Kiama Library is hosting a writing workshop with a difference, with well-known writing teacher Keith Whelan.

Writing a eulogy can be daunting. Often we’re grieving while trying to put our thoughts into words, and it can be challenging to write a speech that strikes the right tone and that does justice to someone’s life in a few short minutes.

Perhaps you’re writing a eulogy for an important person in your life? Or perhaps you’re writing your own?

Not as strange as it sounds.

Writing your own eulogy can be a creative exercise in self-reflection, preparation, or clarifying priorities in how you want to live your life and be remembered.

It can also be a gift for friends and family to ease their stress at a time of grief.

A eulogy or tribute can be a special part of a funeral, but where do you start in summing up your own or someone else's life?

Do you write a formal summary of milestones and achievements, or something more personal based on stories, memories and anecdotes?

This workshop will show you how to:

• Choose the most appropriate type of eulogy, depending on the person and the circumstances
• Identify your own or someone else's most noteworthy characteristics
• Focus on what people love most about you or the person you are writing about.

This workshop will provide samples and written exercises to help you write clear, concise and compelling memories.

Whelan is an experienced author and teacher. He has been teaching creative writing for 17 years in Australia and Ireland.

He has also worked as a journalist, sub-writer, critic and editor, and has judged writing competitions. He also teaches creative writing workshops at the University of Sydney Centre for Continuing Education.

The workshop will be held on Saturday 25 October from 10am-12pm at Kiama Library Auditorium. Cost is $10 and no experience is necessary. Book online via the Kiama Library website or call 02 4233 1133.