The third thing I lerned was by taking and writing interviews; always find a "hook". Focusing on a certain aspect about a person or event will make the article not only more interesting but also more relevant and not all over the place. I've realized this applies to every kind of feature I attempted writing.
Following these three lessons in particular has made me more organized and brief in my writing. I know for a fact that the "rules" for feature writing have enabled me to write better in terms of clarity and reader's interest.
My personal favorite was covering an event. It was interesting because I went out there, scrounged for the perfct event to attend and then writing about it made me feel like i was reliving the experience. It made for a fun feature story overall.
On the other hand, i did not enjoy the interview story. I'm more of the observer and analyzer than someone and less outspoken. It was stressful to schedule and take an interview and then writing about it, because you have to make sure you keep the person's ideas intact and also make sure that you're not misrepresenting them in any way.
I will be transferring out of De Anza to UC Davis this fall, and I hope to keep this blog alive and kicking. Hopfeully I will soon find some topics of my interest and passion that will help me transform this blog into something less nerdy and more fun!
On that note, here's my present motto about life and writing:
Following these three lessons in particular has made me more organized and brief in my writing. I know for a fact that the "rules" for feature writing have enabled me to write better in terms of clarity and reader's interest.
My personal favorite was covering an event. It was interesting because I went out there, scrounged for the perfct event to attend and then writing about it made me feel like i was reliving the experience. It made for a fun feature story overall.
On the other hand, i did not enjoy the interview story. I'm more of the observer and analyzer than someone and less outspoken. It was stressful to schedule and take an interview and then writing about it, because you have to make sure you keep the person's ideas intact and also make sure that you're not misrepresenting them in any way.
I will be transferring out of De Anza to UC Davis this fall, and I hope to keep this blog alive and kicking. Hopfeully I will soon find some topics of my interest and passion that will help me transform this blog into something less nerdy and more fun!
On that note, here's my present motto about life and writing:
Love the motto and that you learned so much in class. Good luck at UC Davis!
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