Re: My submission for Huffington Post
Subject: Re: My submission for Huffington Post
From: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com>
Date: 2/11/10, 12:16
To: Karen Lancaster <lancaster.karen@gmail.com>

Use the first one, but use the tagline from second (last, best exist strategy).

On Wed, Feb 10, 2010 at 1:21 PM, Karen Lancaster <lancaster.karen@gmail.com> wrote:
Two versions pasted in here. First is a little quirky, second more straightforward. Headshot attached. Let me know what you think?
 

It IS All About You: Tips for creating your own obit

Karen Lancaster, editor at ObitWriting.com

Maybe you’re a Baby Boomer – part of the “Me” generation, still bragging about your experience at Woodstock and all. Or perhaps you’re a younger achiever who’s just proud of your accomplishments and wants to ensure they’re recorded for posterity. Whatever the case, you might not know that you’ve also become a major force in a movement that’s carrying its narcissism right into the grave.

For many, controlling your own individual brand has become the latest big thing – right down to writing your own obituary. Hey, it’s YOUR life, after all, and really – who else would remember that you were the third-grade spelling bee champ or fourth runner-up in the Miss Mineola pageant? Self-obsessiveness aside, preparing your own obituary really is an important gift to your survivors, as well. Not only will you be leaving behind a piece that’s ready for publication, but it can also serve as a guideline for eulogies, documentation for genealogy records, and perhaps even as a catalyst for future family history buffs.

There are many services around who will write a professional obituary for you, or you can easily do it yourself. Don’t know how to begin? Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

·         Begin with the facts. Date and place of birth, education. Add names of family members, who has predeceased, who is surviving.

·         Fill in the fun stuff. What you are most proud of – accomplishments, organizations, hobbies.

·         Focus on the complete life, not just the ending years. Instead of acknowledging doctors and nursing home helpers, talk about those classes or professors who first influenced your career. Or the wonderful trips and activities you enjoyed with friends.

·         Pick your favorite photo to accompany the obituary. Have it on file with the finished piece and copy your attorney as part of your estate planning package.

See how easy it can be? Why not start now – after all, it really is your last, best exit strategy.

Karen Lancaster is a freelance writer and the editor of ObitWriting.com. With over 20 years experience ranging from magazine feature writing and online editing to creating executive profiles and nationally published marketing content, her client list has included AOL lifestyle guides, Meredith Publishing/Better Homes and Gardens books, Conde Nast websites, Meadowbrook Press family/gift books and Blockbuster.com entertainment sections. For more information, contact her at karen@obitwriting.com.

 

Tips for Writing An Obit: Your last, best exit strategy

Karen Lancaster, editor at ObitWriting.com

Living will? Check. Power of attorney? Check. Obituary? Absolutely – It’s your life, after all, and only YOU know how you’d like to be remembered.

Preparing your own obituary is an important gift to your family as well as yourself. Not only will you be providing loved ones with a professional submission ready for publication, but the piece can also serve as a guideline for eulogies, documentation for genealogy records, and perhaps as a catalyst for future family history buffs.

It's so satisfying to capture the personal details that matter to you and preserve them for generations to come. Whether you were the third-grade spelling bee champ or a third-world philanthropy entrepreneur, your most memorable accomplishments can, and should, be recorded. 

There are many services around who will write a professional obituary for you, or you can easily do it yourself. Don’t know how to begin? Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

·         Begin with the facts. Date and place of birth, education. Add names of family members, who has predeceased, who is surviving.

·         Fill in the fun stuff. What you are most proud of – accomplishments, organizations, hobbies.

·         Focus on the complete life, not just the ending years. Instead of acknowledging doctors and nursing home helpers, talk about those classes or professors who first influenced your career. Or the wonderful trips and activities you enjoyed with friends.

·         Pick your favorite photo to accompany the obituary. Have it on file with the finished piece and copy the attorney who’s handling your will.

See how easy it can be? Why not start now – it could be the most enjoyable part of your estate planning process.

Karen Lancaster is a freelance writer and the editor of ObitWriting.com. With over 20 years experience ranging from magazine feature writing and online editing to creating executive profiles and nationally published marketing content, her client list has included AOL lifestyle guides, Meredith Publishing/Better Homes and Gardens books, Conde Nast websites, Meadowbrook Press family/gift books and Blockbuster.com entertainment sections. For more information, contact her at karen@obitwriting.com.