What writing about death can teach you about life

Most people see writing obituaries as a daunting, uncomfortable task, but for Kelly McMasters, author of The Leaving Season, it’s one of her “favourite things to do.” 

Kelly has been writing her own obituary at least once a year since the age of twelve and sees it as an essential chance to reflect on her past. 

“For me, it’s just interesting to look back, and it’s almost like looking back on versions of myself and who I was then, almost like I was a completely different person sometimes. And it’s a nice, comforting thought to sort of say hello to them.” 

In this episode of The Briefing, Kelly reveals what she’s learnt from writing obituaries and what makes it to the page.  

Kelly says that obituaries are about more than death; people are often writing “living obituaries,” such as resumes, where they reflect on the moments that define them. 

These living obituaries can give a person the chance to “shift and revise” if their life hasn’t taken the desired path 

Kelly encouraged everyone to try writing their own obituary at least once to determine what moments are most important. 

“I think what I learned is thinking openly about loss allows space for growth and if there’s something in my obituary, if I read it and I think ‘Well that’s not very moving or exciting or not where I hope to be,’ I can change it.” 

By Zack Goutzoulas, a Master of Journalism student at the University of Melbourne.

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