I had the opportunity to present on the art of letter writing. During the quarantine this is how I’m doing most of my writing. Here are the slides, with my talking points in the captions.
This is a presentation I created for our “Practicing Kindness in Crisis” series at work.
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Why Write Letters: A letter is the most basic—yet the most flexible—mode of correspondence, regardless of its subject matter. Scribendi;
To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart. Phyllis Theroux;
Or don’t you like to write letters? I do because it’s such a swell way to keep from working and yet feel you’ve done something. Ernest Hemingway;
Letters are something from you. It’s a different kind of intention than writing an e-mail. Keanu Reeves;
To write is human, to receive a letter: Devine! Susan Lendroth
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Handwritten letters provide not just communication, but an opportunity for real connection.
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Plus, our post office is in peril, help support these vital front-line workers, buy stamps, send letters.
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If you are writing to a new pen pal, you can engage by writing about your interests, then asking about theirs.
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Postable is a site where you can not only send cards, but also its a free online address book.
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There are several challenges, such as LetterMo – where the goal is to mail something each day the post runs in February. That’s how I got started.
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There are also sites that match you with folks for exchanges, like postcard swaps.
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A handwritten letter, unlike electric correspondence, is more than just the words on the page. You get to customize it in so many ways, such as stationary.
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Blank cards come in many sizes and designs.
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How you put the words to page can be as interesting as what you say. Whether you’re a fountain pen aficionado, or prefer a simple ball-point, your writing implement gives others a sense of who you are.
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Stamps, along with ink or markers, can personalize mass-produced cards, envelopes, or even dress up plain old notebook paper.
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Of course, don’t forget that postage stamps come in many styles, as well. Domestic or international, most stamps sold now-a-days are “forever” stamps, and will be good even after any future rate changes.
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Paper washi tape is easy to apply and remove, and makes an excellent accent and, given current circumstances, can be used to seal envelopes, rather than licking the adhesive.
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Your letter doesn’t have to be the only thing in envelope – share pictures, recipes, tea, seeds for gardens, or whatever you can fit.
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What language you use, whether you are formal or more casual, allows you to express yourself – no two people talk alike.
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Share what you are passionate about, it will come through in your words.
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What you choose to include, from washi tape samples, to art you’ve made also tells a bit more about you.
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And the letter doesn’t end when you seal the envelope. Stickers, stamps, washi tape, etc. can be used to jazz up the envelope – or you can make your own out of sturdy paper.
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Stickers, interesting paper, stencils, stamps, and do-dads can all be used (or even repurposed) to decorate or make cards or envelopes, or even art to include inside.
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You don’t have to have someone specific in mind when you make a unique card, but if you do know them, you can certainly find things that remind you of them.
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There are many, many, many resources on the Internet (like with all things.) Many organizations for letter writers to connect, to meet folks, and to talk about what is most important/ valuable to them in letter writing.
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If you’d like to receive a card, add your address to my Postable account, and include “blog” at the end of your address, so I know how you got there. Except for website captures, and the USPS logo, all images in this presentation are of my own creation.
Great presentation Christy! Precise and easy read.
Well done and very informative!