This is part 3 of a series of blogs on feature story ideas.

Freelance writers and reporters eventually run into the same question: Where do strong story ideas come from? Whether you’re pitching an editor for the first time or interviewing for a staff role, your ability to generate fresh, relevant ideas can open doors—or quietly close them.

Editors aren’t just looking for clean copy. They’re looking for thinkers—people who notice what others miss, spot patterns, and turn everyday moments into stories readers care about.

That’s why preparation matters.

The ideas that follow are designed to help you land assignments in both general-interest and niche publications. They’re intentionally timeless and adaptable across locations and contexts. If you’re preparing for a writing or reporting interview, this list is worth reviewing.

Editors often test a writer’s instincts by asking for story ideas. It’s one way they gauge your understanding of audience, your awareness of culture, and that essential spark of curiosity and creativity. A strong list of feature ideas can lead to a job offer, multiple assignments—or both.

Over time, you’ll develop your own instinct for spotting great stories and rely less on prepared ideas. Still, it helps to have a few ready when opportunity arises. One idea often sparks another, so think of this list as a catalyst—for you and for others you collaborate with.

This isn’t meant to replace your creativity. It’s here to sharpen it, stretch it, and give you a dependable starting point whenever opportunity knocks.

Remember SHOP stands for Selection, History, Observation and Perspective.

G

Gingerbread House

Assemble a gingerbread house and then do a first person piece on how this delightful chore works.

Golf

Examine the game of golf since Tiger Woods’ winning streak popularized it when he hit the tournament circuit. Check on local schools for student golf teams and competitions. Talk to golf course owners about the influx of budding golfers. Get tips from golf pros for new golfers on getting started. What are the best kinds of golf clubs on the market? What are some of the best golf courses around?

H

Heroes

Who do children have as heroes? Teachers had elementary-aged students answer that question in writing. While most picked mom and dad, our story showcased answers that ranged from God to Hulk Hogan.

“Time, the magazine whose annual “Person of the Year” award is seen as a worldwide cultural barometer, has gone one step further by defining a new breed of “heroes.” Valor against appalling odds or sacrificing one’s life in conflict – the actions that elevated Gordon of Khartoum or Joan of Arc to heroic status – are out and good works are in. The magazine’s eclectic list of 35 names shows that service to the downtrodden is the new route to heroism.”

Historical Features

Looking way back at the beginnings of towns, local places and local people can be a good way to put the present in perspective. These stories require a good deal of library research and exploration for photographs.

Other historical stories might explain how area towns and roads got their names. Interview retired people for clues.

Hi-Tech Fitness

From computerized rowing machines to no-sweat exercise tables, what do local fitness centers offer?

I

Investigate standing features

Review the standing features in the area and regional press. Some of these articles can be parlayed into features for a magazine. Use them as starting fodder for your own article.

Ice Cream

Locate popular ice cream places, particularly the mom and pop homemade type, and list their unique flavor combinations. Interview ice cream makers who concoct the crazy flavors and find out how they come up with ideas. Draw comparisons to the national chain store fare. Interview ice cream establishments and find out what flavors are most popular with customers. Talk to customers and poll them on what flavors they like. Do they opt for their old stand-bys? Or do they savor the flavor of the month?

Inventions

People patent some pretty weird and wacky ideas. Find out about some of these quirky inventions and interview the inventors. Contact the US patent office. Interview school children and showcase their inventions during the school’s annual imagination celebration event or science fair.

This is an excerpt from Dr. Michael Ray Smith‘s book FeatureWriting.net. Used with permission.

Download the entire book for free from our MTI Online resource center.