Just like fiction, feature writing is hard. I spent a lot of my time doing both this semester, and I learned quite a bit about what translates between genres and what doesn’t. If you’re looking to switch from one to the other, here are a few tips (and my thoughts) on the differences required when researching a topic for a fiction piece versus a feature.
As an introvert, I tend to prefer doing research for fiction because it usually involves books or the internet. While these can be useful tools when writing a feature article, interviews are often the best source of information. And after you get over your nerves, they can really be kind of fun.
My favorite part about interviewing is getting to know people and becoming an “insider” in their world. Recently I sat down for an interview with a food truck owner, and in addition to learning more than I ever thought I would, he now greets me by name and remembers my order – what a plus!
And let’s not forget that hands-on research is fun – during the creation of my magazine I got to see and eat so many cool things. While hands-on research is not really as important for fiction writing, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Spending time in the city you’re setting your novel in, or eating at the same restaurants as your characters will help you write them better.
When I think about my title I wonder how I could I possibly pit two such important things as eating and reading against each other? But just like fiction and feature writing are similar yet different, so is the research you have to do to make them the best they can be.
And if you’d like to see the feature writing I did this semester, click here.
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