How To Write Special Feature Articles
by Willard Grosvenor Bleyer
A Practical Guide to Writing Engaging and Professional Feature Articles
How To Write Special Feature Articles by Willard Grosvenor Bleyer is an influential handbook on journalism and feature writing. First published in the early twentieth century, the book teaches aspiring writers how to create interesting, informative, and well-structured feature articles for newspapers and magazines.
The work became important because it explained the techniques used by professional journalists to capture readers’ attention while presenting facts in a clear and engaging way. Bleyer’s advice helped shape the development of modern journalism and magazine writing.
About the Author
Willard Grosvenor Bleyer was an American journalist, editor, and educator known for his contributions to journalism education. He taught professional writing and worked to improve standards in newspaper and magazine publishing.
Bleyer’s books focused on practical writing skills and clear communication, helping generations of writers learn the fundamentals of feature journalism.
Main Themes of the Book
The book explains how writers can create compelling feature articles by combining factual reporting with creative storytelling techniques. Bleyer emphasizes clarity, organization, originality, and reader interest.
Important Topics Discussed
- Research and fact gathering
- Writing engaging introductions
- Organizing feature articles effectively
- Using descriptive and human-centered storytelling
The work also highlights the importance of understanding audiences and presenting information in an appealing style.
The Art of Feature Writing
Unlike standard news reports, feature articles often focus on storytelling, emotion, and detailed description. Bleyer explains how writers can make ordinary subjects interesting through strong observation and creative presentation.
The book covers different types of feature writing, including profiles, travel articles, interviews, and human-interest stories. It also discusses headlines, structure, and the importance of accuracy in journalism.
What Makes the Book Unique
- Practical advice for beginning writers
- Focus on reader engagement and storytelling
- Early professional guidance for feature journalism
Writing Style
Bleyer’s writing style is clear, instructional, and practical. He explains journalistic concepts in a straightforward manner while providing examples and useful techniques for improving writing quality.
The book combines professional advice with educational guidance, making it accessible to both students and aspiring journalists.
Historical Importance
How To Write Special Feature Articles became an important text in the history of American newspaper and magazine publishing. It helped define standards for feature writing during a period of rapid growth in print journalism.
Historical Features
- Early instruction in professional feature writing
- Influence on journalism education
- Development of modern magazine storytelling techniques
The book also reflects the increasing importance of mass media and professional journalism in the twentieth century.
Lessons for Modern Readers
Modern readers and writers can still benefit from Bleyer’s advice about storytelling, organization, and audience engagement. Many of the principles discussed in the book remain useful in journalism, blogging, and digital content writing today.
The work also reminds readers that clear communication and strong storytelling are essential skills in both traditional and modern media.
Conclusion
How To Write Special Feature Articles by Willard Grosvenor Bleyer remains a valuable guide to journalism and feature writing. Through practical instruction and professional insight, Bleyer created a handbook that continues to help writers understand the art of creating engaging and informative stories.
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About the Author
Willard Grosvenor Bleyer was an American journalist, educator, editor, and author whose pioneering work in journalism education helped shape the professional standards of modern news writing. As a professor at the University of Wisconsin, he played a significant role in developing journalism as an academic discipline, emphasizing accuracy, clarity, and ethical reporting. Explore Willard Grosvenor Bleyer books to discover the author's life, literary career, and access notable works.