If you are planning a service to be led by someone else, typically a member of the clergy, then you may find it useful to have someone to write and deliver a eulogy or tribute, who is both a practicing storyteller and will be less emotionally affected on the day. I can do this with you and for you.
Few people write life stories every day, or even study writing after the age of 16, 18 or 21. Like the difference between taking a photo with your phone, or commissioning a professional photographer for your wedding or christening service, using me to help you to write your eulogy or tribute can make the difference between an amateur and a professional approach to this final tribute at this important event. I can turn your list of points into a story which flows, engages and resonates.
David Nichols. Richard Curtis. John Sullivan. Cold Feet. The Vicar of Dibley. Only Fools… The humour in all of these is often created by underpinning pathos that causes the sharp relief. They mainly make us laugh, but they make us cry too. Whilst no one attends a funeral to be entertained, in most circumstances where the death has not been tragic, today’s attendees increasingly wish to celebrate a life as well as commemorating the death. Attaining the right balance between dignified and respectful, and engaging and relatable, can be difficult for an inexperienced writer. Adding gentle humour can often help, but it is a delicate art – best described as ‘bittersweet’. It is never easy, but I can make this happen.
As an alternative to the above point, I can quietly assist anyone involved with the ceremony to ghost-write the eulogy or tribute for them to deliver on the day.
As indicated above, few people write and tell life stories every day for a living, and having said yes when asked to produce a tribute out of a sense of duty and respect, then panic when they realise that this is the first story they have had to write since school. Others say yes, then realise the short notice and deadlines that funerals often demand. In these cases, I can either meet with you to interview you about your memories, or you can send me as many facts as you want to cover, even as bullet points, and the time you are allotted and I’ll write the tribute/eulogy for you to read on the day.
If you are confident that you can write your story your own way, but would just like a final check and proofread by someone experienced, then I am happy to do so. Just this week I checked a tribute written by one musician about another, and he had mentioned the same well-known song twice, but had used different names on both occasions, one being incorrect. He was delighted that I found that, saving him embarrassment in front of a large congregation of sharp-eared, very well-informed musicians, journalists and fans.
Call me on 07769 707051 or email hello@patrickbellcelebrant.co.uk to arrange a meeting.