Rest In Peace

Do you think attending unknown funerals is good research for writing a funeral scene?

I am writing a funeral scene for my soon to be finished book. I am looking for funny incidents that happen at funerals. It was suggested that I attend funerals of people I don't know to do my research. Do you think this is a good idea? Do you know of anything funny that happen at a funeral you attended or read about in a book? There is a funny funeral scene in Tina McElroy's "Ugly Ways", Have you read it?

Public Comments

1. I actually think that is really creepy, and slightly disrespectful for those who have died. But, do what you'd like.
2. Probably best to imagine the funny stuff yourself - there probably aren't that many funny scenes in real-life funerals and you'd have to go to a lot, not to mention gatecrashing a stranger's funeral isn't a good idea, it's considered a bit rude and weird. If you go, be discreet. You can watch "Death at a Funeral" too. Harriet
3. I haven't personally experinced anything the least bit funny at a funeral. I think it might be a good idea to attend someone else's whether you know them or not. But just stay on the down low (I don't suggest hiding.) some people would be very offended if they knew what you were doing. Yet again, a writer has to do what a writer has to do!
4. I don't think it's funny, sort of ironic, but.. A guy died, and at his funeral his cell phone rang. [His wife had it for some reason.] And the wife picked up, and it was a distant relative or something, and didn't know he had died! And he called him at his funeral! Ha. That's kinda sad...
5. I think it's excellent research and not disrespectful, if you're not writing anything disrespectful about the actual people who died, by name. It's the only way. Plus, the experience will help you convey the feelings and bring more depth to the scene that you probably would otherwise not be able to convey perfectly.
6. i think it is cool that you want to do real life research but if you do go to someone's funeral that you dont know be very discrete and extremely respectful
7. Yeah good idea. And no, I haven't read it.
8. welll i was at a funeral once and there was another funeral going on also. while my funeral was done we were walking out and the funeral next door was interrupted by a cellphone ringing. turns out it was the dead mans cellphone ringing. he interupted his own funeral -___- & once my cousin went too a funeral were some little kid jumped in the casket wit the dead lady cos he wanted too take a ''sleepy poo'' lmao