Feature story template: structure a narrative feature with scene, nut graf and kicker
Features need structure more than speed. Byline drafts a narrative opening, the nut graf that says why the story matters now, and a shape you can fill with your own reporting.
How it works
Open Feature Story in your workspace and fill in what you know. Rough notes are fine; required fields are marked.
| You give | Example |
|---|---|
| Story angle / theme | How AI is quietly arriving in local newsrooms |
| Key characters or sources | Veteran journalists, media managers, journalism students |
| Core tension or finding | Journalists use AI secretly — no institutional policy |
| A moment or scene you witnessed (with details) (optional) | 6am at the borehole: 40 women in the queue, jerrycans lined up since 4am, the pump handle squeaks |
| Quotes you gathered (with who said them) (optional) | "We come before the sun because by 8 it is dry": Agnes Phiri, 52 |
| Publication (optional) | The Daily Herald |
| Target length (words) (optional) | 600, 900, 1200, 1500 |
Press Write and the draft appears as it is written. Edit it, then save it, translate it, turn it into a script or social posts, or send it to your editor.
Getting the most from the feature template
- Describe real people and real moments under “Characters”: the draft is only as vivid as your notes.
- Use “Tension” for what is at stake or unresolved; it becomes the spine of the story.
- Treat the draft as a structure to rewrite in your voice, not a finished piece.
Accuracy first
Byline writes only from the facts you give it. It never invents quotes, sources or figures, and when something important is missing it marks the gap, like [CHECK: name of the spokesperson], for you to fill. You check every fact before publishing.
Questions
Can I use it for long-form?
Yes. Generate a structured draft, then expand each section in the editor or ask Byline to lengthen a section.
Is the Feature Story template free?
Yes, it is included in the free plan.
Which AI models can I use?
You can choose Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama or Mistral, depending on your plan.
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