by Heidi Tyline King
I hesitate to give away my treasure trove of ideas, but let’s be honest: There are more people dead than alive, meaning that there are plenty of obituaries—and people who led insanely interesting lives—for all of us writers to mine for stories. Obituaries are mini biographies readymade for children’s nonfiction picture book writers. I began reading obituaries for fun but they have become integral to my writing process.
First, they’re great sources of inspiration for good writing. When I get stuck on how to mark time quickly or what phrase to use as a transition between unrelated life events in a story, I spend time reading obits for examples. They’re also ideal for helping writers identify a singular event to chronicle in a life. You don’t always have to write a birth-to-grave story; consider the life of Katherine Johnson, the mathematician whose work for NASA became the central narrative for the popular book, Hidden Figures. Papers like The Guardian or The New York Times are filled with obituaries exuding strong writing and examples of how to distill a life down to its essence in a few hundred words or less.
I also turn to obituaries for motivation. I am full of self-doubt and “poor me”s, especially when my writing gets stuck. In the name of “research,” I’ll pull up my file of obituaries and begin reading about the ordinary people in the world who did extraordinary things—despite advanced age, disabilities, or a lack of education and resources. Their stories and ability to overcome keep me going.
And then there’s the most obvious reason for reading obituaries: subject matter. I am currently finishing my second children’s book on John Bonner Buck, an expert on firefly research and bioluminescence, whose obituary I clipped way back in 2005. Buck’s life’s work centered around a question that I believe all children ask: Why do fireflies flash? My book explains how Buck found the answer and went on to become a preeminent scientist in the field of bioluminescence.
To make the most of obituaries in your work, I suggest the following:
1. Scan obituaries for compelling characters.
I skip the celebrities and look for people that I haven’t heard about, people who made notable achievements in a particular field of study, worked behind the scenes on a well-known event, or devised a new way of doing things. Don’t forget to delve into the archives for the forgotten stories of people who deserve to be known.
2. Set Google Alerts to narrow interests.
Sifting through obituaries is one way to find interesting subject matter. Another is to set a Google Alert and have the search engine curate content for you. You’ll get obituaries delivered to your inbox about people working in fields that are of most interest to you. Every now and then, you’ll get a gem that you would have never sniffed out on your own.
3. Branch out and look for other sources.
Once you’ve identified a person to consider writing about, do a quick search for other sources to learn more about their contributions. Obituaries in other publications and articles about their work help you compile research to consult when you’re ready to write and help you build a stronger story. For example, I ran across an article about Buck describing him as a “scientist’s scientist.” The idea that he loved process and the practice of science became an underlying subtheme in my book.
4. Discover secondary themes.
Speaking of subthemes, a good biography has several running through throughout. In my latest picture book, SAVING AMERICAN BEACH: The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee Betsch, the story centers on her activism to save a beach, but it’s the subthemes of music, environmentalism, discrimination and racism, and resilience that carry the story.
5. Write in the genre that’s most comfortable to you.
Above all, obituaries are simply sources of inspiration. I have a degree in journalism so writing nonfiction is what I’m best at doing. But obituaries can inspire writing in genres from poetry to science fiction.
The next time you’re struggling with characters, plot, motivation, and writing succinctly, take a break and scan the day’s fresh batch of obituaries or leaf back through your file for ideas. There are people whose stories are waiting to—and worthy of—being told.
Heidi Tyline King writes nonfiction picture books from her home in Tallahassee, Florida. Follow her on Instagram @heiditylineking and visit her at heiditking.com.
Heidi is giving away a copy of her book, SAVING AMERICAN BEACH.
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643 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 12, 2022 at 8:07 am
Hannah Roy LaGrone
Inspiration can come from very unexpected places! Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 8:09 am
thecrowsmap
Heidi, interesting! Congratulations on your books. I’ve always wondered about fireflies.
Gail Hartman
January 12, 2022 at 8:10 am
Leslie Eva Tayloe
Wow! Interesting. I will definitely save your post just in case I ever decide to write non-fiction. Thanks for giving up one of your secrets:) Best wishes.
January 12, 2022 at 2:45 pm
Marci Whitehurst
Great tip with the obituaries! Thanks for sharing. Congrats on your books!
January 12, 2022 at 8:12 am
Erica
Great tip! Love PB bios.
January 12, 2022 at 8:13 am
Rebecca Ralfe
Morbidly awesome!
January 17, 2022 at 1:35 am
Angela Turner
I never would have thought to look at obituaries for ideas. But I will now!
January 12, 2022 at 8:14 am
Rebecca McMurdie
Now this one I did not think of! Thanks for the idea!
January 12, 2022 at 8:14 am
Jeanette Stampone
What a great idea! Would never have thought to do this!
January 12, 2022 at 8:18 am
melissamiles1
I’ll admit I never considered this, and never knew you could set up Google alerts to search topics for you! I learned a ton this morning. Thanks for sharing your methods with us!
January 12, 2022 at 8:19 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
Well that was advice I never expected to read, but it makes so much sense. And then to realize we can use Google to help us do the reading, as opposed to a physical paper, makes the advice even more practical. Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 8:23 am
michelemeleen
This is one idea source I haven’t really heard before, how interesting!
January 12, 2022 at 8:25 am
susandrewwrites
Wow! That is something I’d never have thought of. Thanks for the tip!
January 12, 2022 at 8:25 am
Shanie Cooper
Obits! Who woulda thought? That is so interesting, and just shows that you can get inspiration from literally anywhere!
January 12, 2022 at 8:26 am
cath jones
I never thought about using obituaries. Great idea!
January 12, 2022 at 8:26 am
ellen seal ❄️ (@ellenseal_art)
Great idea! I’ll have to see if any ghosts will whisper ideas to me today
January 12, 2022 at 8:27 am
Lauren Barbieri
Thank you for sharing this interesting process and novel suggestion!
January 12, 2022 at 8:28 am
reluctantspy
Super idea. Thanks.
January 12, 2022 at 8:30 am
Anne Louise Wan
An amazing approach to searching for golden PB ideas. I would never have thought of doing this. Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 8:33 am
anchance
I would love to write a nonfiction picture book, but the thought intimidates me. I think looking through obituaries is a clever idea for inspiration. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 8:35 am
Susan Jobsky
I have to admit, I’d never have thought about reading obits for writing inspiration. You’ve given me something new to try. Thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 8:35 am
Midge Smith
I can honestly say I’ve not heard this idea before, and will have to try it out! Thank you, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 8:35 am
Andrea MacDonald
Proof positive that story ideas can come from anywhere. Sounds like I need to mine my own journalism degree for more fodder! Never realized it could be so versatile and lend itself to so many different types of writing. Also, before reading this post, the concept of subthemes never even entered my head. Thank you, Heidi, for all of these wonderful gems.
January 12, 2022 at 8:36 am
Erica Jensen Shiflet
I never would have thought of using obits as inspiration. What a clever idea, both for writing style and content. Thanks for letting us in on your secret!
January 12, 2022 at 8:36 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you for sharing your unique, inspirational source for writing, Heidi. Lots of brainstorming opportunities to investigate today!
January 12, 2022 at 8:38 am
Lynn McCracken
I never thought about this. I love reading the obits. I will look at them with fresh eyes from now on!
January 12, 2022 at 8:40 am
Andrea Mack
Thanks for suggesting this interesting way to build characters!
January 12, 2022 at 8:41 am
lizricewrites
Great tip! I enjoyed reading the book along with you on YouTube.
January 12, 2022 at 8:44 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Fascinating idea! Thanks for sharing it, Heidi, along with your specific suggestions.
January 12, 2022 at 8:47 am
Bevin Rolfs Spencer
I have always found obits fascinating as well, but haven’t gotten a newspaper in a long time and haven’t thought about just using the internet to keep reading them. Thanks for the reminder and suggestions!
January 12, 2022 at 8:48 am
Polly Renner
Wow! Definitely a new idea here! Thanks Heidi; )
January 12, 2022 at 8:49 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Heidi, you’ve spotlighted quite a fresh method for reviving & enliven someone’s LIFE story!
Thanks so much for sharing your process.
January 12, 2022 at 8:51 am
Ceil Than
Fantastic! I love writing biographies, too. So many fascinating people in the world.
January 12, 2022 at 8:51 am
beckylevine
Love this post–totally new ways, for me, to even think about getting ideas!
January 12, 2022 at 8:53 am
Maureen Riordan
I’ve used obituaries in my genealogy in the past so I can see how they would be useful to generate topics for writing.
January 12, 2022 at 8:56 am
Catherine
Thank you for this article Heidi. It was an eye opener for me. Very interesting and unexpectant. Congratulations on your book.
January 12, 2022 at 8:57 am
Janie Reinart
Heidi,
Your title took me by surprise. Excellent tips. Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 8:57 am
savoringeverymoment
This story looks gorgeous! And what a unique idea, not just to read obits for inspiration but for a master class in summarizing and transitioning. Love it.
January 12, 2022 at 9:01 am
annier1996
Thanks for the unique idea, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 9:02 am
Elyse Trevers
What a terrific idea! Love it -thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 9:03 am
David Filmore
I am very intrigued by this. Well-written obituaries are so elevating and grounding at the same time. I don’t think I had “setting a Google alert for obituaries” on my bingo card for this week, but it might be something that happens. Thanks
January 12, 2022 at 9:03 am
rbkrackeler
Thanks for the idea! How interesting; never would have thought of this!
January 12, 2022 at 9:03 am
kimpfenn
I’ve used news articles for ideas for fiction or for names but have never thought about using obituaries which could also give ideas for fiction stories. Thank you for the tip!
January 12, 2022 at 9:04 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Your new book looks beautiful, Heidi. And thanks for sharing other ways you use obits. I never read them–I’ve been missing out!
January 12, 2022 at 9:04 am
Ellen
Absolutely! I especially love the NYT end-of-year round-up of less well known figures who have had tremendous impact.
Thank you for sharing your inspiration.
January 12, 2022 at 9:06 am
kimpfenn
I have used news articles for fiction ideas but never thought about obituaries— thanks for the tips!
January 12, 2022 at 9:07 am
lynjekowsky
Wow, a great inspiration. Thanks so much Heidi.
January 12, 2022 at 9:07 am
Jennifer Phillips
My first journalism job out of college was a newspaper obit reporter. Maybe that’s why I don’t read the obits now but you’re convincing me that I should. Great advice in this post. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 9:08 am
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Thanks, Heidi. I love writing bios of lesser known folks and this is a great way to discover them!!
January 12, 2022 at 9:08 am
maureenegan
Brilliant! And The NY Times started Overlooked Obits to add women and people of color who have been overlooked.
January 12, 2022 at 9:08 am
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
What a great resource. Thanks Heidi and congrats.
January 12, 2022 at 9:10 am
Phyllis Mignard
Never thought about scanning obits! Thanks for sharing
January 12, 2022 at 9:14 am
stiefelchana
Excellent post! My next PB bio, THE TOWER OF LIFE, is also based on an obituary I read in 2016 about Holocaust survivor and historian Yaffa Eliach, who built the Tower of Life in the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. When I read her story about hope and resilience in the face of unbearable tragedy, I couldn’t put it down. You capture beautifully how reading obits can draw you into the lives of remarkable people. Can’t wait to read your books!
January 12, 2022 at 9:17 am
wordnerd153
Saving American Beach was one of my favorite picture books of 2021! Love this idea for sparking ideas and honoring people others may not have heard of.
January 12, 2022 at 9:19 am
triciacandy
Wow! This is a great post! Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 9:20 am
Liesl Couperthwaite
Golly, what n innovative idea. There are so many interesting people out there who are not celebrities. I will try the Google alert.
January 12, 2022 at 9:21 am
Teresa Daffern
I feel like I learned things I didn’t even know were things. Thank you for this Heidi! Mind broadened!
January 12, 2022 at 9:24 am
Janice Woods
Interesting idea! Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 9:27 am
mdk45
Very interesting, Heidi. So many things you can learn from obituaries. Who knew?
January 12, 2022 at 9:28 am
mdk45
Very interesting, Heidi. Who knew everything you can learn from obituaries.
January 12, 2022 at 9:29 am
Joy Pitcairn
I’ve never thought of obituaries quite this way before!
January 12, 2022 at 9:30 am
Steena Hernandez
Love this advice! Thank you for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 9:33 am
pathaap
I’ve saved a few obituaries as well. Time to take another look at them. Thanks, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 9:36 am
Mara K Lansky
Eyes open. Looking for inspiration.
January 12, 2022 at 9:38 am
kathalsey
Great post with concrete examples. I love to listen to the tv obits on Willie Geist’s Sunday show called ” A Life Well-lived.” Fascinating stories! Love this tip,” When I get stuck on how to mark time quickly or what phrase to use as a transition between unrelated life events in a story, I spend time reading obits for examples.” TY, Heidi.
January 12, 2022 at 9:39 am
Heidi Chupp
Thank you for pointing us to a great source of inspiration. What a way to honor someone’s life too!
January 12, 2022 at 9:40 am
Becki Kidd
What an extraordinary idea! Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 9:41 am
Lynne Marie
I love to see a good story rise from the dead! thanks so much for sharing the inspiration! Best, LM
January 12, 2022 at 9:43 am
Sarah Meade
What a smart idea! Thank you for your insights!
January 12, 2022 at 9:43 am
rebeccacolby
Good idea because everyone has a story. Thanks for that reminder and inspiration.
January 12, 2022 at 9:44 am
Megan Whitaker
I’ve used obituaries for years to find interesting names! I never thought (or even knew) about Google Alerts for people in different subjects I like to write about. Thanks for the tip!
January 12, 2022 at 9:45 am
Alice Fulgione
Thanks for your unique post! Regular people DO lead fascinating lives. Never considered scanning obits for story ideas!
January 12, 2022 at 9:45 am
Cedar Pruitt
I love reading the obituaries. Thanks for the nudge to apply that interest to PBs!
January 12, 2022 at 9:47 am
lmconnors
I love your book Saving American Beach and your obituary mining is a fascinating idea. I used to have my students write an obituary for Charlotte after we finished reading Charlotte’s Web, but I never thought about using them as inspiration. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 9:48 am
srkckass
That is a novel approach! Thanks so much for the idea. I know this sounds weird by my office is by a cemetery and walking through it is a great way to understand the community I live in and get naked for story ideas!
January 12, 2022 at 9:52 am
kurtzmom548513
Heidi suggests an idea source that I have kways been drawn to naturally. I alwys check the obutuaries in local publications but never really considered them a source for children’s books. Her own writing provides great inspiration. I plan to read both and to explore obituaries with a new purpose! Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 9:53 am
Linda Kay Chavez
Wow! What a unique idea. And useful. I’ll be looking at obits in the future! Thank You!
January 12, 2022 at 9:56 am
nycbgriffin
I appreciate how you lay out not just the spark, but a process around it. Very valuable. Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 9:58 am
Sharon Lillie
I too have found obituaries very interesting. Another source- old City directories. Ones from the 1900’s list the names on a street, with occupations as well. I like to imagine how these Neighbor’s interacted with each other .
January 12, 2022 at 9:58 am
Sharon Lillie
Neighbors — stupid autocorrect
January 12, 2022 at 9:58 am
Emerly Gueron
This is a great idea. I’m going to Google Obituary and start my collection of inspiring people.
Emerly
January 12, 2022 at 9:58 am
Alison McGauley
Thank you for the ideas and tips, Heidi. I can see that reading through the succinct language of obituaries would also be helpful for fictional stories as well.
January 12, 2022 at 10:00 am
Laura Rackham
An awesome concept! And what a great way to use a google search!
January 12, 2022 at 10:00 am
Donna Rossman
I’ve been researching my family tree and have used obituaries to lead to additional relatives. Never thought to use them to find pb ideas. Thank you for opening my eyes!
January 12, 2022 at 10:01 am
Linda Bozzo
What a unique idea! Can’t wait to start reading obituaries!
January 12, 2022 at 10:03 am
JaNayBW
What an interesting idea! I would have never considered obituaries as sources of inspiration.
I think reading them can also help you to be reflective of your own life, and also be grateful for the privilege of your own life, too.
Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 10:06 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Heidi for the unique inspiration! Wow!!!
January 12, 2022 at 10:10 am
Claire Blumenfeld
In addition to this wonderful source for biographies thank you for including the idea of using well-written obituaries as a means for improving our writing, in any genre!
January 12, 2022 at 10:10 am
katiemillsgiorgio
Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 10:10 am
Mary
Heidi, I chuckled when I read your suggestion because my family makes fun of me for reading obits. But, I love reading about the lives of others. I’ve never thought of using them for story ideas . . . until now! Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 10:13 am
Kate Anderson
This is such a cool idea. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 12, 2022 at 10:13 am
greengirlblueplanet
As a family historian, obits speak to me but I hadn’t considered it for PBs. TY!
January 12, 2022 at 10:13 am
Hélène Sabourin
Biographies are so inspiring
January 12, 2022 at 10:13 am
Laurie Fortier
Thank you Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 10:13 am
Louann Brown
Thanks for your post today. As a lifelong tadophile, I’ve found many “stories” in the cemeteries I haunt. (I’ve got at least one in the “rough draft” stage.) Thank goodness for people who leave the stories for us to read.
January 12, 2022 at 10:15 am
Laurie Stewart Fortier
Thank you, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 10:15 am
andreesantini
Thanks, what a great idea.
January 12, 2022 at 10:18 am
lavern15
I would have never thought to look at obituaries for inspiration. Genius, Heidi! Thanks for showcasing unsung heroes of the community.
January 12, 2022 at 10:18 am
Brittney
This creative technique is to die for! Thanks for the tip Heidi.
January 12, 2022 at 10:18 am
Audrey Day-Williams
Heidi, this is genius! Thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 10:18 am
M.R. Street
Obituaries are also sources of interesting character names. I also love genealogy — including finding interesting details in obits of my ancestors!
January 12, 2022 at 10:19 am
Cindy S
This is certainly an interesting post. I would of never thought to check obits for PB stories.
January 12, 2022 at 10:20 am
Sue Newton
Well that’s something I never expected to read today! Just goes to show we can find inspiration in the unlikeliest of places. And as for setting Google alerts to do some of the research for you, that’s amazing! (I didn’t even know we could set our own Google alerts so that’s great to know). Thanks Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 10:21 am
Natasha Garnett
A friend way back suggested obits for short story ideas. As PB fodder is something new.
January 12, 2022 at 10:25 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
I read the obituaries every day. They are full of everyday lives that have interesting tidbits of information. I’ll be looking at them through a different lens now! Thanks for a great idea!
January 12, 2022 at 10:27 am
Suzanne Lewis
Obits–I’ve honestly never considered sourcing ideas from obits! Thanks for your encouragement to “color outside the lines” for inspirational stories Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 10:29 am
Anita M Banks
Thanks for the idea, I’ve never thought to look at obits that way.
January 12, 2022 at 10:30 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
I love obits and funerals when I did not know the person even everyday people. Everyone does something unique, interesting or special. Its unfortunate that often we do not celebrate it until they are dead. I never thought of it as a great launching point but of course! Makes sense, love it.
January 12, 2022 at 10:31 am
readmybook2002
This was an interesting idea. I have used headstones for unusual names for a character but didn’t know about reading the obits for info of lives. Thank you
January 12, 2022 at 10:34 am
Brinton Culp
Certainly a unique way to gather ideas! Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 10:37 am
Debbie Austin
Such an interesting idea, Heidi. It reminds me that I read an obituary recently and learned about something I’d never heard of before. It’s going on my list for today’s pb idea! Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 10:37 am
Judy Bryan
Interesting! I never would have thought of looking at obituaries for inspiration. Great tip on google alerts – thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 10:38 am
Sallye O'Rourke
I love to read obituaries! Will now will read for inspiration also. Great idea, thanks so much for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 10:39 am
JEN Garrett
I loved your advice about looking for subthemes. SAVING AMERICAN BEACH sounds like an amazing example of this!
January 12, 2022 at 10:40 am
Annie Guerra
Very interesting resource. Among my favorites are the well written obituaries listed in The Economist. Annie Guerra
January 12, 2022 at 10:42 am
Kelly Vavala
What a fascinating idea! All of your books sound interesting as I love reading about who invented something or the why behind something, as I’m sure children do as well! Thank you for sharing your inspiration!
January 12, 2022 at 10:44 am
Jennifer Vose
Thanks, Heidi! reading obits is such a great idea, and I love the idea of telling stories of people whose stories might otherwise go untold. Who’s to say that a picture book can’t be based on someone no one has heard of (at least no one beyond the person’s family) but who lived an extraordinary life? And extraordinary doesn’t even have to be huge accomplishments – even just simple things can sometimes be turned into stories for readers of all ages!
January 12, 2022 at 10:45 am
N. Alison Colle
Very unusual.
Thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 10:47 am
Rona Shirdan
I agree. Obituaries are often interesting sources of inspiration, and sometimes (surprisingly) even humor.
January 12, 2022 at 10:47 am
Lenora (can't stop, won't stop writing) Biemans (@BiemansLenora)
Great ideas, Heidi. Thanks for sharing and congratulations.
January 12, 2022 at 10:48 am
Angie B.
You’ve got me thinking about the fascinating people in my own family that have gone before. So far, I’ve only named fictional characters after them. But what about using more of their story? Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 10:48 am
Jessica Swaim
Thanks, Heidi! I’m so glad this treasure trove didn’t stay buried.
January 12, 2022 at 10:49 am
David McMullin
Thank you! Ready to search.
January 12, 2022 at 10:52 am
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for so many concrete suggestions! I will try them!
January 12, 2022 at 10:52 am
emoodydotcom
Simple but useful advice. It’s an interesting way to start thinking about the legacy they left behind and what the details of their story may have been while they were living.
January 12, 2022 at 10:56 am
marsha weiner
These past nine months I’ve been on contract for a hospice provider to interview their clients. Sometimes the conversations need the assistance of a health aid, but mostly not. I’ve yet to have the distance to integrate the experience, which as been profound.
January 12, 2022 at 10:56 am
danielledufayet
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing and congrats!
January 12, 2022 at 10:58 am
marsha weiner
These past nine months i’ve been on contract with a hospice care provider to interview their clients. Sometimes the interviews require the assistance of a health aid-sometimes not. I’ve yet to have the distance to integrate the experience.
January 12, 2022 at 10:58 am
Leah Marks
I have always been fascinated by obituaries and the stories in them. I never thought to use them as inspiration for children’s books. Great idea!
January 12, 2022 at 10:58 am
Marilyn R Garcia
Heidi, I’ve heard this advice before, scan the obituaries for ideas, but it never made a lot of sense to me until I read this post. Finally, I get it! Thanks.
January 12, 2022 at 10:59 am
ryanrobertsauthor
Love it! Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 11:00 am
Kim Nolan
Wow! What a great idea. Thank you so much.
January 12, 2022 at 11:00 am
marybeningo
Interesting idea and not somewhere I would think of looking to spark creative juices!
January 12, 2022 at 11:01 am
Jeanette
I would of never thought about looking through obituaries for inspiration. Thanks for the tip!
January 12, 2022 at 11:02 am
laurelneme
Loved this post. I never would have thought of this approach but it makes sense!
January 12, 2022 at 11:02 am
fspoesy
Reading obits can also provide a motivational “Memento Mori” that can help combat procrastination. Great post, Heidi.
January 12, 2022 at 11:06 am
Cinzia
This just goes to show us that ideas are never dead! Long live our ideas!
January 12, 2022 at 11:06 am
Juliana Jones
Mining obits for story ideas and people to write about– wow! Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 11:07 am
susaninez0905
Heidi – what an interesting idea! I knew inspiration could come from anywhere but never considered this. There are so many folks that had wonderful stories – obituaries are a gold mine! Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 11:08 am
Krissy
Now that’s an idea that had never crossed my mind! Reading obituaries for fun….inspiration in unexpected places, for sure!!
January 12, 2022 at 11:09 am
DaNeil Olson
Thank you for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 11:11 am
Linda Staszak
What an interesting post! Thanks for giving us new things to think about.
January 12, 2022 at 11:12 am
geigerlin
Well said. I wrote obits for my local newspaper for years; inside each one was a story waiting to be told…community involvement, accomplishments, family history. Thank you Heidi.
January 12, 2022 at 11:12 am
georgeandjohanna
This is wonderful – thank you!
Johanna Peyton
January 12, 2022 at 11:13 am
cantsing1
Great idea. The bios await us! Thanks.
January 12, 2022 at 11:16 am
Traci
I’ve always been intrigued be reading obits as well, and find them to be such a wealth of information and inspiration, but had never thought of setting a Google Alert – thank you for such a great tip!
January 12, 2022 at 11:16 am
Christina Shawn
What a wonderful idea! And I like that obituaries are a reminder of ordinary people impacting the world. Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 11:17 am
Kate Lynch
Wow!! How interesting!! I would never think of looking at the obits for pb material!! I think you’ve really got something here. Thank you SO much!!!
January 12, 2022 at 11:17 am
Kimberly Yavorski
I find obituaries fascinating. There are so many people who have done wonderful things that we have never heard of!
January 12, 2022 at 11:17 am
Susan Lorene
Very interesting way to get ideas. I bet you could find some inspiring word choices on tombstones.
January 12, 2022 at 11:22 am
Jayne TOMAN
Interesting idea … I would never have thought of that!
January 12, 2022 at 11:25 am
Joan Swanson
What a great resource. I would never have thought of that one! Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 11:26 am
Joyce Uglow
As I leaf through research on trees, I find interesting tidbits about trees in cemeteries. 🙂 Thanks for the prompt to set my Google Alerts.
January 12, 2022 at 11:26 am
matthewlasley
I have to say this is the most odd idea generator for children’s books I have read. I do not mean that in any offensive way, just that I would never have thought of it.
It makes sense though sense we often want our achievements to be remembered, it is just sad that there are so many who do such wonderful things that we don’t recognize until after they are gone.
January 12, 2022 at 11:29 am
thedayswehold
What a great idea to find inspiration from an unlikely place
January 12, 2022 at 11:30 am
authorlaurablog
So many times I hear of someone’s interesting life, lived in obscurity, and want to share it. Great post.
January 12, 2022 at 11:31 am
rosecappelli
Great advice, Heidi! Thanks for the inspiration. I’m getting the obit section from today’s paper right now to see what I can find.
January 12, 2022 at 11:31 am
Maria Altizer
I love this idea!
January 12, 2022 at 11:33 am
Paul Brassard
Wow, Heidi, what a fascinating source for new ideas. Talk about authenticity! I’m on this…
January 12, 2022 at 11:34 am
Rochelle Y Melander
Great idea!
January 12, 2022 at 11:34 am
jimchaize1
Very interesting place to look for story ideas, but I will give it a try. Thanks, Heidi.
January 12, 2022 at 11:35 am
Dayne Sislen
This post was a total surprise, imagine getting inspiration from such an unexpected place.
January 12, 2022 at 11:36 am
Kathryn Powell
Well, I never considered this and I’ll give it a try! Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 11:38 am
Joyce Frank
What a great directory of life’s challenges and triumphs: obituaries, if we only look. Thank you for sharing your secret, Heidi. SAVING AMERICAN BEACH looks gorgeous.
January 12, 2022 at 11:38 am
Deborah Ishii
I have always been one of those people who reads everything- cereal boxes, store flyers and, yes, I have even been reading obituaries since I was a child. I find the life stories of the unknown people there fascinating and have often wondered about their lives. Making the link to writing nonfiction biographies is interesting. I’ve usually written fiction, sometimes influenced by real people who I’ve known, but biographies…hmmmm? Something to investigate!
January 12, 2022 at 11:40 am
NC Karuzis
Google alerts! I didn’t know it existed, but I’m going to check it out. Thank you for some great suggestions.
January 12, 2022 at 11:44 am
Amy Tsao
Whoa, definitely a new idea to me! I like it!
January 12, 2022 at 11:44 am
shirley301
What a great way to search for ideas. Thanks for your post.
January 12, 2022 at 11:45 am
susan contreras
You have given a lot of food for thought. Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 11:45 am
Cheryl Simon
Thanks for the unique suggestion!
January 12, 2022 at 11:51 am
Cassie Bentley
Great idea to use Google algorithms for find what we want. I love reading biographies. Hadn’t considered writing them. Now I will. Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 11:53 am
Monica Acker
Great tips!!!
January 12, 2022 at 11:54 am
saintamovin
Thank you Heidi😊
January 12, 2022 at 11:54 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
I doubt I would have ever thought of scanning obituaries for story ideas.
January 12, 2022 at 11:54 am
jbbower
I love reading obituaries! Such a great historical research. Thanks for a great post!
January 12, 2022 at 11:55 am
jbbower
This should have read – Such a great historical resource : )
January 12, 2022 at 11:57 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
Now there’s a new idea!
January 12, 2022 at 11:59 am
Dianne Borowski
At first I thought your idea was too macabre. On second thought I decided why not search every avenue of information. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 12:11 pm
Stephanie S
What an interesting way to find ideas! I believe I will be doing some obituary research in the near future. Thank you for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 12:11 pm
Susan Wroble
Two true gems in this post — the obits and the multiple themes. Thanks so much!
January 12, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Stephanie S
What an interesting idea! I believe I will be reading some obituaries in the near future. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 12:16 pm
sheriradovich0384
I’m amazed that this resource can help with children’s books but I know some people look up old friends or people that touched their lives or the lives of others this way.
January 12, 2022 at 12:18 pm
kskeesling
Great tips, I love how it can work for all genres!
January 12, 2022 at 12:19 pm
Matthew Watson
Such a novel approach to inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 12:21 pm
marshaelyn
Wow, your source of inspiration surprised me! As I read your post, I thought how brilliant of you to glean story and character ideas from the lives of those living everyday lives while doing incredible things. These daily clips are truly mini-biographies for fodder. Thank you, Heidi, for your unique method of brainstorming. I’ll give it a try! Sending you encouragement and energy for your continued success…
January 12, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Deslie English
Thanks for sharing your secrets! The best part of your post for me is the depth of your advice.
January 12, 2022 at 12:24 pm
Lisa P.
A unique idea that I would never have thought of. Thanks for the inspiration this morning!
January 12, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Margot Williams
Interesting ideas, thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Jennifer Bukovec
Thank you, Heidi! I never thought to look to obituaries, but you’ve shown that it does make a lot of sense! There are a lot of ideas and inspiration to be discovered. I am encouraged to give it a try and see what I find!! Xox Jen
January 12, 2022 at 12:25 pm
Becky Walker
Brilliant idea! Ordinary people are doing extraordinary things daily! Thanks for your post!
January 12, 2022 at 12:27 pm
Jane Martin
How interesting!
January 12, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Thanks for this great advice! I’ve been dying for some new ideas. 😉
January 12, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Stephanie Gibeault
What an unexpected and clever approach to finding inspiration! Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Daryl Gottier
Oh, what a great tip. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Sally McClure
I have been doing this with headstones in cemeteries, but your idea is better!
January 12, 2022 at 12:35 pm
Marla Yablon
Wow! I would never have thought to look through obituaries!
January 12, 2022 at 12:37 pm
Amy Bradshaw
Everyone has such interesting ways of finding ideas! I love hearing about yours – thank you for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 12:41 pm
bevbaird
What a wonderful idea. Thanks for the great advice. Congrats on your newest book.
January 12, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Katie Marie
What an interesting source of inspiration. Thank you for the idea!
January 12, 2022 at 12:42 pm
mona861
Heidi, “Why didn’t I think of that?” I found a wonderful obituary about a historical character I’ve written about but never thought to look for obituaries of others. Thank you for turning on the light!
January 12, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Some obituaries are pure works of art. Some are laugh-out-loud funny. They are, like social columns, a bit of history. Thanks for this wonderful post, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 12:44 pm
paulajbecker
Super idea on finding story ideas in the obits, Heidi! Never thought to do that. Thank you for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 12:46 pm
Bethanny Parker
I get frustrated with a lot of obituaries because they spend more time listing survivors than telling about the person’s life. I want to know more.
January 12, 2022 at 12:46 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Heidi, for sharing a writing resource that I had not considered before, the obituaries. What a treasure trove.
January 12, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Linda Silvestri
Obits are fascinating! Brilliant idea to mine them for character and story inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing that and the Google search idea as well! Great post!
January 12, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Poupette
Obits (and gravestones) inspire me for sure, but your tips on how to turn these into stories is brilliant. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Angie
Oh, what a fun and interesting way to gain new ideas! Any time I go to a funeral or memorial service and I hear more about the person’s life, I am always amazed and wish I had been able to know them more when they were alive! Fascinating! Thank you for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 12:55 pm
aidantalkin
What a fresh approach to story hunting!!
January 12, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Kim A Larson
That is one area of inspiration I would have never thought about. Congrats on your book, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Jill Lambert
I’m off to dig through some obituaries now! Thanks for an inspirational post!
January 12, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Writer on the run
Thanks Heidi! A great reminder to keep my eyes, ears and mind open to ideas coming from unexpected sources!
January 12, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Angel Gantnier
Thanks for the idea.
January 12, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Jay
What a great idea! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your book.
January 12, 2022 at 1:05 pm
Elayne
I’m completely floored by this idea and can imagine how it could also inform character development outside of biographies. So great! Thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 1:06 pm
Jojo Kasala
I love reading the obits and have for years. Yes, truly inspiring people can be detailed in a few hundred words.
January 12, 2022 at 1:07 pm
ralucasirbu
Congratulations on your new book, Heidi. What a novel idea to check the obituaries. Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 1:07 pm
Marcia Parks
How timely! I just printed an interesting obit this morning! But I wasn’t thinking of it in all the same ways, so now I have a broader perspective on how to use it. Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Lisa Billa
Great tips, thanks! What an interesting way to find out-of-the-ordinary ideas. Congratulations on your new book!
January 12, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Heidi- I am also an obit reader. For many reasons – mostly for the characters. Great post’
January 12, 2022 at 1:10 pm
ruthwilson48
This is such a unique take! Really appreciate the tips!
January 12, 2022 at 1:11 pm
Julia Lyon
As a former journalist, my hat is off to you. This is such a smart idea!!
January 12, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Fascinating idea! Helpful for us fiction writers, too.
January 12, 2022 at 1:13 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
This is a great way to share the lives of those whose accomplishments and contributions may have been overlooked.
January 12, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Jasmine Ann Smith
How have I never thought of this? Thanks for giving away your gem!
January 12, 2022 at 1:21 pm
John McGranaghan
Fascinating source for inspiration, thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Debora
This is a great way to find subjects that are obscure along with unknown people. Nice tip.
January 12, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
HEIDI: I LOVE this unique form of generating story ideas! I have always been FASCINATED by the hidden GEMS of everyday, ordinary people I have found by reading obits. TRULY A TREASURE TROVE! You are SO RIGHT: “There are people whose stories are waiting to—and worthy of—being told.”
This is why I am SO PASSIONATE about writing picture book bios. It is SO IMPORTANT to show kids that we ALL have a story to share.
January 12, 2022 at 1:23 pm
Maria Marshall
Heidi, I have to admit this is one place I have not mined for story ideas. Interesting, though. I think it might be a great rabbit-hole for those yucky, rainy, winter days when inspiration can wane. Thank you so much.
January 12, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Debra Collins
How resourceful!
January 12, 2022 at 1:30 pm
Barbara Senenman
Wow! Fabulous idea! I’m often looking at obituaries when researching for my family tree. I can see how this would generate info and ideas for a bio.
January 12, 2022 at 1:30 pm
Sheri Graubert
What a fantastic idea! Thank you so much! The contrast between obituaries (past life) and children (beginning life) hasn’t escaped me. Love that!
January 12, 2022 at 1:31 pm
Ilima
Great tips!
January 12, 2022 at 1:35 pm
Melanie Rowsell-Docherty
What a fab idea! I would never had thought of looking in obituaries. Thanks
January 12, 2022 at 1:38 pm
SCody
That is honestly a place I never thought to look for inspiration but now I am intrigued!
January 12, 2022 at 1:38 pm
allyenz
Thanks for sharing your treasure trove with us! Reading obituaries is a great way to get thinking about the big themes in life and the very specific details of an individual life. Appreciate you sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Melissa Ahonen
Never thought of using Obits that way – what a genius idea!
January 12, 2022 at 1:41 pm
wordwritermo
I read the obits in our small town paper and it’s fascinating to see other people’s lives. I also love to see the story written about them and a nice turn of phrase. Glad to see I’m not the only one who reads them. I’ll have to turn on my PB radar now, however! Thanks!
–Melisa Wrex (@mowrex on Twitter)
January 12, 2022 at 1:41 pm
chaunceyelephant
Wow! Even though I’ve often read obituaries and admired the people described, I never focused on them as a source for writing. Thanks for sharing this!
January 12, 2022 at 1:46 pm
carolynleillustrations
Reading obituaires and setting up Google search is a great idea. Thanks for sharing, Heidi.
January 12, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Danielle Hammelef
This is a new idea to me–thank you for the great advice for finding people with interesting pasts.
January 12, 2022 at 1:52 pm
marty bellis
A unique idea for mining ideas! Ordinary people’s lives are indeed fascinating and I love all your suggestions for making use of this simple resource. Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 1:53 pm
amievc
Thanks for this clever idea for finding great stories to tell!
January 12, 2022 at 1:53 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
this is a “dead giveaway”…for Storystorming. Love this idea. Smaller town obits often give amazing flavor to the stories stewing in our minds. TU!
January 12, 2022 at 1:54 pm
Amanda
Brilliant! I have heard of using obituaries for inspiration for stories before, but it hadn’t occurred to me how they are also a good source of looking at how others write transitions and cover a long time succinctly!
January 12, 2022 at 1:57 pm
Emily Bertholf
Inspiring and thoughtful. Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 2:06 pm
jhall2018
Looking forward to reading SAVING AMERICAN BEACH!
January 12, 2022 at 2:07 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you Heidi! I once worked with a man who read the obiuaries every morning, he was probably 28 or 29 at the time. I was 18 or 19 and had never met someone who randomly read obituaries, but it made me think of him as kind and empathetic, taking the time to read about strangers’ lives and think about them. Thank you for this – you are kind also obviously sharing your tips.
January 12, 2022 at 2:08 pm
Deona Valentine
This is an excellent idea! Obituaries..never thought of it.
January 12, 2022 at 2:12 pm
Megan S
This reminds me of Heather Lende’s work (not kid lit, but good NF). She wrote about her experiences writing obituaries in Haines, AK.
January 12, 2022 at 2:15 pm
ziemkeart
So clever! Thank you for sharing this little big gem!
January 12, 2022 at 2:17 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thanks, Heidi. I may be cutting up the newspaper!
January 12, 2022 at 2:21 pm
donnacangelosi
What a great idea, Heidi! Thanks so much for sharing your treasure!
January 12, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Mary Zychowicz
Great suggestions! Thank you for your post.
January 12, 2022 at 2:22 pm
lois1952
That’s something I have never though of. Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 2:22 pm
Leah Moser
This is a great idea! Thank you for the post.
January 12, 2022 at 2:28 pm
brontebrown2
What, Whoa (not Woe), Wow, really great idea and way to read about significant events in a person’s life. I’ve laughed and cried reading obituaries. But never thought of them as a resource. Insightful!
January 12, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Lisa Gaines
Biographies have always been a favorite of mine. I actually tracked down a copy of the 1st biography I ever read in 5th grade. Thank you for the great ideas!
January 12, 2022 at 2:33 pm
arndt4writing
I’ve never thought about looking in obituaries for inspiration. Interesting! Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 2:36 pm
Jenny Boyd
What a clever idea! A nice way to celebrate lives well-lived, too. Thanks for the suggestion.
January 12, 2022 at 2:37 pm
Michelle Dragalin
I love this idea! I can’t the number of times I’ve thought, been told, read, or discussed that reality is more interesting than fiction. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 2:42 pm
tinefg
Obituaries! I would never have thought it… I have had to use local obituaries regularly at my “day job”, I am surprised it never occurred to me, Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 2:51 pm
jesseannabornemann
I’ve often thought about what a fascinating job it must be to write obituaries for the NYT or other publications. An obit does, indeed, tell a full story. Such a great idea to turn to obits for book inspiration. Thank you, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 3:01 pm
Shannon LaPuma
Wow! I never would have thought of reading the obituaries for inspiration. Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 3:04 pm
heidikyates
Thanks for sharing this interesting idea, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Michele Rietz
Thanks, Heidi! I see so much value in your suggestions! I’ll have to learn how to do Google alerts 🙂
Congratulations on your PBs! I can’t wait to read the one on fireflies!
January 12, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Dena Davis
The first tip about using obituaries to discover ways to mark time or transitions is super helpful along with all the rest! I appreciate you sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 3:06 pm
Leslie Norris
Great tip! I would have never even thought to look there.
January 12, 2022 at 3:07 pm
hfr2006
I had no idea Google could curate content like that. Interesting.
January 12, 2022 at 3:16 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Great idea to use obituaries for ideas! Thank you for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 3:17 pm
Penelope McNally
Brilliant! I never would have thought to scan through obituaries. They really do tell a succinct life story. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 12, 2022 at 3:34 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Thanks for the tips! For all here ~ There’s a website and FB group called Find A Grave where you can search for a person’s name and also pick up interesting pieces of information.
January 12, 2022 at 3:35 pm
rozanark
Thank you, what a gem of an idea!
January 12, 2022 at 3:38 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Amazing where you can pull stories from! Great idea, thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 3:40 pm
triciahinely
Wow! Thank you for generously giving away such a gem! Great tip and easily accessible, plus you went above and beyond to tell how to use technology to help narrow the search.
January 12, 2022 at 3:40 pm
cbcole
What a great idea to look for little know people who did fascinating things as inspiration for a biography PB.
January 12, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Beverly Smith
This is so simple yet has never occurred to me. I read the obits often just to learn about people and their lives. What a wonderful idea and way to honor someone’s life that might be amazing but never be told otherwise. Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Patricia Oppenheim
The secret is out! I use obituaries to find stories of women who have achieved amazing things, but who were overlooked during their lifetime.
January 12, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Deborah Foster
I thought I was the only one who read obituaries in my free time… great idea Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 4:04 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Great tips, Heidi! Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 4:14 pm
Gabriella Aldeman
Interesting. I’ll give it a try!
January 12, 2022 at 4:16 pm
Shanna Silva
Interesting take, thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 4:19 pm
Fern Glazer
Thanks for sharing your secret source! I have often found inspiration and great character at my local cemetery. Inspiration is everywhere if you pay attention.
January 12, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Fern Glazer
Thanks for sharing your secret source! I have often found inspiration and great character at my local cemetery. Inspiration is everywhere if you pay attention.
January 12, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Heidi.
There are some amazing stories found in obituaries. Everyone has a story to tell.
Suzy Leopold
January 12, 2022 at 4:21 pm
TL Fales
The fact that every single person has a story is one of the things that drives my writing. I want to know everyone’s story. Obituaries are a great place to start learning them. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 12, 2022 at 4:24 pm
Jennifer Rathe
Interesting. Something I hadn’t thought of. Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 4:24 pm
karenlee
Such an original and neat idea! Now I need to figure out how to create a Google search engine……
January 12, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Christine Graham
People are just…interesting. Thanks for an inspiring post.
January 12, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Perky Smith
Fascinating idea I would never have thought of. Thank you for sharing your secret. Really appreciated.
January 12, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Claire A. B. Freeland
I never would have thought to mine obituaries for content and writing style, but you’ve convinced me.
January 12, 2022 at 4:31 pm
Anne Appert
I love the suggestion to look at obituaries even if nonfiction isn’t your forte. Thank you for such an interesting post!
January 12, 2022 at 4:37 pm
Charlotte Glaze
It’s a very strange and interesting idea. I never read obituaries, but maybe I’ll look into them!
January 12, 2022 at 4:42 pm
Stephanie Owen
Thanks, Heidi! Time for me to check out today’s paper.
January 12, 2022 at 4:47 pm
Tara Cerven
Wow, not in a million years would it occur to me to scan obituaries for story ideas. Simply brilliant! Thank you for the great advice.
January 12, 2022 at 4:48 pm
Molly Ippolito
Obituaries?! Who would have thought! What a great source of inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing! Can’t wait to use your tips and tricks!
January 12, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Susan Eyerman
Great advice! Very interested in SAVING AMERICAN BEACH. Thanks Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 4:56 pm
K Orr
Great post–thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 5:07 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for your post!
January 12, 2022 at 5:08 pm
Phaea Crede - Jet the Cat (Is Not a Cat) author (@PhaeaCrede)
I learned that one of the original GLOW wrestlers died and that led me down a very fascinating rabbit hole! Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 5:13 pm
girlscout72091
So interesting advice about obituaries! I read them rarely but when I do I am always inspired by people’s lives. Thanks for reminding me of all the possibilities that are out there from everyday people. They are more fascinating than we realize.
January 12, 2022 at 5:15 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Your story about John Bonner Buck sounds fascinating! Great post!
January 12, 2022 at 5:17 pm
dragonmintcallisto52281
Such a cool idea!
January 12, 2022 at 5:19 pm
claireannette1
I find obituaries fascinating. Now I’ll read them with a focus on finding subjects to write about. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 5:24 pm
Jessica Milo
I would’ve never thought of looking through obits for inspiration, motivation and good writing tips. This is great and there’s a lot of stories to be told! Thanks, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Jennifer Roman
That’s an interesting idea!
January 12, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Imelda Taylor
This is rather unique!
I sometimes look at gravestones and get inspiration there too. I haven’t really thought about using obviously
Thank you 😊
January 12, 2022 at 5:32 pm
Joy Wieder
What an interesting approach! Thanks for sharing
January 12, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Dannielle Viera
Who knew that obituaries were such a wealth of information and inspiration? Thanks for the heads-up!
January 12, 2022 at 5:36 pm
Celeste Turner
This looks like a beautiful book. There are so many great non-fiction themes & people to write about. You never know what will stick out to you.
January 12, 2022 at 5:38 pm
Buffy Silverman
Great suggestion–thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Connie Van Horn
Love these ideas! I never would have thought to look at obituaries! I have always been drawn to nonfiction picture books and biographies! Thank you!!
January 12, 2022 at 5:45 pm
Sarah Olivo
So you’re telling me all this time that my mother-in-law reads the obits out loud over breakfast, I could have been using this as research. Mind blown, thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 5:46 pm
staceygustafson
Never heard of scanning obits before. Genius!
January 12, 2022 at 5:46 pm
Meredith Fraser
What a very interesting idea. Thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 5:54 pm
viviankirkfield
Obituaries – definitely not one of my often-used idea catchers. I have used them when I am already researching someone I’m writing about, but oh my goodness, Heidi…what a great idea to intentionally scan them for people…or topics…that would make a fascinating book for kids! I love this post!
January 12, 2022 at 5:54 pm
chardixon47
Heidi, thank you for the terrific tips and the idea of scanning obits. Brilliant!
January 12, 2022 at 6:09 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
Wow… Not sure how I feel about obituaries… But I won’t discount it… I’ll let the idea float around in my brain for a while! Thank you!! Good “outside the box” post!!
January 12, 2022 at 6:21 pm
authordebradaugherty
Thanks, Heidi. Your post proves that story ideas can come from anywhere. I like reading orbits and learning about the fascinating lives of the ones who died. There are many gems.to be found.
January 12, 2022 at 6:22 pm
Matt Tesoriero
Such great advice I’m dying over here!
January 12, 2022 at 6:25 pm
karinlarson
Now, this is an idea I’ve not thought of specifically, but it is a terrific idea. Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 6:26 pm
8catpaws
I’m not sure that habit is something one should share in a personal ad–but it seems to work well for you as a writer! Then again, it could be a character’s secret hobby in a story!
January 12, 2022 at 6:29 pm
Roxanne Troup
Interesting. Would have never thought to look there…
January 12, 2022 at 6:31 pm
Rachelle Burk
I love the idea of google alerts for certain buzz words. Going to try that now.
January 12, 2022 at 6:44 pm
Christine M Irvin
What a splendidly morbid (I mean, inspiring) idea!
January 12, 2022 at 6:50 pm
Charles Trevino
Resource In Place
January 12, 2022 at 6:56 pm
lorisherritt
Thank you Heidi! Thomas Edison’s inventions and quotes appear in something I am brainstorming. Now I’ll mine his obituary for additional story ideas. My mind goes off in all directions…something I have done in the past, when writing epitaph poems with students was to research unique headstones. There are quite a few humorous ones out there!
January 12, 2022 at 6:57 pm
angkunkel
I love perusing obituaries (or as my grandmother called them, “the Irish sports pages”) for the very same reason. Thank you for this post, Heidi!
January 12, 2022 at 7:02 pm
YauMei Chiang
What a unique source for inspiration. Heidi, thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 7:02 pm
Jaime
Very interesting! Thank you, I would have never thought to look at the obituaries for inspiration.
January 12, 2022 at 7:06 pm
Jennifer Weisse
This is such an interesting idea. Thank you.
January 12, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Laurie Seaford
Clever! Thank you, Heidi. Your following line sticks: “There are people whose stories are waiting to –and worth of–being told.”
January 12, 2022 at 7:10 pm
Kay
I never thought about reading obituaries for ideas
January 12, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks for the wonderful idea! I do read obituaries, but I’ve never considered them a source of writing inspiration, but of course they are. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 7:23 pm
loricevans
Wow, I never would have thought of this. What a great idea. And now I am going to ask myself if there is any other regular information source out there that I have been overlooking to mine for ideas. Plus, I hate to admit it, but I am so terrible with technology, I don’t know anything about Google Alerts and how to set them. That’s going on my learn-to-do-list for this week! Thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 7:28 pm
kathydoherty1
I get character names from obituaries!
January 12, 2022 at 7:36 pm
Melissa K
And I thought obits were only good for finding apartments in NYC! Thanks for the tip.
January 12, 2022 at 7:38 pm
Mary Warth
Thank you Heidi for the great advice!
January 12, 2022 at 7:48 pm
Pamela Brunskill (@PamelaBrunskill)
Love the idea of going through obituaries for story ideas. I’d found some really interesting recently, and your post is helpful in terms of how to take a person or subject matter into an idea and story. Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 7:52 pm
Yvette Pais
Interesting, I never thought about this. It totally makes sense. Thank you for this post.
January 12, 2022 at 7:56 pm
Jeanne Cherney
What a unique idea
January 12, 2022 at 8:16 pm
Sarah K. Rose
Such an interesting post! Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 8:24 pm
Sara Ackerman
Thank you for sharing your process.
January 12, 2022 at 8:28 pm
Tonnye Fletcher
What an amazing idea! I’ve never thought about approaching obits this way, but it makes perfect sense! Thank you so much for sharing! Gotta go check out the obituary section . . .
January 12, 2022 at 8:31 pm
Peggy Dobbs
A fascinating post—obituaries as a treasure trove of new ideas. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 8:37 pm
lsheroan
I’m a huge fan of fireflies! I can’t wait to read your new book.
January 12, 2022 at 8:44 pm
Manju Beth Howard (@ManjuBeth)
One of my past jobs was as a newspaper obit clerk. Lots of stories.
January 12, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Donna Marx
What a unique angle!
January 12, 2022 at 8:47 pm
Lonna Hill
What a great idea to scan obituaries for ideas. Thanks for the tip!
January 12, 2022 at 8:48 pm
Sophie Furman✨Illustrator (@SophieFurmanArt)
I worked for a small newspaper at one time! It was a newspaper to help fight homelessness, so there were quite a few obituaries… Still inspirational even then! 😦 What a great idea! I love the idea of Google alerts! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas :).
January 12, 2022 at 8:50 pm
Tamisha Williams
I love learning about the many ways people find ideas and inspiration. I would never have thought about using the obituaries in this way
January 12, 2022 at 8:58 pm
kiwijenny
Wow I never thought of obituaries before
January 12, 2022 at 9:01 pm
Kate Rietema
Welp, I can honestly say that this idea for inspiration has never occurred to me! I kinda love it!
January 12, 2022 at 9:03 pm
Colleen Dabney
I never would have thought to do this! I’ll have to try it! It sounds like it would be interesting. Thanks for sharing your ideas
January 12, 2022 at 9:09 pm
marty
Thank you Heidi. This post has so much to delve into that will help my writing. I also really needed the comments related to subthemes to help me with what I am currently writing. I just saw Ekua Holmes stunning original art at the MFA and some of the images were set at beaches!!! I’m looking forward to reading your book. Thanks, Tara for inviting Heidi to post on your Storystorm blog.
January 12, 2022 at 9:09 pm
kirstenbockblog
What a great idea! I can’t wait to give it a try.
January 12, 2022 at 9:21 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Heidi, for helping us to mine obituaries for additional story ideas. I read them often and am so impressed with those who have made the most of the life that they lived, and also those who have done extraordinary things.
Happy New Year to you and best wishes for continued writing sucess!
January 12, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Claudia Sloan
Wow! I’ve never thought about this one, thank you! 🙂
January 12, 2022 at 9:26 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Interesting. I would never have thought of that
January 12, 2022 at 9:29 pm
Laura K Bower
I love the idea of mining for stories that might otherwise never be told” -Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” Congratulations on your beautiful, inspiring books!
January 12, 2022 at 9:32 pm
Jen K.
Thanks for sharing your unique strategy. It is dead on.
January 12, 2022 at 9:33 pm
supermario6
Thanks for the great advice!
January 12, 2022 at 10:05 pm
Karen Lawler
I love reading about the gift of discovery you shared. Thank YOU 🥰
January 12, 2022 at 10:06 pm
Patricia B. Ellson
Thank you for the unusual research method and the tip on using Google alerts! I’m off to learn how to do that.
January 12, 2022 at 10:10 pm
mariearden
Wow! Hadn’t thought of that for story ideas, but I remember when researching my ancestors, family death notices usually provided me with many details about the lives of my “long, lost” relatives.
January 12, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Becky Ross Michael
Now, this is a new idea to me!
January 12, 2022 at 10:12 pm
susanzonca
Never in a million years would I have thought of this idea. Love it!
January 12, 2022 at 10:19 pm
Chayala Nachum
Just proves inspiration can be found in what seems like the unlikeliest of places!
January 12, 2022 at 10:41 pm
Robyn McGrath
What a great way to find new ideas!
January 12, 2022 at 10:41 pm
Nancy Rubin Fahmy
This is the most interesting tip for me yet! I had never given using the obituaries so much thought for character and storyline development! Genius ! Thank you!
January 12, 2022 at 10:56 pm
tinamcho
How interesting! I’ve never read the obituaries just for fun/research. Will give it a try. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 10:57 pm
Jennie H
love the tip to read obituaries. Thank you for sharing your valuable insight!!
January 12, 2022 at 11:00 pm
Kaye Baillie
That is such a great resource, Heidi. Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2022 at 11:01 pm
Beth Elliott
Here here! I haven’t read many obituaries but one I read over 15 years ago and still plays in my mind, it was beautiful. Thank you, Heidi for your post.
January 12, 2022 at 11:02 pm
Helen Lys
Never thought of using obituaries to harvest ideas for non-fiction books, but it’s a great idea. There are so many people out there who have fascinating stories that need to be told. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 11:03 pm
sue macartney
What a special research twist – thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 11:11 pm
Alia K.
Reminds me of how my dad always reads the obituaries – especially liked reading about the careers of older people.
January 12, 2022 at 11:29 pm
dedradavis03
Wow! Interesting! I would have never thought!
January 12, 2022 at 11:47 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Interesting post! Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2022 at 11:56 pm
kdgwrites
I love this. I read them all the time and always wonder how to use them in my stories. Now I will look at obituaries a bit differently.
January 12, 2022 at 11:56 pm
Julie Reich
Going to skim the obits right now. Thanks!
January 12, 2022 at 11:57 pm
Eileen Mayo
What an interesting idea! I’ve never considered looking at the obituaries for a new ideas. Thanks for the great post!
January 13, 2022 at 12:08 am
rosihollinbeck
Obituaries! Who knew? Thanks. Such an interesting post.
January 13, 2022 at 12:09 am
Liz Godfrey
Fascinating approach! I will look at obits in a whole new light – thank you!!
January 13, 2022 at 12:18 am
seschipper
Thanks! This post proves story Ideas can be found in the most unusual places! 🙂
January 13, 2022 at 12:23 am
Virginia Rinkel
This does bring me to a new twist of an idea. Thank you!!
January 13, 2022 at 12:23 am
Amy Mucci
What an interesting idea! And I also always wondered about fireflies!
January 13, 2022 at 12:26 am
writeremmcbride
Thank you, Heidi. You are so right that there are soooo many lives with stories worthy of sharing; many of which need to be better known. Your suggestions for research are very helpful. Thank you!
January 13, 2022 at 12:28 am
Mary Nelson
I have to say that scanning the obituaries is something that has NEVER occurred to me! What an interesting idea….
January 13, 2022 at 12:31 am
Ashley Bankhead
What an interesting way to get ideas for books. Thanks for sharing.
January 13, 2022 at 12:32 am
Trine Grillo
Very interesting approach. Thanks
January 13, 2022 at 12:49 am
Heather Stigall
Really interesting ideas to try. Thank you for the suggestions!
January 13, 2022 at 1:05 am
Diana Marie Linton
One of my favorite illustrators, Maira Kalman, also said that she starts her day by reading obituaries! For a while, it has been a goal for me to do so. I will start tomorrow instead of just thinking about it!
January 13, 2022 at 1:06 am
bonnie fireUrchin ~ pb illustration & writing
I think I always knew in the back of my head this would be part of research for biography, but as the inspiration it seems ideal for finding those gems of people we wish we’d known…. and creating characters for fiction, or at least giving them some of their traits. Maybe even the purpose of their story! Thanks for sharing your methods!
January 13, 2022 at 1:26 am
serenagingoldallen
I have to say, this is an interesting way to get inspired to write. I’ve often felt inspired by someone’s life while reading an obituary but hadn’t thought to connect this with writing. I’m not sure it’ll work for me but I’m willing to give it a try.
January 13, 2022 at 1:57 am
mariamarianayagam
Such an inventive way to find inspiration! Thanks for sharing!
January 13, 2022 at 2:01 am
Huyen
Never thought of using obituaries for story ideas! I live reading memoirs so this is very appealing to me.
Thanks!
January 13, 2022 at 2:06 am
Aly Kenna
Thank you Heidi, keep up the good work. There are so many stories that need to be told and it is good to know someone is out there making it happen.
January 13, 2022 at 2:09 am
Marcia Berneger
What an interesting way to gather ideas! Thanks for sharing with us!
January 13, 2022 at 2:17 am
Kimberly Grace
This is brilliant!
January 13, 2022 at 2:28 am
Haley Thomas
Thank you for sharing these great ideas.
January 13, 2022 at 2:57 am
wyszguy
What a great idea – thank you!
January 13, 2022 at 4:26 am
Catherine
This is an interesting idea – thanks for the inspiration Heidi :o)
January 13, 2022 at 4:31 am
Tamara Rittershaus
Such a great idea! Thank you!
January 13, 2022 at 4:59 am
Hanna Geshelin
Reminds me of Cecelia Ahearn’s great novel, One Hundred Names. Everyone has a story, and obits are a great idea for finding new ones. Thanks!
January 13, 2022 at 6:39 am
Meldaarts
Wow, I’ve never heard of this technique before!
January 13, 2022 at 6:48 am
yangmommy
Fantastic tips! Thanks for sharing!
January 13, 2022 at 6:56 am
mdk45
This is an interesting technique, Heidi. I see all kinds of possibilities. Thanks
January 13, 2022 at 7:10 am
Nadine Poper
Going to begin today checking the obits. Thank you Heidi.
January 13, 2022 at 7:14 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Who would have known this one can find inspiration in obits? What a great idea.
January 13, 2022 at 7:39 am
Maria
Wow, this is such an interesting idea-mining tidbit! And I also like that it’s also a source of motivation, obits are usually distillations the extraordinary things that ordinary people do. Love it!
January 13, 2022 at 7:57 am
Lisa L Furness
I love reading obituaries but never thought to use them to help my own writing. Great post!
January 13, 2022 at 8:19 am
ramonapersaudwrites
What a unique way to brainstorm! I’ll give this a shot.
January 13, 2022 at 8:35 am
Tanya Konerman
It really is amazing what can be learned from a person’s obituary. I like the idea of setting a Google alert in my field(s) of interest…might find a fun surprise in my in-box!
January 13, 2022 at 8:55 am
René Bartos
Very interesting! Thank you for sharing.
January 13, 2022 at 8:59 am
sareenmclay
Thank you. I never thought about reading the obituaries either – although it’s something my parents always did! Congratulations on your book!
January 13, 2022 at 9:22 am
Meghan Downs
I have never thought to scan obituaries for ideas- can’t wait to see what comes up! This is great! Your book looks fabulous! Just requested from our local library, and I can’t wait to read!
January 13, 2022 at 9:31 am
Jane Heitman Healy
Heidi, this advice is golden! Thank you! Reading obits can help fiction writers find interesting character traits and names. Just this a.m., I read one where the deceased had enjoyed a number of things including a vodka tonic. Now, you wouldn’t put that in a children’s book (and not usually in an obit!), but that’s the kind of detail that makes a character interesting. I look forward to your book about Buck, as I am a firefly admirer myself!
January 13, 2022 at 10:16 am
Jamie Bills
What a brilliant source of ideas. I do not write bios, but I am going to look for notable actions and truths that could serve as main themes in my manuscripts.
January 13, 2022 at 10:24 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
Thanks for the advice on an unusual source.
*runs to find out how to set a Google Alert…
January 13, 2022 at 10:32 am
Marzieh Abbas
Wow this post takes the cake! I’m intrigued by what a google alert is! Thanks 🙂
January 13, 2022 at 10:38 am
ptnozell
I love learning about those lives and accomplishments hiding in obituaries (I have degrees in history and law). Thank you for sharing your system of researching them.
January 13, 2022 at 10:45 am
Carolyn Cory Scoppettone
Love this post! We subscribed to NY Times Sunday over the summer and I loved reading the obits. Found so many fascinating people there and even clipped some of them–old school style–but you’ve given me new inspiration on how they can inspire my writing. Thanks!
January 13, 2022 at 10:49 am
Charles Richardson
Oh my goodness…how original!
January 13, 2022 at 10:52 am
Rosalind Malin
Great idea for helping with character development. Sharing unique techniques is like sharing the secret in a family recipe.
January 13, 2022 at 11:07 am
Charlotte Offsay
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 13, 2022 at 11:08 am
Liesl Couperthwaite
Hi, I have not received Day 13. Has it not been posted yet? Regards Liesl Couperthwaite
On Wed, 12 Jan 2022, 14:03 Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) wrote:
> Tara Lazar posted: “by Heidi Tyline King I hesitate to give away my > treasure trove of ideas, but let’s be honest: There are more people dead > than alive, meaning that there are plenty of obituaries—and people who led > insanely interesting lives—for all of us writers to mine” >
January 13, 2022 at 11:09 am
mbtgroupcb
Heidi-Thanks for sharing these wonderfully thought out ideas! I have written a manuscript on fireflies and bioluminescence. I would love to chat with you sometime about it. It’s such a fascinating subject to me! Marianne Blackstone Tabner
January 13, 2022 at 11:41 am
Maureen (www.maureenfergus.com)
Some truly awesome suggestions, Heidi. Thank you!
January 13, 2022 at 11:45 am
jillburns7
Thank you, Heidi! I love this idea!
January 13, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
This is a very interesting and fascinating way to generate ideas. I like that it reminds you to overcome your own self-doubt and fears.
January 13, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Lucy Staugler
Heidi, I can honestly say I have never thought to check the obituaries for story inspirations. Such a great idea!
Thank-you!
Lucy Staugler
January 13, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Tammi Beck
Great idea, I’ve never thought of that! Thank you for your time. Best
January 13, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Angela De Groot
Heidi, thanks for sharing your tips for using obits as an idea generator. I really like the concept of finding ordinary people who have done extraordinary things, or people who have overcome great adversity.
January 13, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Judy Bradbury
Obituaries…who knew? And Google Alert. Two great tips! Thanks, Heidi.
January 13, 2022 at 1:03 pm
Leslie Santamaria
What an great idea, Heidi. Thank you!
January 13, 2022 at 1:05 pm
Darcee Freier
I confess, I never would have thought about mining obits for material. Thanks for the insight!
January 13, 2022 at 1:06 pm
allthingscreativeequal
Obituaries for inspiration! What a cool idea. My mother always read the obituaries first in our local paper! So I’ll think of her, too, when I use your idea. Thanks!
January 13, 2022 at 1:13 pm
Debi Boccanfuso
I always run across “obit” people…and think..wow! He/she was amazing…but I need to keep them in a file……and pull them out.
Thanks for inspiring me! Great ideas! Thanks
January 13, 2022 at 1:15 pm
Linda
Inspiration can come from anywhere!
January 13, 2022 at 1:57 pm
rindabeach
Someone wrote morbidly awesome, and it captures exactly what struck me about this post. Thank you!
January 13, 2022 at 2:12 pm
Brandon Rodriguez
I love the idea of using obituaries to create fun and inspiring/interesting stories about people who may not have been heard of. Thanks for the idea.
January 13, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Deb McGarvey
Thank you for this. Such great ideas and tips!
January 13, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Gabi Snyder
Thanks for the insightful post, Heidi!
January 13, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Susie Sawyer
This is a great idea – culling obituaries for inspiration! Thank you for sharing it with us! Also, I had no idea you could set up notifications through Google like that – thanks for that great tip as well! And congratulations on SAVING AMERICAN BEACH – it sounds wonderful!
January 13, 2022 at 2:30 pm
michellesteinberg14849dcf0b
Thanks for the inspiration to look in a place I had never thought to look. This post gave me the ideal to write about my grandmother. You will have to wait for the book to see why!
January 13, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Kate
WHO KNEW?!? Great post! Thanks for sharing this idea.
January 13, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Renata Wurster
So interesting! A source of inspiration I never considered before. Thanks for the tip!
January 13, 2022 at 2:47 pm
AC Perry
Genius! Thanks for sharing!
January 13, 2022 at 3:26 pm
Laura Renauld
The world is full of fascinating people. What a great way to remember them.
January 13, 2022 at 3:40 pm
Cristina Chan
You rock, Heidi! I can’t wait to see you again in our picture book critique group!
January 13, 2022 at 3:58 pm
Ann Page
Heidi,
What an unconventional source of ideas—but so brilliant! Now you’ve got me wondering about fireflies. 🧐 Thanks for sharing your secret source with us!
January 13, 2022 at 4:00 pm
nrompella
Fascinating place to get inspired!
January 13, 2022 at 4:11 pm
Christine Van Zandt, author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNDERPANTS
Thanks for sharing! I had not heard of this idea and love finding a new way to mine for story ideas.
January 13, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Kris Tarantino
I know another author that uses obituaries for possible inspiration and character traits. It’s an interesting source for sure. 🙂
January 13, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Juliann Caveny
This reminds me of Bachman’s books. I have no idea if he finds ideas this way but his characterizations read as if he has plucked them straight from the obits! This might be fun to jigsaw/cut up too and rearrange details to see what comes of it. Thanks for the suggestions.
January 13, 2022 at 5:50 pm
Lynn Alpert
Wow! I have never thought of that. Brilliant!
January 13, 2022 at 6:11 pm
Stephen S. Martin
This clearly brings to mind the scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail – “Bring out your Dead, Bring out your dead!”
January 13, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Judy Sobanski
Obits seem like a great way to find interesting subjects and people to write about. It will certainly keep me from reaching a “dead end” in my writing! 😉
January 13, 2022 at 6:20 pm
Diane M
Unique idea. People lead such interesting lives. You can also mine the obits for character names to use in fiction.
January 13, 2022 at 6:27 pm
stephaniemstories
Day 9’s post made me think of a food item, which led to questioning who created that food, doing a Google search, then finding their obituary. I concur, it is a good resource!
January 13, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Chelle Martin
Interesting way of finding people for biographies.
January 13, 2022 at 8:09 pm
Karen Gebbia
thanks for sharing your process!
January 13, 2022 at 8:41 pm
ingridboydston
What a fascinating idea, thank you!
January 13, 2022 at 8:52 pm
annettepimentel
Obituaries are writerly gold!
January 13, 2022 at 9:05 pm
claudine108
Thank you for sharing this idea, Heidi!
January 13, 2022 at 9:07 pm
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Love this idea! I’m going to start reading the obits. Thanks!
January 13, 2022 at 9:30 pm
Ellie Langford
I think reading gravestone inscriptions is also interesting. Thanks for sharing about obituaries.
January 13, 2022 at 9:59 pm
Marie Chan
Great idea to think of secondary themes to go with your biography and using your research to write in other genres in addition to nonfiction. Thanks for sharing Heidi!
January 13, 2022 at 10:01 pm
Janet Smart
Hmmm. An interesting tip. I’ve gotten an idea of where to go and look.
January 13, 2022 at 10:20 pm
Amy Newbold
I’ve enjoyed reading about interesting people in the obituaries, but never made a connection to my writing. Thanks so much for these great tips!
January 13, 2022 at 10:41 pm
🌱 𝚁𝚎𝚋𝚎𝚔𝚊𝚑 𝙻𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚕 🌻 (@RebekahLowell)
Austin Kleon also reads obits for inspiration. Pretty neat Thanks for sharing!
January 13, 2022 at 10:56 pm
Joannie Duris
Congrats on SAVING AMERICAN BEACH, Heidi! You’ve layered so many hooks and themes into this fascinating book. I enjoyed hearing how you mine obits for ideas and themes. Obits are great examples of life summaries, and I’ve also discovered old tombstones can be humorous or heartbreaking one-line pitches about that person’s life. Great inspiration for any genre we’re writing.
January 13, 2022 at 10:58 pm
Micki Ginsberg
Thanks for sharing this super resource!
January 13, 2022 at 10:59 pm
Michelle Losardo
Obituaries of ordinary people doing ordinary things💖
January 13, 2022 at 11:31 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
Thanks for your post Heidi. I read obits too and am always impressed with complex lives. I’ve never found a story idea though. I look to magazines like this month’s Smithsonian. The chronicle of African American lives in the January/February issue is amazing. It’s not my story to tell, but someone should. There are many children’s books that should be created from these pages.
January 13, 2022 at 11:34 pm
Annelouise Mahoney
Heidi, I never would have picked up the obituaries before reading your wisdom. Thank you. Congratulations with, SAVING AMERICAN BEACH. I’m excited to pick it up and add it to my shelf.
January 14, 2022 at 3:21 am
linafeli
It was a stroke of genius to think about that! Thank you, Heidi, for showing us that inspiration can come from the strangest of places…
January 14, 2022 at 8:12 am
cmochowski
Really great idea. I like the idea of research, but it’s also such a nice way to honor those who’ve died by reading about them. It’s like The Ofrienda (sp?) for Day of the Dead.
January 14, 2022 at 9:33 am
Linda Hofke
What a great post, Heidi. I love books about lesser known people and I like fireflies. I am looking forward to your book about John Bonner Buck.
January 14, 2022 at 9:55 am
cinzialverde
Heidi – Thank you for your awesome post. I love reading obituaries, but often get a little down about all these amazing people who are no longer with us! Your post inspires me to change my filter and to seek them out. Can’t wait to read your book about John Bonner Buck.
January 14, 2022 at 10:39 am
rgstones
What a brilliant idea, using obits for inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
January 14, 2022 at 11:32 am
Rita Antoinette Borg
Morbid but useful
January 14, 2022 at 12:02 pm
Abby Wooldridge
What an interesting post! I never would have thought of this. Thank you for sharing.
January 14, 2022 at 12:23 pm
Tanja Bauerle
What an interesting Idea. It never occurred to me to look for inspiration in obituaries. Thank you for the suggestions. T
January 14, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Angela H. Dale
Love this idea! I’m not a habitual obit reader, but they often catch my eye – I’m going to dig deeper now.
January 14, 2022 at 12:32 pm
Bethany Walker (@bookshelfofbeth)
For someone very interested in true crime and some more “dark” type things, I am surprised I’ve never considered checking out the obituaries. Great post!
January 14, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Shar
I’m working on a nonfiction biography right now – and haven’t read a single obituary written about her! Will definitely be looking them up. Thank you!
January 14, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Eva NMN Felder
Thanks Heidi for your totally unexpected post. I have never read the obituaries because I always associate them with death and sadness. You have opened my mind to a totally different way of seeing and analyzing, and for that I will be eternally grateful to you.
Good luck in your future books research.
As a teacher (recently retired) I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your Curriculum Guide for SAVING AMERICAN BEACH and your kind words “Teachers are at the frontline in educating, inspiring, and nurturing wonder in our children.”
Go illuminate everybody with FLASH!
January 14, 2022 at 4:36 pm
Carrie Tillotson
This is perfect timing for a biography I’m working on now. Thanks!
January 14, 2022 at 4:54 pm
amyrsinn
I love this idea, Heidi! I have a journalism background as well and am partial to non-fiction, but I’ve been writing fiction as well. We’ll see what gets picked up first! Thanks.
January 14, 2022 at 5:09 pm
Marlena Leach
Talking to an elder will surprise you of what they may think of as “just the way it was back then” can trigger some wondferful writing ideas. I have checked old newspapers for stories that have given me ideas for PBs, even humorous ones. I have gone to funeral home sites to read what someone has written about the deceased in a rememberance. Obits are a great source. Thanks!
January 14, 2022 at 6:01 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Wow! Talk about interesting ways to get ideas. Congrats on SAVING AMERICAN BEACH. I love the cover!
January 14, 2022 at 6:10 pm
Susan Schade
I have done a lot of writing exercises but can say that I have never thought of this! Thank you for sharing your creative idea.
January 14, 2022 at 6:34 pm
Patricia Tilton
Fascinating post! What a great way to find ideas.
January 14, 2022 at 7:28 pm
Stephanie Wildman
Congratulations on your books – What an interesting idea (and I read the obits – as Carl Reiner says – if you are not in them, it’s a good sign for the day).
January 14, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Kimberly Wilson
I had two ideas just reading this post! Thanks, Heidi!
January 14, 2022 at 7:50 pm
Jessica Fries-Gaither
I don’t think I would have EVER thought about regularly mining obituaries! Thanks for the idea, and I am excited about both of your books!
January 14, 2022 at 9:42 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Fascinating! Thank you!
January 14, 2022 at 9:46 pm
S. K. Wenger
What a great idea, Heidi! This is a new source of inspiration for picture book writing. Thank you!
January 14, 2022 at 10:22 pm
Stephanie D Jones
So many great ideas from this post! Thank you!!
January 14, 2022 at 10:45 pm
EmmieRWerner
Thank you Heidi ❤️
January 15, 2022 at 12:08 am
Pauline Cleary
I would never have thought of this Heidi! Many thanks!
January 15, 2022 at 6:45 am
Soul Healer 11.11
Absolute pure genius! Deeply grateful for your share, never would i have thought about obituries for extracting inspiration for stories.
However, what a great idea I am imagining all the untold stories of many who lived amazing lives.
Life is amazing!
Thank you❤
January 15, 2022 at 8:27 am
mimisheawrites
Going to file that idea.
January 15, 2022 at 9:01 am
Cassia Kouyoumdjian
Very creative! These ideas are very helpful, I like the google alerts idea right in my inbox. Thank you.
January 15, 2022 at 10:06 am
Eileen Saunders
Have you read “If you lived here I’d know your name” ?
Your post reminded me of this story about an obituary and social column newspaper writer. On another note, I look through my ancestry.com account for cool info. Thanks for your ideas.
January 15, 2022 at 11:29 am
topangamaria
Maira Kalman also spoke of the power of the obit. Macabre yet insightful.
January 15, 2022 at 11:30 am
Kristy Nuttall
Love this idea! I just found this gem in an obituary for Mary A. Pink Mulaney, “Put picky-eating children in the box at the bottom of the laundry chute, tell them they are hungry lions in a cage, and feed them veggies through the slats.”
January 15, 2022 at 11:41 am
heathercmorris
Inspiration is EVERYWHERE!!
January 15, 2022 at 11:51 am
Michele Helsel
I love this idea. Recently read an obituary where I really wish I had met this person.
January 15, 2022 at 12:28 pm
littleseedsread
What a wonderful idea for inspiration. I often read obituaries for people that make me want to know more. Even taking elements from different obits and blending could make from some interesting fiction.
January 15, 2022 at 12:53 pm
mwolpin
Thanks for the post, Heidi. I been reading obituaries for a long time. Initially, because I’m just nosy, but now for naming ideas, interesting occupations, and family experiences. I love a good kidlit bio so I’ll be looking for your books.
January 15, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Kirsten Leestma
Thanks for a new way to find ideas!
January 15, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Nazanin Ford
This is brilliant! I would never have thought about the incredible amount of info and inspiration you can find in obituaries.
January 15, 2022 at 4:07 pm
https://katiewalsh.blog/
Genius idea! Thank you for this golden nugget of advice.
January 15, 2022 at 4:47 pm
Janet Johnson
Love this idea! Thanks for sharing your secret, Heidi!
January 15, 2022 at 6:05 pm
Tootie Nienow
Thank you for sharing your secrets with us.
January 15, 2022 at 6:08 pm
Tootie Nienow
Thank you sharing your secret with us!
January 15, 2022 at 6:51 pm
Debbie Meneses
Heidi,
I had not thought of setting Google Alerts to collect information on topics that interest me. What a great idea to collect interesting information to write about. Thank you for that tip.
January 15, 2022 at 7:50 pm
writersideup
Absolutely fanTASTic suggestions, Heidi! Thank you!! 😀
January 15, 2022 at 8:19 pm
kbottagaro
There are some really great tips here. I’ll need to stop teasing my mother about starting her day by reading obituaries!
January 15, 2022 at 9:17 pm
cathystenquist
I have read some obits that are works of art, not your ordinary dry, chronological list of achievements. They are filled with heart and emotion and tenderness. Really good writing.Thank you for the reminder to look in unusual places 🙂
January 15, 2022 at 10:07 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Wow! That was interesting. Death related news are, also, a good source of information.
January 16, 2022 at 2:03 am
sharongiltrow
What a great idea and a great way to honour someones life.
January 16, 2022 at 5:46 am
cravevsworld
Productive inspiration! Thanks to you I’m already on my way to a new exciting project. Much appreciated! The real obituary here is “writer’s block.”
January 16, 2022 at 12:13 pm
Debbi G
I, too feel compelled to read obits. With people I know, I always learn new details and with those I don’t know, I get a snap shot of their life. Sometimes I find a connection to them in a family member who I know or a shared interest. I always learn something by reading them. Thanks for your inspiration.
January 16, 2022 at 12:26 pm
Diane Mittler
Hadn’t considered this idea before today 😊. Thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2022 at 12:46 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
What a fantastic idea! I’ve long read obituaries with fascination, but not before connected this practice to mining for story ideas. Thank you!
January 16, 2022 at 12:55 pm
Jan Milusich
What a different perspective, thanks for the suggestion.
January 16, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Michelle Losardo
Thank you, Heidi, for this suggestion. Obituaries certainly do offer a summary of what was important or meaningful to people in their lives. I think writing about someone’s life that would typically be lost to history might be a project I’d like to try.
January 16, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Dea Brayden
I really connected to this post. Thank you! What a way to honor people, their legacies, and inspire the next gens.
January 16, 2022 at 3:58 pm
chrisynthia
I wouldn’t have thought to look there but I mean when you think about it, that is exactly what the obit is! Brilliant. I have several versions of my own obit. Now that I know authors are looking there for inspiration I think I’ll have to beef up my next draft.
January 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Tara Shiroff
OOOOH girl, this was fantastic!! Great post and got the creative juices flowing.
January 16, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Brilliant! This is a genius way to look for ideas.
January 16, 2022 at 5:46 pm
katrinadreamer
What a fantastic idea! This is truly gold.
January 16, 2022 at 6:45 pm
Susan Cabael
I like the idea of using obituaries to create compelling characters.
January 16, 2022 at 7:32 pm
H. Abigail Perry
Can’t wait to read this story!
January 16, 2022 at 7:32 pm
Jane Baskwill
I’ve never been a fan of the obits but I shall read them with new eyes.
January 16, 2022 at 7:36 pm
Jocelyn Rish
My mom is not a writer, but she reads the obituaries every day to honor the members of the community. I’ll have to ask her to start saving the unusual ones for me.
January 16, 2022 at 8:57 pm
Tamara Ann Alba
Ooh! If I can’t think of a name for a character, I’ve been known to “borrow” names from headstones in the graveyard where I walk.
January 16, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Kellie
I’ve often thought about perusing graveyards to find names and dates and wonder about the person’s life – but not once have I thought of obituaries! Genius. Thank you so much for sharing.
January 16, 2022 at 10:12 pm
storycatcherpublishing
What an interesting idea! Years ago, when I was working for a bank in Dallas, I would often spend my lunch time visiting a centuries old cemetery located down the street from the bank. I would read the names and wonder about the wonderful lives they must have lived. It’s a shame I didn’t write down some of those names and epitaphs…
Great post!
January 16, 2022 at 10:39 pm
Marlene Wurfel
Honestly, I put off doing this one for a few days and was very skeptical about looking at obits but… you were so right! Fascinating! Wow!
January 17, 2022 at 12:00 am
Tonya K. Grant
I would never have thought to read the obituaries for ideas. Love it! Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2022 at 12:17 am
libbydemmon
Fascinating! Thanks!
January 17, 2022 at 1:37 am
Angela Turner
I never would have thought to look at obituaries. But I will now!
January 17, 2022 at 3:26 am
Acamy Schleikorn
I never in a million years would have thought to use this method to help curate ideas. Thanks for sharing!!
January 17, 2022 at 11:08 am
Aimee Jenkins
Thanks for sharing. An idea I never would’ve thought of.
January 17, 2022 at 11:51 am
Dina Towbin
Great idea! Obits for inspiration!
January 17, 2022 at 11:57 am
littleredstoryshed
Thanks for sharing your idea research! Great post.
January 17, 2022 at 1:01 pm
Joanne Roberts
Such an interesting post. I was trying to focus on more fiction ideas this year, but the NF seeds keep coming. thanks
January 17, 2022 at 1:07 pm
Alexis_Bookdragon
What a unique idea!
January 17, 2022 at 3:16 pm
kidlitgail
Wow! I NEVER would have thought to look at obits! Thanks
January 17, 2022 at 5:27 pm
deniseaengle
“Write in the genre that’s comfortable to you.” Thanks–I love that!
January 17, 2022 at 5:36 pm
Joyce Schriebman
This blog is The. Best. New info that’s practical, useful, and unique. You had me at HTL Finds Inspiration in the Obituaries! 🙂
January 17, 2022 at 5:58 pm
kbrandyberry
What a clever idea! Love it – can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2022 at 6:09 pm
Jacqueline Adams
Wow, that’s one place I never would have thought to look! Thanks for the great suggestion.
January 17, 2022 at 6:41 pm
Charlene Avery
Oooo, set search engine to work for me, I’d forgotten that! Thanks for your other great tips too. Take care!
January 17, 2022 at 8:36 pm
mindfulmiro
Thank you for sharing your secret with us!
January 17, 2022 at 10:29 pm
sandrabyrdlawson
Wow! I would’ve never thought of looking at obits! Thanks for sharing.
January 18, 2022 at 2:14 am
sharonkdal
Brilliant idea! I walk my dog through an old cemetery near where I live. It’s a great source of names — and imaginings of what their lives might have been.
January 18, 2022 at 5:52 am
Leila Boukarim
What a great resource! I actually have a WIP that came from an obituary but this is definitely something I’ll be doing more regularly. Thank you!
January 18, 2022 at 9:41 am
joanapastro
What a great insight! Thanks for sharing!
January 18, 2022 at 10:43 am
kaitlinsikeswrites
I love google alerts- I am morbidly excited to try this out
January 18, 2022 at 10:47 am
Allison Strick (she/her) (@byallisonstrick)
Ohhh this is so clever and I can’t wait to try it.
January 18, 2022 at 11:50 am
Crystal ES
Inspiring tip, thank you! Would also be a good daily reminder of our shared commonalities & human experiences.
January 18, 2022 at 11:56 am
Mary A Zychowicz
Obits! Never thought of that. Great idea.
January 18, 2022 at 1:13 pm
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Great ideas – thank you!💗
January 18, 2022 at 3:09 pm
Kassy Keppol
Good Ideas.
January 18, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Christine Pinto
I love obits! It’s so satisfying to see the greatness in everyday people’s lives. Thanks for the tip on Google Alerts. I can see lots of ways to use that. Thanks.
January 18, 2022 at 5:17 pm
Wendy Greenley
I’ve never set a Google Alert. Off to Google the how-to!
January 18, 2022 at 10:44 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
What great ideas for finding ideas! Thanks so much!
January 19, 2022 at 1:05 am
Judith Snyder
I’m dying to try this out. Plan to check out the obits in the NYT tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your idea.
January 19, 2022 at 2:34 am
Huyen
Very interesting idea to search obituaries! Reminds me a little of family tree research and finding little gems like news articles about ancestors and the way they wrote the news with a bit of commentary almost like an editorial. Some fascinating story ideas in those! Thanks for the tips- I have to jot down these ideas…
January 19, 2022 at 3:57 am
Lisa Kingsford
My mom found herself in the obituaries once (at least someone with the same name)! Sounds like a great place to find a story.
January 19, 2022 at 8:21 am
hansenjc13
very interesting; sometimes i scan the obits, but I never thought of finding a story in them.
January 19, 2022 at 8:28 am
Shan O’Shea
It’s absolutely true that some people’s stories deserve to be told. I started some time ago collecting and writing down stories and anecdotes that interested me, often about family members from the past, or even complete strangers. I have already used several in poems and one in a picture book.
January 19, 2022 at 10:14 am
JC
I read obituaries at times. I feel like there are so many people we have never met that have such interesting stories. Thanks for the advice.
January 19, 2022 at 11:45 am
Bettie Boswell
I will have to check out the obituary page!
January 19, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Jolie Stekly
When reading about reading obits sparks an idea. Thanks!
January 19, 2022 at 2:06 pm
Jane Dippold (@janedippold)
Great advice for scanning the obits! Thank you!
January 19, 2022 at 5:47 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for the tips!
January 19, 2022 at 6:13 pm
Lauri Meyers
Wow! I remember having to read obits when I interned at a financial advisor… but reading for inspiration and celebration of life feels much more
January 19, 2022 at 7:00 pm
syorkeviney
I have a manuscript of a famous man who has since passed and I have rewritten it in so many formats and approaches! It has personal connections and you have suggested ways that it could be improved again! Thank you!
January 19, 2022 at 7:22 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I don’t write biographies, but I bet obituaries include a lot of interesting details that could be used in other types of picture books.
January 19, 2022 at 10:04 pm
Saba Negash
Now I need to learn how to set a google alert!!! I never would have thought to use obituaries for inspirations!!! Thank you!
January 20, 2022 at 2:42 am
Megan McNamara
I never considered this, but it sounds worthwhile. Even if the person’s life doesn’t spark a story, you will have read about a fellow human.
January 20, 2022 at 9:17 am
Nicole Loos Miller
What an interesting way to brainstorm! Thank you!
January 20, 2022 at 2:01 pm
writeknit
I love your idea of reading obits, and can’t wait to set up a search for nuggets of non-fiction to write about. Thank you!
January 20, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Caren Cantrell
Wow! I never would have thought of reading obits to get ideas. But you are right. Ordinary people do extraordinary things every day. Thanks!
January 20, 2022 at 8:09 pm
Angie Isaacs
This is a cool idea!
January 20, 2022 at 8:58 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
I love mining obituaries. What a fascinating reads. I love your other ideas for how to use them too beyond ideas. Nice concise upbeat tone writing!
January 21, 2022 at 10:46 am
Jo Raderstorf
I love Saving Savannah Beach. We’ve sold a number of copies at our little bookstore in Boulder, CO. What was your secret sauce in pitching an idea that has sub-themes of environmentalism? I’d love to know more about how you pitched this book and how you overcame any difficulties. Beautiful work!
January 21, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Meena
A truly inspiring idea to look for role models reading through obits. Thank you for pointing in that direction!
January 22, 2022 at 8:02 am
🇵🇪 Sara Fajardo 🇺🇸 (@safajarwrites)
Thank you!
January 22, 2022 at 9:38 pm
Kris H
I’ve never considered reading an obituary for fun.
January 23, 2022 at 2:49 am
Dani Duck
I never thought that obituaries could be such a great source of inspiration! Thanks so much.
January 23, 2022 at 7:04 am
Emma Wood
I used to be a journalist and in slow moments I used to love reading the obits that were drafted ready for broadcast when the time came. I wish I still had access to these today! They were fascinating.
January 23, 2022 at 9:35 am
Susanne Whitehouse
This just shows that inspiration for a story can be anywhere! Thank you!
January 23, 2022 at 12:04 pm
KATHY Z PRICE
Thanks for sharing your treasure trove
January 23, 2022 at 5:21 pm
Kim Gutierrez
I bet you find the most interesting of stories and lives! You also find a treasure trove of great names to use for future characters!!
January 24, 2022 at 11:58 am
Jen Walsh
Thank you for the unique idea!
January 24, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
This proves that inspiration can be found everywhere.
January 24, 2022 at 4:17 pm
Abraham Schroeder
Great tips! Thank you!
January 24, 2022 at 7:03 pm
Naomi Danis
Thanks for this! I love obits. As a teen growing up in New York City I attended a few funerals I read about in the newspaper. I sat next to Walter Cronkite at John Steinbeck’s funeral where Henry Fonda read from The Grapes of Wrath.
January 24, 2022 at 10:03 pm
Devyn
I never would have thought of the obituaries, but it seems so obvious now! Thank you for sharing!
January 25, 2022 at 10:10 am
Federico Erebia / F. Jordan Erebia (@FedericoErebia)
This is such an interesting idea!
January 25, 2022 at 10:17 am
Sheri Dillard
Ooh, google alerts! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Heidi!
January 25, 2022 at 1:18 pm
Brian Burak
This is one of my favorite blog entries ever. Thank you!
January 25, 2022 at 8:14 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
A fascinating approach to writing!
January 25, 2022 at 9:11 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Mining for gold in the obits. Brilliant!
January 25, 2022 at 11:59 pm
Mary Beth Rice
I love reading obituaries and send the good ones to my adult kids! I guess I am hoping mine will be as interesting?! 😉
January 26, 2022 at 1:07 am
Aman
“Don’t forget to delve into the archives for the forgotten stories of people who deserve to be known.” Love this reminder for highlighting and celebrating the lives of those who have gone before, particularly those who no longer have anyone to grieve for them…
January 26, 2022 at 1:11 am
Amanda
“Don’t forget to delve into the archives for the forgotten stories of people who deserve to be known.” A gentle reminder for highlighting and celebrating the lives of those who have gone before us, particularly those who no longer have anyone to grieve for them…
January 26, 2022 at 9:29 am
Adam Blackman
Love this!
January 26, 2022 at 2:30 pm
suzannepoulterharris
What a beautiful concept … reading obituaries to find unsung heroes, then bringing their stories to life.
January 26, 2022 at 3:14 pm
goodreadswithronna
It’s so nice to hear a fellow obit reader’s take on why they’re fascinating and often inspiring reading. Thanks for the breakdown on how useful they can be for learning how to glean the essence of a person in just a few hundred words.
January 28, 2022 at 11:31 am
Andrea
Thank you. What a fantastic idea. I never thought about writing a non fiction picture book, but this post has inspired me to do so.
January 29, 2022 at 11:37 am
Melissa Hastings
I love the idea of using obituaries to inspire us to celebrate the existence of people who have passed. Thank you.
January 29, 2022 at 1:48 pm
LaurenKerstein
What a unique, fascinating idea! I just love this, especially the tips about using obituaries to hone craft, and the one about setting Google alerts. Thank you!
January 29, 2022 at 3:07 pm
susan gruidel
Fabulous, just fabulous.
January 29, 2022 at 9:41 pm
setwiggs
I too love obituaries. How does one set up a Google Alert? Something new to learn. Thank you.
January 29, 2022 at 11:07 pm
riverwoods21
I heard about using obits, but you really focused in on individuals who did important things that no one heard of.
January 30, 2022 at 1:42 pm
kirstenpendreigh
Really great tips! Thank you so much, Heidi.
January 30, 2022 at 3:13 pm
kathryn hagen
I had not thought of obituaries as a way to scout out new ideas. Thank you!
January 30, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Yaa
Thank you for the advice.
January 30, 2022 at 3:49 pm
Anna Brooks
Thank you so much for the idea. I often get pulled into reading interesting obituaries when I’m researching totally unrelated things. (Googling any name always brings up obituaries, it seems!) What a great idea to mine that for inspiration.
January 30, 2022 at 4:21 pm
Anyuka- Ilona Holland
Thanks for the great suggestions. I will definitely try the Google Alerts!
January 30, 2022 at 8:44 pm
Mina
Thank you for sharing Heidi – such a unique way to brainstorm! 🙂
January 30, 2022 at 9:49 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thank you for the unique suggestion!
January 31, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Ana Archi
Its amazing to read about the lives people have lead that can spark a story idea or character development
January 31, 2022 at 6:49 pm
nataliemoralesbooks
Thank you for sharing!
January 31, 2022 at 7:13 pm
matike2209
Very interesting! Thank you!
January 31, 2022 at 10:15 pm
angelapadron
Great ideas thanks!
January 31, 2022 at 11:20 pm
Jennifer Broedel
What an original idea, for PB inspiration, to check the obituaries!
February 1, 2022 at 12:17 am
Kristin Sawyer
Many times when flipping through the paper I stop and read the obituaries. I have always felt that everyone deserves his or her life to be acknowledged and honored in some way. I love this method for finding undiscovered or unknown people and areas of interest that could use more light shown on them.
February 1, 2022 at 1:40 am
Terri Sabol
Is it weird that I love the idea of being inspired by obituaries so much? I’ve always loved reading them to learn more about people, even if I never met them. Thanks for sharing, Heidi!
February 1, 2022 at 6:19 am
Azra Rahim
Wow! Talk about stretching horizons. This is new for me. Thank you.
February 1, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Sylvia Chen
Wow, so fascinating and makes so much sense, thank you!
February 1, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Jennifer Hunt
This is one I can honestly say I have never heard before but it’s so creative–the obituaries! I’m gonna give it a try.
February 2, 2022 at 9:45 am
Janel Caverly
I love this idea of reading obituaries for interesting life stories.
February 2, 2022 at 2:13 pm
Anne Young
Families must be tickled to have the legacy of their dead relative further acknowldeged.
February 7, 2022 at 8:35 am
James Stone
I l have perused obits for decades and have found many to be uplifting and some are fountains of humor. The tributes in the guest books atre also very enlightening! Thanks for this refreshing article.