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Introduction to
Writing Feature Articles
With Elsie Walker
Now open enrollment!
Learn the basics of writing feature
articles for magazines and newspapers: what features articles are (or
aren't), how to get ideas for them, and what makes a good feature (the
anatomy of a feature). Includes interviewing tips, and other
extras.
Course Type:
Self-paced,
individualized workshop. Reading
and writing assignments; instructor critique.
Objective:
After taking this course,
learners will understand what a feature is and how it differs from a
"news" article. They will know the basics for
interviewing sources and understand the anatomy of a feature. By the end
of the workshop, learners will have written a short feature article.
Duration:
5 lessons to be completed inside a 10-week period.
Course openings:
This course is currently open.
Limit: Eight
learners
Cost: $105.00
Tutorial
Option: Yes
(Intensive personal mentorship)
Learner
Prerequisites: None
Class
Materials: Readings
& assignments provided by the instructor by e-mail attachment.
Learners will receive feedback on their work via e-mail response.
Curriculum:
Each
lesson in the course builds on the previous one-- taking learners
from the idea stage through to the writing stage of a feature article.
The majority of the readings will be in the beginning of the course. The
latter part of the course will focus on composing and editing the
feature article.
Lesson One:
Reading topics: What is/isn't a
feature article? (including sample features by the instructor), getting
ideas, how writing for magazines and newspapers differ. Assignment: Come up with 2 -
3 article ideas and a plan of attack (people you would interview, etc.).
Write a brief paragraph or two on why you took this class.
Lesson Two: Readings: Interviewing and
research, anatomy of a feature. Assignment: Based on instructor
feedback, gather information to write an article on one of your proposed
ideas. Determine the angle for your work. Summarize your angle and write
your lead.
Lesson Three: Reading: Steps in writing.
Assignment: Revise (if necessary)
the lead and make an outline of what you want to cover in the article.
Lesson Four:
Assignment: Based on instructor's
feedback from Lesson 3, write draft of article
Lesson Five:
Assignment: Based on instructor's
feedback in Lesson 4, do rewrite/edits to draft.
Instructor bio
Elsie Walker is a freelance writer with
more than 1,000 published articles to her credit. Her professional
background includes working as a technical writer for Prudential
Healthcare, ADP, and Honeywell (the latter as a consultant). Her
magazine credits include articles in Succeed (continuing education), Hope (general interest), College Bound (education), Byline (writer’s trade magazine), Fiddler Magazine (special interest), The Quiet Hour (religious devotional), Sussex County Magazine (travel), and many more. In the past few years, she has moved on to doing mostly newspaper work, first for the Recorder Publishing chain and then for Gannett. Now she writes for five New Jersey newspapers including The Animal Companion (a specialty paper which focuses on animals, animal rescue and rehabilitation groups, etc.)
Elsie has also been a corporate trainer and a member of Toastmasters International (an international public speaking club). Currently, she is an English instructor for the University of Phoenix online.
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