Recently I've been writing obituaries for The Times. Odd, but ridiculously exciting. I got into it after doing an internship in which I landed on the lovely Register desk, home of interest pieces, society announcements and obituaries, not exciting in an obvious way, like, say, Home News, but interesting nonetheless. After a week I was proven completely wrong. Obituaries are amazing. You take the life of a person who, though not always hugely famous, has achieved something wonderful, or quirky, or lasting. They made a mark, and you get a chance to honour that in a 600 word celebration of their life. I am hooked - I get to write creatively, and at the same time it feels like I am doing a nice thing. Plus, continuing it (for a fee) after the (unpaid) internship is helping me save for an adventure.
As The Times have an online subscription fee, I cannot reproduce the obituaries on here, but I'll put the links up in case any of you have forked for out the online edition. I have. Reluctantly. If not, then have a google of some of the people - they really are a pleasure to read about! Currently writing on Sushmita Banerjee and Sunila Abeysekera - both important, influential and inspiring women.
Jim Buck, the first professional dog walker
Dixie Evans, Marilyn Monroe burlesque dancer
Margaret Pellegrini, actress
Leslie Land, garden writer and locavore
Sathima Bea Benjamin, jazz singer
Wu Dengming, environmentalist and activist
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