'Plain of feature, and certainly overweight...' Bestselling author's obituary is far from flattering

A newspaper obituary of a world-famous author and researcher drew scorn from the online community due to its harsh opening words.

15:42 30 January 2015

A far from heartfelt tribute to late author Colleen McCullough in The Australian newspaper has created a social media frenzy.

The obituary for The Thorn Birds author who died recently aged 77 read: ‘Colleen McCullough, Australia’s best-selling author, was a charmer. Plain of feature, and certainly overweight, she was, nevertheless, a woman of wit and warmth.

‘In one interview, she said: “I’ve never been into clothes or figure and the interesting thing is I never had any trouble attracting men.”’

The odd obituary sparked a hashtag on Twitter, #myozobituary, whereby social network users penned their own brutal tributes.

Katy Brand's went: "'Spotty of chin and wide of thigh, she nonetheless summoned the courage to leave the house and do things.' #myozobituary"

Cal Wilson followed: "Despite being born female, and a New Zealander, she was sometimes given work. #myozobituary"

McCullough penned over two dozen novels; her final book ‘Bittersweet’ was released in 2013.