Dear Reader, 

In writing a post on letters, what better method than a letter itself! Of course, I felt a little cliché using form to express form. Clichés most often belong in the trash. Sincerity and originality are the hallmarks of a good communicator. However, my affinity for letters allows an occasional cliché. 

I need a few pen pals. Maybe this post will convince you to become one. In fact, I’m craving some slow-paced, old-fashioned connection. I’m curious how others are spending an ordinary Tuesday, or their thoughts on routine. 

We’ll break this up into three parts: materials required, process, and purpose. 

Materials for Letters

To write, seal, and ship a letter, you need just a few items. First and foremost: paper. How else are you going to transfer your thoughts? Texting?! Pffff! You’ll also need a pen (or pencil in emergencies), envelopes, and — the most expensive item — stamps. I have watched a few videos where people fold the paper into its own little envelope. But supposing we aren’t that fancy, envelopes will be needed. I prefer the self-sealing ones that you simply peel off the tape cover. 

The price of stamps is ridiculous. They currently cost 78 cents; expect them to rise. I have a theory, though! If more of us regularly write letters, inundating the system with product, perhaps the pricing will be lowered (at least to the 2019 price of 55 cents). Just saying!

Paper quality doesn’t matter much. Simply use college or wide-ruled sheets to begin. If you feel invested, I recommend some of this paper I use. As long as your paper holds ink, that’s what matters! Pen options abound as well. I’ve been rocking the Pilot G2 07 for a few years now. I like how it flows, and you can see how much ink is left with the transparent shaft.

Process

You’ve got paper, pen, envelope, and stamp. Time to write! All good letters have several components. At the top, you should include the date and a salutation. Identify who you are speaking to. People like to hear and see their name, so make them feel loved. The date is important for future historians to identify the chronological order of your writing. Think of Anne Frank, Franz Kafka, or Seneca. All of them had their most intimate writings publicized. But I’m jumping ahead!

With the date and salutation done, you may now begin truly crafting your letter. I like to separate my letters by sections, each having a purpose. You may begin with another cliche like “I hope this letter finds you well.” Variations to that effect will resonate more, though.

It’s vital that you express your thoughts and feelings. Explain how you are or an event that caused you frustration or joy. Letters should discuss current events in your life or through a global lens. Philosophy and goals are other excellent subjects. 

Questions are an instrument of great value in letters. They allow your reader something to base their reply. After all, you’re participating in a conversation, yet delayed by a week or so. Like a conversation, questions provoke progress. Often, I like to share what’s going on in my world. The other person might have unique perspectives to add. They may offer some insight that changes your own viewpoint.

If this is your first letter, you might share a few tidbits about everyday life. Tie in how global events are influencing you. Then move on to your life philosophy surrounding all this. For each section, ask one or two questions. At the end, conclude with something along the lines of “take care.” Sign your name. You’ve written a letter.

These rules require alterations if you’ve been writing a series of letters. But the gist is the same. This is a conversation. Write as if you’re talking. Write quickly. Try to keep up with your brain. Additionally, if you’re writing to a stranger, you should begin with an introduction. That should be the basis of your first letter. Be as open as you are comfortable.

Fold your letter and fit it in the envelope. I do two hot dog folds, so that the paper is in thirds. In the center of the envelope, you write your respondent’s name, followed by their address. On the top left, you write your own name and address. The stamp is stuck to the top right. Put it in your mailbox or in outgoing mail.

Purpose

Alright, so the main purpose of letter writing is to communicate. Plain? Yes. Simple? No. We are communicating the complexities of our emotions and thoughts.  Letters can be as simple or as complicated as you allow. Regardless, your words convey emotion, although “messengers” may be a better term. How you articulate your thoughts reveals the intention and emotion behind them.

Letters are generally superior to texting. Letters require patience, endurance in the hand and wrist, as well as reflection. Texting is for instant gratification and immediate needs. Meanwhile, even the handwriting of a letter can offer insight. Short, somewhat messy writing may reflect hurried work. Perhaps the author is trying to keep up with their mind. Flowy handwriting shows that great thought has already taken place, and the words have been prepared — drafted somewhere else even. Letters reveal personality more than any amount of texting could. They are the physical manifestation of care and attention.

A letter serves both short and long term functions. In the short term, you are communicating with one person (or perhaps a group). The sole purpose is to share a moment. And that’s where most letters end. Once they’ve been read, perhaps you throw it away. But what about long term? Your letters may yield valuable insight of a world long gone. I don’t think you should throw letters away. Nor should you adapt your writing based on the idea it may be read by someone a hundred years later. Yet, consider it. If anything, I encourage you to share more of yourself so that the future may know you better.

Throwing a letter away should be the highest criminal offense (after murder, obviously). I keep all letters, even those from an ex. Because they represent love, attention, and thoughtfulness, letters are the essence of humanity. When I read the letters of Captain Henry Young, I feel a connection to him. In a similar sense, the diary of Anne Frank demonstrates the mindset of a young girl in the dark depths of Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. The world would be a lesser place if either of those individuals destroyed their compositions.

As in all letters, a conclusion is important, but it doesn’t have to be long. Even just a few lines — something last-minute you thought of or a connection to your introduction. Like this: wanna be pen pals? What does your average Tuesday look like?

Cheers, 

Nick

For a post on Anne Frank.