Story structure

Why is structure important in writing?

Groove HQ: Features increase reading by 520%, readers by 300%

The feature-style story structure attracts 300% more readers and increases reading by 520%, according to an A/B test by Groove HQ.… Read the full article

Feature article structure outperforms pyramid

Impact study: Features boost readership, satisfaction, image

Feature-style stories outperform traditional news stories in readership, satisfaction and image.

That’s according to “The Impact Study of Newspaper Readership” (PDF).… Read the full article

Build a better body for the feature story structure

Five ways to avoid flabby middles

My favorite scene in the movie “High Fidelity” is when Rob Gordon (John Cusack) becomes so depressed over his failed love life that he seeks solace in reorganizing his albums.… Read the full article

Inverted pyramid structure of news writing topples

Ways With Words study: Features more effective

If I told you there was a communication tool that reduces readership, diminishes understanding and causes engagement to take a nosedive, would you use it?… Read the full article

Are you still using a 150-year-old content writing structure?

The inverted pyramid was born during the Civil War

At about the time these Union soldiers were marching off to war, journalists invented the traditional inverted pyramid news structure. … Read the full article

Think Outside the Pyramid for good writing structure

Master a writing structure that outperforms the traditional news format

Here’s the good news: You already know a structure that works for virtually everything you write.… Read the full article

How to write a nut graf, or nut graph

Tell readers what you’re going to tell ’em

If I came to your house and told you to grab your things and follow me, how far would you go?… Read the full article

Why should you write feature article leads?

The New York Times runs 33% feature leads

New York’s Grey Lady isn’t so gray any more. Topping one-third of its stories with feature leads, The New York Times covers the world in living color.… Read the full article