Best Feature Story
Moosomin World-Spectator Trophy
Sponsored by the Moosomin World-Spectator, Moosomin, Sask.
Class 3081 - circ. up to 3999

Judge's Comments

Overall, the entries were well written with easy transitions. Almost all had a clever lead and an even pace. Problem is there were too few quotes, especially early on in the stories. It was as though the issue was more important than the people involved.

Although it is always less difficult to question a source on a topic rather than discuss their own thoughts and feelings, readers are always more interested in getting to know the person. (That’s why we don’t take photos of issues. We take photos of people, because they are infinitely more interesting.) A great feature story will present us an interesting person, with a rounded personality, blessings and faults included.

First place was a no brainer. Darrell Greer of the Rankin Inlet/Nunavut (NU) Kivalliq News obviously spent enough time getting to know his subject and asked all the necessary questions. You see the grizzly attack through the subject’s eyes. A fine story teller.

Second place goes to Pieta Goudron of the Hay River (NT) Hub, a writer with compassion yet with a hand that doesn’t shake. An emotionally difficult story to research and write, but done with maturity and taste. We all want to hear from street people but often lack the courage. A good feature story will let us meet society’s most inaccessible.

Third place goes to Kathy Bockus of the St. Stephen (NB) Courier Weekend, a writer who did what few of us do, she presented a multi-dimensional subject. Not satisfied with simply covering the issue, the reader learns more than the superficial qualities of the subject. Good understanding of psychology, and nicely presented in a short piece.