Interviews / Featured Stories
1. Types of Interviews & Featured Stories (Genres & Formats)
Type | Description | Example |
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Profile Interview | Deep dive into a person’s life, career, and philosophy. | "Inside the Mind of Elon Musk" |
Q&A Format | Transcript-style interview with questions and answers. | "In Conversation With Viola Davis" |
Narrative Feature | A storytelling piece with quotes, scenes, and background. | "From War Zone to White House Photographer" |
Behind the Scenes | Story that gives insider access. | "How Pixar Built a World Inside a Mind" |
Spotlight on Change-Makers | Featuring individuals making a difference. | "The Teen Cleaning Up the Oceans" |
🔹 2. Writing a Great Interview or Feature Story
Step-by-step approach:
🗒️ Before the Interview
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Research your subject thoroughly.
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Prepare 10–15 thoughtful questions.
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Structure the interview to move from personal to professional topics, or vice versa.
🎤 During the Interview
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Record (with permission) for accuracy.
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Listen deeply—follow up on interesting answers.
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Capture quotes, but also emotion and tone.
✍️ Writing the Story
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Choose a compelling angle or theme.
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Open with a hook: a scene, quote, or surprising fact.
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Weave narrative with quotes, facts, and moments.
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End with reflection or call to action.
🔹 3. Sample Interview Questions by Topic
For Creatives/Artists:
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What inspires your creative process?
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What project challenged you the most, and why?
For Entrepreneurs:
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What problem were you trying to solve when you started?
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What’s a mistake that taught you something valuable?
For Activists/Changemakers:
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What sparked your commitment to this cause?
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How do you measure impact?
🔹 4. Need Help With Something Specific?
I can help you:
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Draft questions for a real or fictional interview
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Structure a featured story you’re writing
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Create a pitch to submit to a publication
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Generate a full-length mock interview for practice
Would you like:
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A sample feature story or interview?
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Help writing one?
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Examples from a specific industry or person?
Let me know how you'd like to move forward!