Local ABC reporter Lisa Herbert provides some unexpected answers in her debut book, The Bottom Drawer Book: The After Death Action Plan.

While visiting Muswellbrook last Wednesday, Ms Herbert said it was one of those questions people of all ages tended to avoid.

“But, these days, there are more things to consider than whether you want to be buried or cremated; like who you want invited to your funeral (not that guy!), and how your family will gain access to your Facebook and other social media pages (where did she keep her passwords?) after you pass on,” she said.

Ms Herbert, a journalist and radio presenter on ABC Upper Hunter’s rural report, published The Bottom Drawer Book to make the conversation a little less confronting.

Featuring comical illustrations and humourous text, the book offers thought-provoking questions about death and provides space for readers to leave their own ideas and plans.

“Then when you go there’ll be no squabbling over how much to spend on your casket, who’ll tell stories at your funeral or which footy jumper you’ll be buried in,” Ms Herbert said.

She started writing the book after stumbling across a cardboard coffin during a suburban street fair.

“Who knew you could get your own photos and artwork printed on an environmentally-friendly casket?” she said.

“It’s something I want to be buried in, so I started writing down ideas for my own funeral.

“Sixty-nine pages later I had a book.”

If you’ve ever wanted to know …

- What is the most popular item people request in their coffins;

- Details about the ever increasing types of farewells;

- The ins and outs of a natural burial, where there are no headstones and your burial site is marked with GPS co-ordinates; or

- Managing your digital afterlife such as websites and emails accounts.

“Sure, death can be a dark topic but it doesn’t have to be,” Ms Herbert said.

“The Bottom Drawer Book is your after death action plan. 

“Your ideas, plans, and your life’s reflections will sit quietly in its pages until they’re needed.”

To order a copy of The Bottom Drawer Book: The After Death Action Plan, or for more information, visit www.thebottomdrawerbook.com.au

The Scone Neighbourhood Centre, in partnership with Scone Library, will host a launch and book signing for Lisa Herbert on Wednesday, February 29, at 130 Liverpool Street from 3.30pm.

“This is a light-hearted but very practical book that can make a difficult time much easier for friends and families,” Scone and Aberdeen Neighbourhood Centres manager Lee Watts said.

“The notes you make in The Bottom Drawer Book will let your loved ones know which footy jumper to send you off in, whether you want to spend more on a casket and less on beer at the wake and much more.

“It really is the essential after-life manual.”

Everyone is welcome to attend.