So I posted to my status that I would send friends real letters if they'd send me their addresses. I've since heard from a number Facebook friends that they'll be in on it. I'm so excited. The results have been so great that I recommend you do the same.
Plus, don't you just love the idea of writing at not just a desk, but an escritoire? By candlelight? (You'll need a lot of them, though. I tried.) With a cup of tea?
Okay, I'm a dork. But you can't deny that these escritoires are just darn beautiful (see more here):
Can't afford a replica of an 18th-century escritoire (or a modern interpretation of one)?
I recommend going to your local art store and picking up a dip pen and some ink. You can choose from a variety of nibs (generally the wider ones write more smoothly; the small ones often feel like they're scratching the paper), a handle (mine is shiny red) that fits the nib, and an assortment of inks. You can also (squeeeeeee) buy wax seal kits at stationery stores. They don't stay on very well, so you'll need to seal the inner envelope and then place it in another one before mailing.
Yes. So. Should you need a break from working (and Times New Roman, 12) I think this is an excellent suggestion. And the USPS will thank you, too.
18 comments:
I love letters. I do, actually, have a dip pen, complete with nib and ink. Also an escritoire style desk my grandfather made me as a teenager.
What an excellent idea to start a letter group.
First of all, the first two pictures are fall-down-gorgeous. Though I'm partial to a roll-top secretary desk. I do have my dip pen and ink though. I just...refuse to soil my beautiful stationary with ink. :)
My grandmother had one just like the second. Oooh...
I love writing with a fountain pen. Nothing beats it. :-)
Drooling over those desks, like I also drool over old-fashioned roll-tops.
I have a writer friend who sent me a seal and wax kit, which I so love. The seal has my initials, and the wax is red with sparkles in it. : )
Your post made me think of the fan letter I just sent to an author. I think it has more of a special oomph, sent physical mail vs. email.
I plan to send them more often!
I LOVE old-fashioned email. I love old-fashioned everything. I'm going to steal your idea and start a group too. I still send snail mail, but, sadly, I rarely get anything but bills. And I have one of those wax seal kits. You're right, they don't stick very well.
I love real mail! Now if only I could get my best friend to tell me her address...
Loved this for a wide number of reasons:
1) My mother used to work for our government and all things secret were only delivered like this. WITH the red wax seal.
2) I had a really old escritoire (lost it to termites--cursed ones!).
3) Just ranted a movie about that: "MARY AND MAX"! lovely and sensible (even though it breaks from traditional animations).
kuddos to you for the initiative!
Ah, letters. I still have boxes full of letters sent to me over the years from friends, family and yes, old loves.
I wonder about our kids. What will they have to save? Love texts?
It may be a dying art, but definitely one worth preserving.
I love letters...I have an old cigar box filled with letters that make me nostalgic every time I browse through them. Must get into the habit again :)
I would love a beautiful escitoire, but lacking any more space at all in my dinky apartment, I'll take a portable desk a la Thomas Jefferson: http://www.woodbender.com/Thomas_Jefferson_s_Desk_NMV.html
Unrelated to this blog post, but I just wanted to say I really enjoy reading your blog. I appreciate your professionalism and your kindness toward writers and other industry professionals. Too bad not all agents are as professional and kind on their blogs ;)
Although, with the number of lunatics and crazies out there, giving ANYONE your physical address is almost begging to be stalked. Just saying....
Love it! Where can I sign up? lol
Thanks, Tessa! :)
Denise, the best way is to make your own. I was so pleased to hear from people I hadn't spoken to in years. I'd say that the majority of people who want real letters are awesome enough to be worth writing to.
I miss letters too. It seems the only real letters I write are query letters. Thanks for the reminder. I think I'll write my Mum a note this weekend. :)
Last year when Christmas cards started to arrive at our house, my then 6 y/o was confused by all the colorful envelopes one day. He thought only bills (grown up stuff) came in the mail. He had so much fun waiting on the mailman until Christmas. Gee, maybe I should send him a card...Christmas is coming.
Dear Julie Anne Lindsey,
I love the holidays for the very reason that it's a good excuse to send real mail cards to everyone you know and like. I always make a big yearly trip, examining all of the cards available and picking my favorites. It's a let-down if I find them immediately--I like the looking, the pursuit of real mail perfection.
I tend to choose serious, beautiful cards--not the ones with cartoon snowmen making jokes, or that sort of thing. What about you?
Dear AG,
I adore creating beautiful holidays cards every year. The process of picking them out and writing a cheerful note inside each one is a calming tradition. Even better, is tucking in a family photo. Not one taken by a snowman or christmas tree, but one taken during the previous summer on a beach or at a park. Opening a holiday card and seeing a picture of family/friends that reminds you of warmer, sunnier and less flu-filled times is priceless:)
Sincerely,
LNC
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