How to Write a Meaningful Obituary

I have taught workshops in obituary writing (“Crafting a Meaningful Obituary”) at senior centers and lifelong learning centers. I created most of these handouts as references for those who want to learn the genre. Many hours of research, of writing obituaries, and of critiquing those I read allow me to bring you this curated advice.

General Guidance

My workshop refocuses audiences. Rather than thinking of the obituary form as hard news (a journalistic term for a just-the-facts writeup), think of it as a feature story. These 11 points will help you keep your eye on the subject and look for ways to tell their story. READ MORE

Profile Questionnaire

I developed this form for my business. I share it in workshops for students to use in their research or to leave a record of themselves for others. You can find other forms online. The power of mine is in the questions I ask. I gather anecdotes. I get quotes. I insist on specific details to support assertions of personality traits. READ MORE

Literary Devices

Techniques such as imagery and metaphor can bring a story to life, bridging the divide between journalism and literature. READ MORE

Common Pitfalls

Refer to this list to avoid writing a boring lead or burying the lead under a list of elementary schools or getting trapped in a mechanical structure that misses the person’s essence or (yikes!) putting the homes of those attending a memorial service at risk of burglary! READ MORE