Write: try this writing exercise.
Choose a topic for a feature article and describe it in a maximum of three sentences:
- Explain the purpose of the feature – why did you choose it?
- What do you want it to do? (inform, entertain, persuade etc)
- Note where it could be published.
Now write a plan which includes notes on:
- the research needed for the feature and how you would do that research
- who you would interview and why
- whether you would need illustrations, graphs or photographs
- the likely length of the feature.
The Cycle of Death – Our Local Pounds
I chose this topic as it never seems to leave my mind these days, so this would be what I'd write for the feature article.
I would want it to educate and inform the public to make them understand why desexing and microchipping are so important and that cats and dogs DON'T need to experience just one litter.
It could published in pet journals, but that would also be preaching to the choir (so to speak), so I'd like to see this published in local newspapers and Australian magazines so that those who DON'T understand what's going in the pounds get to see it.
I'd perhaps use the Australian Bureau of Statistics site to research how many cats and dogs do get destroyed annually. I'd also visit local council websites to find out what their statistics are in relation to their local pounds.
If possible, I would interview the head of high kill shelters as well as rescues to give readers an insight into the thought of people who work with animals.
Pictures would definitely be included to bring home to the reader why this is such an important topic.
The length of this feature could very easily go to 1500 – 2000 words long, possibly a bit longer.
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