Why Write Letters?

I wrote this back in September, but thought it was a good way to get 2012 off to a good start here on the Letter Writers Alliance blog. Have something to add about why you write letters? I'd love to hear from you. Leaving a comment is fine, but I'd rather see your words, hold them in my hand, hear them in my heart; why not send a note to our P.O. Box with why you love writing letters! I'll feature the letters here on the blog and we can all share.

Happy New Year,

Comments

[Tamra Orr]

How does one get lucky enough to write letters back and forth to you, Donovan? I would love to put myself on that list . . .

[Donovan]

The address for the P.O. Box is on the side bar.

[Toni]

Donovan, is there such a thing as "responding too soon?"

[Donovan]

Maybe. That's a really interesting question. I don't normally have the luxury of even considering it, but I've been trying to return my mail on the same day of receipt and it's opened up some new peculiarities of letter writing. I think a bit of rumination and reflection is necessary for a meaningful response and letter writing practically forces us to act in that way.

[Limner]

I agree, although there are times when a letter is so delightful I cannot help but respond the same day. Another side to that is having to work on a response. It's rare but it does happen, and those are the hardest letters to write. I dislike forced replies and I hope the recipient can't tell, so I try harder. Some of my best letters take a while. They require thought, and I spend a lot of time composing in my head. Do you respond to each letter differently? I know I do. Each letter has its own personality--just like the penners--and I respond in kind. Or try to.

That's such a lovely letter, Donovan.

[Missy Durant]

Letters. they are the new black. So cool to get one. So more cool to write one & then have that fun little feeling, knowing it's traveling to a mailbox...and when the person sees it, their smile warms the porch!

Yep, letters pretty much changed my life!

[Z]

Wow! I so have that same issue with the extensive woebegone "I'm so late!" and I tell people that it doesn't matter because if life didn't "get in the way" there would be nothing to write about. I'm trying to go for a rule of thumb of how late is late. I figure one week is great, 2 weeks good, 3 weeks fine and a month or so is late but still guilt free.