Writing in advance
So, last week one of Australia’s most loved and respected radio voices, James Valentine, died. He had a horrible cancer and chose to end his life at home, with dignity, by voluntary assisted dying.
It was well known that he had cancer. He had told his listeners on ABC Radio. But nevertheless, those who knew him were reluctant to speak to me about him while I was writing his obituary in advance. That’s fair enough. No-one wanted him to die! And people want to believe that a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean imminent death. Or, they don’t want to think about someone they love no longer being around.
But death IS inevitable for every one of us. From world leaders to waffle makers, tyrants to tennis pros, guess what? We are all going to die. Yet people remain extremely reluctant to talk about it in advance - and I wish they were not because I am sure there is a lot friends and colleagues can add that would improve any obit I write. Anecdotes, memories, quirks, unknown facts can add so much to an obit and really shine a light on a person’s life story.
Speaking to people about my subject before they have died is definitely my most challenging hurdle and I wish I knew how to do it. But it’s not really something I can bring up at a dinner party, is it? Especially as most people recoil in horror when they hear I write obituaries. Sigh…
About 98% of the obituaries I write are written in advance of the subject’s death. A news editor may have received news that the person is ill or, in most cases, it is just because a person is an octogenarian and the odds are that their life will likely end sooner than a person in their 50s or 60s. Let’s just say, it’s always a bit of a gamble to decide whose obit to write. Some of my as yet unpublished obits were written four or five years ago - which leads to a whole lot of other issues I will discuss at another time (aka when to update an obit).
“I get excited because I’m about to face my favorite professional challenge: freeze-framing a lifetime in the newspaper version of tarpit amber — a column of type.”
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that I would really like it if people would open their minds and hearts and consent to speak to me about someone whose news obituary I am preparing - while I am writing it. On two occasions, I have been fortunate enough to speak to a biographer or a colleague but in general, it doesn’t happen. And politicians are the worst for talking to me in advance! Absolutely The Worst, but I suppose they are scarred by poor press and think that somehow, their quote will be used out of context and to ipossibly ignite a controversy. Sigh… I can’t say I blame them really.
I think, as usual, it boils down to so many people not understanding the purpose of a news obituary - so maybe I should be exploring that in more depth before anything else? Hmmm…
To be honest, there is SO MUCH that can be written about obituary writing that I honestly don’t really know where to start.
Also, I’m considering starting a Substack on this topic but am completely intimidated by the talent on that site already. Let me keep stewing on it….
