Dear Stranger on the web Friend,
It’s probably no secret that I love letters. The act of choosing the perfect card, writing by hand for a change, and lifting the magical - it’s not magic, it’s the kind mailman - red flag gives me a thrill, as does finding a letter in the mail… it makes me feel like I’ve stepped into Jane Austen’s world where life’s slower and communication is either in-person or by paper & pen. Imagine that!
Maybe you don’t feel confident writing a letter or maybe you’d love to send more letters?! Here are a few ways to write a letter… Throw out the rule book and learn the art of letter-writing from one of the most eloquent “pen pals”, Jane Austen.
“I have now attained the true art of letter-writing, which we are always told, is to express on paper what one would say to the same person by word of mouth…”.
“…express on paper what one would say to the same person by word of mouth…”
Jane Austen
Here are some questions to spur you on as you habituate yourself in the world of letter-writing.
Who am I writing to? How formal should the letter be? What is a nostalgic memory or funny story that could be included? What is one thing that I appreciate about the recipient? What is something that has been on my mind - could be consequential or a simple musing! How could I encourage the recipient? What have been a few of my favorite things that I could share about? A book? Podcast? The fact that Trader Joe’s has the best fresh flowers? (indeed, yes) Is there anything extra I could include in the letter such as a sprig of rosemary from my herb garden, a fresh flower, a homemade bookmark commissioned by my toddler?
Stay in touch,
Joanna