So Your Beloved Barnacle Kicked the Bucket: How to Place an Obituary in the Dallas Morning News (and Not Look Like a Doofus)
Let's face it, folks, eulogies are for weeping widows and misty-eyed mourners. Obituaries, on the other hand, are your chance to give your dearly departed a proper send-off, Dallas Morning News style.
But before you unleash your inner Shakespeare and pen a sonnet about Aunt Mildred's prize-winning pie crusts, there's a little more to it than that. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
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| How To Place An Obituary In The Dallas Morning News |
Step 1: Accept You're Not a Pulitzer Prize Winner (But That's Okay!)
You might be brimming with heartfelt anecdotes, but crafting a concise and clear obituary requires finesse, not flowery prose. The good news? You don't need a journalism degree. Just channel your inner Hemingway – short sentences, clear facts, and maybe a dash of that "old man and the sea" stoicism (unless Uncle Frank's demise involved a particularly feisty squirrel, in which case, all bets are off).
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Here's a handy checklist:
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
- Basics first: Name, date of birth and passing, hometown shout-out (represent!).
- The Life Lived: A brief (and we mean brief) summary of their journey. Think "avid golfer" over "championed the ethical sourcing of polka-dotted socks."
- Family Matters: Spouse, kids, grandkids (even the one who keeps accidentally calling them "Brenda").
- Farewell, Not Fonda: A closing line (optional) that reflects their personality. Humor is welcome, just avoid anything that'd make your grandma clutch her pearls.
Step 2: Embrace the Digital Age (or Dial a Phone Like a Savage)
The Dallas Morning News offers a few ways to get your obituary out there:
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
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- Online Submission: Fire up your computer and navigate to the classifieds section of their website. It's not as glamorous as riding a carrier pigeon, but it gets the job done.
- Phone a Friend (At The Newspaper): If you're more comfortable with a good old-fashioned conversation, you can always call their dedicated obituary line.
Pro-Tip: Be prepared! Have all the details written down beforehand to avoid any awkward fumbling.
Step 3: Don't Be a Scrooge (But Don't Get Fleeced Either)
Yes, there's a cost associated with placing an obituary. The price depends on the length and placement (print vs. online). Call beforehand to get a quote and avoid any nasty surprises.
Remember: This is a tribute, not a ransom note. Keep it tasteful and within your budget.
So There You Have It!
Now you're equipped to craft an obituary that's both informative and, dare we say, entertaining. Just remember, a little levity goes a long way. After all, we're celebrating a life, not mourning a lost sock (though we understand the pain there too).
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