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I still write paper letters — about at the same rate as I write long epistolary emails, which is to say, more than monthly, but less than weekly. People (in my

I still write paper letters — about at the same rate as I write long epistolary emails, which is to say, more than monthly, but less than weekly. People (in my friend circle anyway) really love to get paper letters. Precisely because they are now so rare. And because (I think) they carry the trace of someone's voice and concentrated thought in such a particular way. Some people write back more than others — I don't stress about that too much. I guess my point is — you don't have to abandon something good just because most people do.

pixxel 2y ago
> And because (I think) they carry the trace of someone's voice and concentrated thought in such a particular way. I agree wholeheartedly.
ramses0 2y ago
Fellow letter-writers unite! Similar experiences, I've had the same positive feedback, and for some it's the first (only?) personal letter that they've ever received. I loathed writing "thank you cards" for birthday gifts received, but in retrospect it was helpful and healthy to practice the process. Once you've written a few dozen, it gets easier. Tips: Make a list of your "ride or die" friends (paper, notecard, text file, todo app, whatever). Make sure you have their addresses handy (ie: iOS contacts app). Don't get hung up on special paper or pens (until you like doing it, and it becomes a hobby). Keep a book/pad/clipboard/paperclip with: list, stamps, paper/pen. I've printed off a "guidelines" sheet where I can put copy paper on top of it, but see through some thick black lines which keeps my writing mostly straight. For the truly advanced: "Rolodex of pre-addressed envelopes"... either hand-addressed, printed, labels... who knows. I'm not there yet, but I've often gotten hung up where I write but don't send a letter for weeks/months because honestly it's easy to get distracted and there's generally no urgency to the letter/message. ...then just make it a goal to get through that list at least once per year. I'll often include a picture of the kiddos, or a travel photo, or best case would be a picture of time spent with them. Universally appreciated, often un-reciprocated, but like you: don't stress much about it. People are busy, but it doesn't mean you can't do your part.

pixxel 2y ago

> And because (I think) they carry the trace of someone's voice and concentrated thought in such a particular way. I agree wholeheartedly.

ramses0 2y ago

Fellow letter-writers unite! Similar experiences, I've had the same positive feedback, and for some it's the first (only?) personal letter that they've ever received. I loathed writing "thank you cards" for birthday gifts received, but in retrospect it was helpful and healthy to practice the process. Once you've written a few dozen, it gets easier. Tips: Make a list of your "ride or die" friends (paper, notecard, text file, todo app, whatever). Make sure you have their addresses handy (ie: iOS contacts app). Don't get hung up on special paper or pens (until you like doing it, and it becomes a hobby). Keep a book/pad/clipboard/paperclip with: list, stamps, paper/pen. I've printed off a "guidelines" sheet where I can put copy paper on top of it, but see through some thick black lines which keeps my writing mostly straight. For the truly advanced: "Rolodex of pre-addressed envelopes"... either hand-addressed, printed, labels... who knows. I'm not there yet, but I've often gotten hung up where I write but don't send a letter for weeks/months because honestly it's easy to get distracted and there's generally no urgency to the letter/message. ...then just make it a goal to get through that list at least once per year. I'll often include a picture of the kiddos, or a travel photo, or best case would be a picture of time spent with them. Universally appreciated, often un-reciprocated, but like you: don't stress much about it. People are busy, but it doesn't mean you can't do your part.