Writing Feature Stories: How to research and write articles

In this review of Writing Feature Stories: How to research and write articles, the bottom line is simple: this second edition is the practical primer anyone who wants to craft engaging longform and short feature journalism needs. Geared toward bloggers, news journalists and aspiring lifestyle reporters, the book's single biggest selling point is its clear focus on narrative voice and informed perspective, showing writers how to move beyond who, what, where and when to answer the harder questions of how and why. The review finds the text thorough without feeling academic and suited to both classroom use and everyday newsroom practice.

Key Features

• Comprehensive approach: Covers a range of print and digital feature forms so writers can adapt techniques across platforms.
• Research-focused guidance: Emphasises how careful research uncovers the context that gives feature stories depth and trustworthiness.
• Voice and perspective: Shows how to develop a strong voice and fresh perspective that make features shareable on social media.
• Range of formats: Provides instruction for short listicles and longer narrative pieces, helping writers choose the right structure for their story.
• Second edition updates: Reworked material reflects contemporary feature practice and digital publishing realities.

Who It's For

This book is best for writers who already know basic reporting and want to shift into storytelling: bloggers shaping opinion pieces, journalists moving from news briefs to features, and students in journalism or communications programs. Its practical tone makes it useful for newsroom training or self-study.

Writers seeking a highly theoretical or literary study of narrative may want supplemental texts; similarly, if you only write brief social posts or highly technical reporting, the emphasis on longform narrative and feature perspective may be less directly applicable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical, accessible guidance that helps writers ask the right research questions.
• Useful coverage of both digital and print feature forms for modern publishing.
• Focus on developing a distinctive voice that improves reader engagement and shareability.

Cons

• Not a substitute for advanced literary theory or stylistic experimentation beyond journalism conventions.

Specifications

Title	Writing Feature Stories: How to research and write articles
Edition	Second edition
Author / Brand	Matthew Ricketson
Intended audience	Bloggers, news journalists, aspiring lifestyle reporters
Focus	Feature journalism, research and narrative voice
Formats covered	Short listicles to longform features, print and digital

Our Verdict

Writing Feature Stories is a well-crafted, practical guide that helps writers move from basic reporting to memorable feature journalism; it is good value for those who want clear instruction on research methods and narrative voice and for anyone aiming to produce pieces that engage readers across print and digital platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is accessible to beginners with basic reporting knowledge and also useful to more experienced writers refining their narrative skills.

Does it cover digital publishing?
Yes. The second edition explicitly reflects the range of print and digital feature forms and publishing realities.

Will it teach investigative techniques?
It emphasizes research and sourcing as part of feature work, but it is focused on narrative features rather than in-depth investigative methodology.