Give Me Good Writing or Give Me Death...

Topic: Write your own obituary
Style: Autobiographical/Journalism/Obit/Poetry...It's up to you!
Given by: Jocelyn

Is it too morbid to talk about your own death? A few months ago, I listened to this wonderful interview on NPR with journalist Ann Wroe who has gained prestige for her ability to write great obituaries! I was quite intrigued. She has made quite a career out of writing about people's lives and deaths and to hear her talk about it makes it sound like quite an art. This month, in honor of Halloween, we are going to write obituaries for our writing prompt. You can decide whether you want to write it about yourself (oh, come on now, be brave!) or another person...whether you will write a witty tombstone to accompany it or just a blurb that might end up in the paper in the days following your passing. I know this might be a scary assignment for...well for all of us writers who are still living! But it could also be fun. You can take a serious approach or a comical twist...dig deep and just enjoy the process and see what you come up with!

Things to think about: Just how will you die, exactly? Are you the type who will die during a bungee jump at age 89? Or will you die of hysteria while laughing at yourself? Or will you drift away peacefully, watching your fave re-run of The Golden Girls? Who will be at your side when you pass? How old will you be? How would you describe yourself? What will be your proudest accomplishment or biggest regret? Where would you like to be buried? Funeral arrangements? Do you have a message for the people you will leave behind? Will you leave any special gifts to anyone?

I have included a few witty tombstones sayings that I found online as well as a link to a site where you can actually make your own virtual tombstone - to post along with your finished writing sample! Good luck everyone! (Please post by the 15th, which happens to be my birthday...your posts will be the perfect gift!)

To generate your own tombstone free online click here.

NPR Interview with Ann Wroe: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17821504

For more inspiration and how-to tips go to The Blog of Death. (I like the "who's dead and who's alive" section)

First a Cough

Carried Me Off

Then a Coffin

They Carried Me Off In

Boston, Massachusetts

I told you that I was sick!
-- Georgia Cemetary, USA

Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake; Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.
-- Pennsylvania Tombstone, USA

Remember man, as you walk by, As you are now, so once was I, As I am now, so shall you be, Remember this and follow me.
-- Tombstone in England

Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake; Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.
-- Pennsylvania Tombstone, USA

Falkirk, England

1690

Here lie the bones of Joseph Jones

Who ate while he was able.

But once overfed, he dropt down dead

And fell beneath the table.

When from the tomb, to meet his doom,

He arises amidst sinners.

Since he must dwell in heaven or hell,

Take him - whichever gives the best dinners.