About a Letter
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Writing letters is something people don't do as much anymore. It's a shame really, and there is something of a revival going on.
Unlike a text message or a phone call, a letter is a tangible piece of communication. We can actually hold on to the pen and paper, and we can read the letters we have received over and over again without the fear of them being deleted or forgotten. We also have more control in how we communicate with our letters. Written words have been thought out and maybe even rewritten a couple of times. This process makes the result more honest and from the heart. Handwritten sentiments take time and thought.
In Our Story
Our book begins with a mysterious letter that is delivered to three unknowing recipients, two women and one man. The letter tells them they are of great need to the sender, but begs them not to tell the police.
"Then Ms. Hussey asked if anyone in the class had ever received a truly extraordinary letter. No one had. Ms. Hussey looked very interested." (p. 8)
Ask a Grownup
Ms. Hussey gives her class an assignment. "Ask an adult to tell you about a letter they.. (might have received) and never forgot. I'm talking about a piece of mail that changed their life. How old were they when they got it? Where were they when they opened it. Do they still have it?... Once you find a letter that changed a life, sit down and write.. a letter." (p. 8) One that someone won't be able to forget....
But to WRITE someone an "unforgettable" letter turned out to be a pretty difficult assignment really, right? Ms. Hussey said it was a "tough thing to do unless you have a very real thing to say. It shouldn't be artificial" (p. 26)
Writing a life changing letter might be hard. However... just writing someone a letter is not.
No time like the present
“Expressing connection to another person through mail is a positive action we can take when times are questionable or difficult." Letter Writing is a quarantine-friendly activity. “A letter is in fact the only device for combining solitude and good company,” A quote by historian Jacques Barzun. It’s an activity that allows us to get creative and meditative while also expressing kind thoughts and gratitude to loved ones. Really, what better way to make the most of this downtime?
Hmnn
In a screen-centric society, letter writing draws us back into the tactile world. A letter is much more relational. It's different, having a tangible item. Seeing someone's handwriting is very personal.
Letters are artifacts. As it undergoes the delivery process, an envelope collects wear and tear and stamped postmarks (or “journey marks”). Additionally, it’s an object with memories attached to it. All these factors impart a weightiness.
It's all Good.. kind of
Some advice on letterwritting :
Make sure that they are well written. It can be very annoying for someone to have to struggle to read handwriting. Always use your best and clearest handwriting.
Make sure all your contact details are clearly written down at the top of the letter. If they are not, then you might not get a reply. The correct address is essential.
Think about what you want to say. If necessary make some notes on a separate sheet of paper first. This will ensure that you do not forget anything.
Think about to whom you are writing the letter. Use the right style of writing and language — formal or informal, business like or friendly.
Lay out your letter using paragraphs. This makes it easier for the reader.
*Know what not to write. A letter written in anger or to solicit pity is probably not a letter you should send. If you've already written such a letter and you're unsure about sending it, let it sit for a few days before you pop it into the mailbox — you might change your mind.*
Reasons for Writing a Letter
1. It’s a memorable way to touch the people you love.
1. It’s a memorable way to touch the people you love.
A thoughtful letter can be treasured for years. Visit just about any history museum and you’ll be struck by the impact a letter can have. Countless possessions throughout history have decayed into dust, but fragile pieces of paper have been protected for generations because powerful words are worth reading again and again.
A thoughtful letter can be treasured for years. Visit just about any history museum and you’ll be struck by the impact a letter can have. Countless possessions throughout history have decayed into dust, but fragile pieces of paper have been protected for generations because powerful words are worth reading again and again.
2. Research says it can actually make you happier.
2. Research says it can actually make you happier.
Steve Toepfer from Kent State University studies “author benefits” – the perks you get from penning letters. Toepher says by making a habit of writing thoughtful letters of gratitude, “you’ll feel happier, you’ll feel more satisfied, and if you’re suffering from depressive symptoms, your symptoms will decrease.” This isn’t as strange as it sounds. Telling your friends how much you appreciate them helps you count your blessings and notice some of the beauty in your life.
3. It confirms the importance of a relationship.
3. It confirms the importance of a relationship.
Taking the time to send a thoughtful note shows you cherish a relationship and want to invest in it. This can not only strengthen a friendship or a marriage, it’s also a clever way to grow loyalty with clients and business partners.
4. It helps you pause long enough to say things that matter.
Texting and email are mostly reactionary. You need information, so you reach out. Writing letters is much more deliberate. You do it to give, not to receive. You write because there’s something you need to say, not something you need to know.
5. It creates a wonderful surprise.
Remember when getting mail was fun? You never knew what you might find. Now, it’s mostly a pile of bills and junk. You can be the girl who rescues her friends from the drudgery of modern mail! Put something fun in their mailbox and you just might make their day.
6. It’s a tried and true tradition.
When you send handwritten letters, you’re participating in one of history’s finest rituals. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” captured the spirit of the American Civil Rights Movement. Major Sullivan Ballou’s letter to Sarah revealed the conflicted emotions of a soldier who loved his country and a husband who loved his wife. It’s even said that a letter from a young girl convinced U.S. President Abraham Lincoln to grow his iconic beard. Our ancestors recognized the importance of writing letters, and so should we.
7. It speaks to older friends and relatives in a medium they cherish.
7. It speaks to older friends and relatives in a medium they cherish.
To some young people, mail can seem outdated or boring; but for mature generations, it’s a tradition rich in sentiment. Even if your older relatives know how to text, they still love slicing open a handwritten letter.
8. It’s a chance to show off (or improve) your handwriting.
8. It’s a chance to show off (or improve) your handwriting.
Taking the time to sort your thoughts and put them to paper also offers the opportunity to practice and work on your handwriting; either printing or cursive.
How DO you write a letter?
Knowing how to write a letter is a fundamental skill you'll use in business, school, and personal relationships to communicate information, goodwill, or just affection. Here is a basic guide on how to put your thoughts on paper in the correct format.
Formal Letters
Know when to write a formal letter. Write a formal letter when addressing someone you only know in a professional capacity. This includes letters written to government departments or businesses, instead of a known individual.
These letters should be typed, then printed. You can use any text editing software to do this
Such letters are always written on an 8 x 11 sheet of paper. The layout is always the same.
Structure:
The senders full address is put at the top right hand side. Include telephone number and email just below if available.
The address of the person receiving the letter goes on the left hand side below the sender's address. Use full title and name of the person. Also the company or organization (if possible) and full address.
The date - Write out the full date at the top of the page.
Write the Salutation - If you know the job title but not the person's name, you may write "Dear Health Inspector:" or a similar phrase. It's usually possible to find the name with an online search, so try that first. If you don't have a specific contact, write "Dear Sir or Madam:" or "To Whom It May Concern:". These sound a little stiff and old fashioned, so try to avoid it when possible.
The Letter - Formal letters should open with a clear statement of purpose. Do not use contractions (write are not instead of aren't), and phrase questions formally (Would you be interested in...? instead of Do you want to...?). Proofread the letter for spelling and grammar when finished.
Complimentary close — A complimentary close ends your letter on a good note and establishes a connection with the recipient. For formal letters, stick to "Sincerely yours," "Kindest regards," or "Best wishes."
Signature - For typed formal letters, leave about four spaces between the complimentary close and your typed full name. Print the letter, then sign your name in blue or black ink in that blank space. To be thorough print your name underneath (this is to ensure that the person receiving the letter knows exactly who has sent it. Signatures may not be very clear)
Post Script - "after writing" If you want to add something after the letter's written, use P.S
Fold the letter (optional). If you're sending a letter through the post, fold it into thirds. Bring the bottom of the sheet up so that it's two-thirds of the way up the page, and crease. Then fold down the top portion so that the crease matches up with the bottom of the paper. Folding the letter this way ensures that it will fit into most envelopes.
Address the envelope (optional). Find the center of the envelope, both lengthwise and widthwise. This is where you'll write the full address of the recipient.
Write your return address on the envelope (optional). If the US Postal Service cannot deliver your letter for any reason, it will send the letter back to the return address at no extra charge.
Send the letter. Insert the letter in an envelope. Stamp it, address it to the other person, and send it on its way.
Informal Letters
Decide how formal your letter needs to be. How you write the letter will depend on your relationship with the recipient. They can be semiformal or are letters to friends and relations, or people you know well.
Structure:
The sender's address should always appear on the top right hand corner of the page. Include telephone number and email if available.
Start with a salutation - The salutation you use will depend on your relationship with the recipient of the letter, as well as the formality of the letter. Here are some possibilities: For a semiformal letter you might use "Dear" or "Hello" as a greeting. Use the first name if that's how you talk to each other or Mr. or Ms. if not. If more informal you can use "Hi" or "Hey" and then their first name.
Start the letter. Move to the next line and start writing. If you're writing a personal letter, start by asking after the recipient's well-being. This can be as formal as "I hope you are well" or as informal as "How's it going?." Imagine the recipient is in front of you; how would you talk to them?
Write what needs to be communicated. The primary purpose of a letter is communication. Let the other person know what's going on in your life, including the details. For example, don't just tell your grandma "Thank you for the gift" — show her that it means something to you: "My friends and I spent all night playing the game you sent me. Thank you!" Whatever the subject is, sharing information should be the focus of the letter.
End the letter. For informal letters, your close should reflect your relationship with the recipient. If you're writing to a spouse, dear friend, or close family member, you could use "Affectionately," "Fondly" or "Love." For a semiformal letter, you might find a better match with "Sincerely," "Regards," or "Best." A very old-fashioned close fits into the last sentence. This was originally a formal style, but you can have fun with it when writing a light-hearted letter to a friend. For example, the last paragraph of your letter could read "I remain, as ever, your devoted servant," and then your name. (Or obedient servant depending on how much you love Hamilton.)
Post Script - "after writing" If you want to add something after the letter's written, use P.S
Address the envelope (optional). Find the center of the envelope, both lengthwise and widthwise. This is where you'll write the full address of the recipient.
Write your return address on the envelope (optional). If the US Postal Service cannot deliver your letter for any reason, it will send the letter back to the return address at no extra charge.
Send the letter. Insert the letter in an envelope. Stamp it, address it to the other person, and send it on its way.
Other kinds of Letters
A few examples..
Letters of Inquiry
These are formal letters and messages need to be precise and detailed, covering all the required information. Two types of letters can be undertaken — a letter requesting information; and a reply providing it.
Thank You Letters
Thank you letters are very important and can be used in lots of ways: thanking organizations for helping, thanking people for helping you, thanking someone for a lovely time. They make a good follow up exercise after receiving presents or going on a visit.
Invitation
Choose a special event and write a letter inviting a friend. What do you need to include in the letter so that they have all the necessary information? You need to be clear on the date and the time, as well as the location. Your friend would be very upset if he or she went to the wrong place. Does he or she need to bring anything with them? Does he or she need to be collected at a set time? Will outdoor clothing be needed if the weather is bad? How will your friend reach the location of the event? Should a parent bring them or will you provide transport?
Remember to ask them to reply saying yes or no. Give a date by which you must have their reply. This is important if food and drink are being provided, or if you need to know exactly how many people are coming.
Letter of Complaint
When might a letter of complaint be sent? It might be when someone has done something wrong. Sometimes people write letters to organizations or the newspapers to complain about litter or poor service.
Letters to Newspapers
These are letters that aim to pass on an opinion or a message. These are letters that are directed at a wide audience — anyone who happens to read it. The sender never gets a direct letter back through the post. Sometimes people are so interested in a letter, which has appeared in a magazine that they want to express their opinions. So they then write a letter to the magazine giving their comments. Letters of this kind need to be very precise. Arguments should be clearly made. Requests for action should be clearly indicated. From reading the letter, everyone should know exactly what the sender is asking.
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