How to write a factual article without losing my voice?

Question

Creative writing comes naturally to me, but when it comes to nonfiction, my mind freezes. I need to write an article as part of my final project for school (not a news article but a feature), but I can't seem to go about it. I've got plenty to write about, but I always end up adding in characters and tweaking details and soon I have a short story, not an article. Any advice on keeping the "creative" part out of it while still being... creative?

Answer 1

Your personae or voice is that of the storyteller.

For your non-fiction piece, write only what you see and hear.  Add no editorializing but try to portray the scenes, actions and spoken words as accurately as you can.

If you are an adept storyteller, the scenes and characters will move the tale along for you and the reader.

Know where to start your story and where to end it.  Then write to that end.  If you are writing a news feature, start with the ending and explain why that is the result.

I might be able to help you more if I knew something about the subject of your non-fiction feature.