Conduct research to write engaging pieces about people.

Decide which publication you are writing for.
For example, is it for a newspaper or magazine? Knowing your audience will guide your writing format.

Conduct interviews with the people you want to write about.
Get your information from the source.

Read through past interviews of people who are no longer alive.
This will help you broaden your perspective and understand theirs before writing about them.

Write a powerful lead.
Make sure the lead captivates the reader. It should communicate the reason this person is worth reading about.

Include quotes in your writing.
The words of the person you are interviewing will always be better than yours. This will give more credibility to your write-up and help it come alive.

Present the position of the person being interviewed accurately.
Don’t misrepresent their words.

Make a balance between what the subject is saying in his words and what you are writing in your words.
Break up the subject’s quotes and bring forth your opinion periodically.