Master the Craft: A Review of The Art and Craft of Feature Writing

For anyone aspiring to captivate readers through storytelling rooted in factual material, The Art and Craft of Feature Writing: Based on The Wall Street Journal Guide offers a well-rounded masterclass. Authored by William E. Blundell, a seasoned writer from The Wall Street Journal, this guide breaks down the complex craft of feature writing into manageable, practical steps. Whether you’re a beginner aiming to establish a solid foundation or a seasoned writer looking to sharpen your skills, this book promises to enhance your narrative techniques and journalistic flair.

Key Features

The Art and Craft of Feature Writing is much more than a conventional writing manual. Blundell brings years of insider expertise from The Wall Street Journal's acclaimed seminars directly to readers, making this guide both authoritative and accessible. Key aspects include:

• Idea Generation and Selection: Blundell provides actionable advice on how to find compelling story ideas and topics that resonate with readers, ensuring your articles never fall flat.
• Understanding Reader Preferences: The book dives into what readers actually enjoy and what tends to lose their interest, equipping you to tailor your writing effectively.
• Injecting Energy into Topics: Even the most familiar or “tired” subjects can shine with the right approach, a skill the author meticulously teaches.
• Structured Workflow: From first draft to final article, the book lays out a clear process, including the rules of organization and how to smoothly transition narratives for maximum impact.
• Mastering Quotes and Paraphrases: Learning how and whom to quote adds credibility and depth to your stories.
• Wordcraft and Narrative Flow: The manual explores the art of leads, the rhythm of narrative progression, and the fine points of language to keep readers hooked.
• Editing and Style Insights: Self-editing tips and style notes help writers polish their work to a professional standard.

The inclusion of sample feature articles throughout serves as practical references, allowing readers to see theory in action.

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Pros & Cons

With an impressive rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars across nearly 200 reviews, The Art and Craft of Feature Writing clearly resonates with its audience.

Discover Crafting Features Like a Pro

Pros:

• Comprehensive yet Clear: Readers have praised how the book distills intricate writing techniques into straightforward instructions.
• Authoritative Source: Coming from a veteran Journal journalist, the strategies offered are grounded in real-world success.
• Practical Examples: Sample articles enrich the learning experience, providing concrete models to emulate.
• Helpful for All Levels: Whether a novice or experienced writer, many find fresh insights and useful approaches.
• Encourages Self-Editing: The emphasis on self-polishing empowers writers to continually improve their manuscripts.

Cons:

• Some May Find it Dated: A few readers mention that certain stylistic recommendations reflect the journalistic norms of the time and may feel somewhat traditional.
• Focused on Print Journalism: Writers looking exclusively for digital or multimedia storytelling tactics might find the content less applicable.

Who Is It For?

The Art and Craft of Feature Writing is ideal for aspiring journalists, magazine writers, bloggers, and content creators eager to elevate their storytelling abilities with a firm grasp of feature writing fundamentals. Students of journalism and communication will find it an invaluable textbook, while freelance writers seeking to create compelling, reader-centered narratives will benefit from its insider techniques. If you want to bridge factual reporting with engaging storytelling rooted in a trusted journalistic legacy, this guide is tailored for you.

Elevate Your Storytelling Skills

Final Thoughts

William E. Blundell’s The Art and Craft of Feature Writing stands out as a thoughtful, instructive, and well-structured resource that demystifies the art of feature writing. Its combination of detailed methodology, practical examples, and timeless advice makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about crafting articles that engage and inform. While certain elements may skew traditional, the core principles remain relevant and actionable, securing this book a recommended spot on the shelf of every serious writer’s toolkit. Whether you are starting your writing journey or refining your craft, this guide offers a wealth of expert knowledge to help you master the art of narrative journalism.

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