Advanced Feature Writing E-learning Course

Advanced feature writing

Anyone who writes a lot of feature articles runs the risk of getting into habits, not all good! This advanced interactive e-learning course from ContentETC prompts experienced feature writers to take a really close look at their working practices, to see where they can stretch themselves to make good features even better.

Suitable for:
Print or web writers who have at least one year’s experience, or who have completed the Writing great features course, and are now ready for the next stage of their development.

You will learn:

· What makes a great feature really stand out

· How to plan and layout your feature for maximum effect and impact

· The secrets of hooking your reader with your first few words

· How dialogue, scene-setting and other techniques create reader excitement

· The importance of variety and style flexibility in your features

· The techniques for managing suspense, drama, and intrigue

· How to optimise quotes, hard data, and comparisons for maximum effect

· Which finishing touches elevate your feature to must-read status

…and much more.

What the advanced feature writer should do

Aiming at your reader

Hooking them in

Using formats and structures to make information come alive

Leading the reader with links

Telling them something they didn’t know before

Thinking in scenes

Borrowing from other media

Using the right language and tone for your reader

Paying attention to pace

Ending well

Informing and entertaining

Starting well to end well

Being clear on your big idea

Making sure you’re using the best format for your subject

Thinking before you write

Pulling the reader in, keeping them reading, and knowing how it will end

Making and linking your points

Planning so that all the parts work together, and in isolation

Hooking the reader in and keeping them in

Exploring the intro options

Varying, mixing and matching them

What makes a good intro

Using powerful language

Testing for length, pace and rhythm

Making logical links

Creating cliff-hangers and adding drama

Pacing and polishing your copy

Keeping an eye on quotes

Thinking soundbite

Making time to polish

Painting a picture

Getting the vital information in at the beginning

Cutting and editing your own work

The best endings

Hammering home your big idea

Adding variety with different ending options

Top tips and checklists
Handy tips and checklists at key stages of the course. These cover vital topics including: finding your big idea; borrowing from other media; what to do if you’re blocked; planning; playing with time; links; thinking illustrations; intros; linking and using quotes.

Feedback from the trainer

Our expert trainers are here to provide you with invaluable one-to-one feedback on your progress. Email your work and the trainer will supply you with individual guidance, comments and practical suggestions. Then, once you’ve improved your work, the trainer will appraise your revised content and provide a second set of constructive comments. This unique feedback really brings your e-learning to life and makes sure you have truly grasped - and applied - all of the key principles.

Please note that this courseis intended for speakers of English.