10 tips on how to write feature stories (+1)

Take 'em or leave 'em

Journalism is too opaque and misunderstood. Chills gives a behind-the-scenes look at how dangerous investigative journalism gets made. 

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(Constantine Johnny/Getty Images)

I’m teaching a feature-writing class at NYU’s journalism school, with a focus on social justice and human rights reporting. For my first assignment, I had the students write a short essay about an issue they feel a connection with. It was a great way to get to know them a little, but it also gave me a sense of where they’re at in terms of writing/reporting. There were universal issues across the stories (as well as a lot of talent!), and I shared with these new journalists some notes on how to improve their writing.

These are those tips. Even if you’re not a journalist, maybe they’ll be of use to you as a media consumer.