I and Feature Writing

As I said for many times, I do like writing. Certain kind of writings, as of my interest in feature writings (that’ll be sufficient to cover many of my writings); or as of my needs: academic writings (reports, manuscripts for publication, proceedings for conference).  Basically, I would say that the art of writing is as important as the event or experience or experiment itself, how to wrap all of those things into a good representation (as the photography also possesses the same importance).

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Feature writing, what is that exactly? You open Google, type ‘feature writing’, and you will find about 11 million results related to those keywords. Feature writing mostly defined as an in-depth writing about certain issue, not necessarily time-dependent as news report, and often being subjected to writers’ personal opinion, or in other words, prone to be subjective.

What issue? For example, I wrote about my personal experience of living in Taipei, how the city influences me in such ways.  I don’t reckon my writings as something newsworthy, but yes, I do want to share my thoughts, experiences, even troubles to whoever read them. It is pathetic and bits untrue when people put their writings publicly up front in aim of nothing. You share for recognition. Always have been.

When I write, I often think of how to attract people to read my writings. The point of sharing, that is. But usually I end up speak my mind, bring my personal –what should I say- obsession, no, passion will be much more appropriate. Yes, I often spice up my writings with my own personal opinion (normal for feature writing, but in certain extent). The writing can still be considered as newsworthy, but not as attractive as a pure feature writing. You want your blog post or Facebook notes being read by many people, make it as objective as you can (personal point of view is welcome, just don’t do it too much). Keep it soft and easily read, even for people who don’t share the same interest. Put in too much technical matter will shoo people away.

Writing in such manner and in-depth focus is not that easy, but also is not that difficult. What I like from feature writing is that you don’t have to provide exact and confirmed information as in news article. Yes surely when you want to write feature writing aimed to be ‘above the fold’, facts are important part. However, when writing a feature story, you can add your own personal style, make it your own. That’s what characterizes the writing. Each writer has different style, point of view, and choices of words. So, instead of looking for ideas from other people, just jot down what’s in your mind and keep it that way.  You might want to keep the writing as structured as possible, or want to impress people with such ‘hard’ words; but do it your way. When quoting someone else’s words, please politely put the reference. This is about writing, yes, and thus the choice of words is important. I always attempt to choose the word as representative as I can, since putting sophisticated words not always makes the writings more attractive, in fact people can feel you are exaggerating the story. Use your words, it feel more honest.

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I love writing, and I will continue to write. You too [smile].

I love words. How a simple word can be so meaningful or such complex words are so meaningless.

-Citraningrum herself

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Happy writing,