Reading and writing a feature

Read "Teaching Girls How to Rock" feature article. First, respond to the story. Who do you think the target audience is? What is the intended purpose of the piece? How does the article begin? How would you characterize the writer's voice in this piece? How many sources does the article include? What kind of background information does the story provide and how do you think the writer found this information?

Now think about your own feature story. Begin by listing your hobbies and interests. Then think about which of these may have an interesting story to craft within it. Write a proposal for a feature story based on something from your list. Remember that a proposal is a pitch--you need to convince your editor that this story is worth the time and money it will take to develop it. Obviously make it a reasonable project, something you can complete in a 2 week time span.

Feb. 16, 2012:  Your local media
Check out the Andover Townsman today. Select a news story or sports story to respond to. Provide a summary of the who, what, when, where, why/how of the story. Provide a personal reaction, if you choose, to the issue being reported, then provide analysis of the story itself. Comment on the headline choice, the sources used or the lack of sources if there are none, whether or not the piece is factual or primarily opinion, whose opinions are expressed, if any, the quality of the writing, etc.