A Letter to a Reader [Far From the Last]

The following post is from Purposeful Prose’s own guest writer, Chartres Royal, specifically on writing letters and letter etiquette. While many consider letter writing a dying form, we have discussed this point. Our conclusion is that letter writing is neither dying nor dead. Letter writing has taken on different forms, and expectations around letters have changed with time and culture. The modern connotation of the “letter” is usually tied to professional correspondence or open, published letters. However, there is no reason why a letter cannot be personal. So, when we speak on letter writing, we do not mourn an art that is lost. We celebrate it in all its shapes and encourage its future.  

Dearest reader,

If you have been following my strange ramblings for some time, you’re more than aware of my love of nostalgic and older art forms. I don’t think that older art is always better than their contemporaries. No claims of “Back in my day!” will be found here. I do, however, miss the little things. There was a certain charm to having to change the tape or CD (Or, in my case, mini diskettes!) when you wanted different music. There was also the personal touch of making your own mixtape or custom burned CD. Oh, to think of how much money I wasted on those CD-Rs! There was also the romantic intention of making a mixtape or mix CD for someone. This collection of music you selected was meant to show another person what they mean to you.

Many of these traditions are lost arts due to the ever-changing world and the technology in it. I’m sure you can still make mixtapes. Of course, I know where one can get older hardware. I do own some of it myself. Still, older tools are not commonplace anymore and their magic seems lost. I’m sure there’s a modern equivalent to a mixtape. Making a personalized playlist? I don’t know, and that’s not really the point. We do seem to have left a lot of things behind that were once common. This is not just due to the advent of newer technology and methods but also with age and time.

Let me ask you a question, dear reader. When was the last time you wrote a letter? I don’t mean paying a bill by mail or filling out a holiday card. A real, actual, words-on-paper letter? It’s not a thing we do very often anymore, is it? These days, e-mail and text messages not only make communication easier, but they are also preferred. After all, they’re much faster and have no need for formality or decorum. That’s not to say that there is no etiquette at all involved in text or email communications, just that it’s much more relaxed. That makes sense, though, doesn’t it? An e-mail is usually something for business. Electronic messages are slowly taking the place of bills and other correspondence sent in the physical mail. Texting has become the more dominant medium to check in or plan to meet up in person. Again, formality isn’t really needed in something that quick and simple.

Still, let’s explore that avenue of writing. Let’s go back to crafting letters to those we care for. Who knows? Maybe you’ll enjoy it and want to do it more often. I can tell you, my experience with it was both interesting and quite nice.

Part One: The Anatomy Of A Letter

Believe it or not, this part was the more difficult to research. You see, letter writing changes depending on whom you are writing to, and expectations around letter writing have changed over time. The context of a letter depends on, how personal it is, what the content is, and the culture. It is an entire art form unto itself. One who could craft well-written letters that were not only easy to read, filled with information necessary for the exchange, and also created something visibly pleasing to look at was considered well-educated and cultured.

You see, dear reader, the well-crafted letter didn’t just have to be something that was conveying the information the reader desired. It had to do so much more work. Think about the last text exchange you had with friends or family. Say you’re planning some kind of outing or activity. All the messages are on point, right? “We’re planning on going to X. What time should we leave? What time do we think we’ll arrive? How many are going? Do we need to bring anything extra? What is the plan if someone can’t go?”. All of those questions are direct and make the most sense in context. Maybe there are a few jokes and comments here and there. They are your friends and family after all. Still, you’re planning something and don’t want to have important things get lost in the exchange, and because of how easily that can happen over text, active language is important.

The letter, however, was meant to convey this information and much more. In fact, if it’s not addressed correctly at the start, it can come across as an insult. According to an article from the The Art Of Letter-Writing, Divided into Two Parts, “Many being at a Loss how to address Persons of Distinctions either in Writing or Discourse, are frequently subject to great Mistakes in the Stile and Title due to Superiors.” It’s a fair bit more detailed than worrying about using Ms. or Mrs., believe me.

Note from the Editor: To add to this, in the eighteenth-nineteenth century, beyond a means of correspondence, letters indicated one’s social standing. When writing letters, it was especially important that all persons addressed were given correct distinction as a means of showing respect. This is, in many ways, still true today. However, if those of the nobility, the parliament [and other governing members], and the clergy were titled incorrectly, correspondence could be refused or ignored, and the slight could damage one’s future prospects. For more information, I recommend this article from The Marginalian on 19^th Century Epistolary Etiquette.

So, then, how does one craft a letter? Well, if you know me, my answer is always “However best suits your artistic soul.” Still, a more direct answer is to first start with who you are writing to. Business letters and personal letters are quite different and not just in content. A business letter should have more information right up front. Name, address, contact information, date, and then you address the subject. If the letter is more personal, however, all that information is irrelevant. One would assume that your friends already know how to contact you.

After all that opening work, you can start on the things you want to discuss properly. Usually, you start with some greetings, well-wishes, and questions that your recipient can respond to in their own return letter. Things like, “I hope you are doing well. How is your family doing? I heard the weather there was a bit wild. Nothing too bad, right?” A little conversational small talk to touch base before starting into whatever you really want to discuss. It seems, in that context, the etiquette part of letter writing has once more come back. After all, we’re asking someone to sit and read the things we wrote. The least we can do is be polite.

Once through the body of your letter, you decide on what to sign off with. Depending on how close you are to the reader, you can decide on how to do that. The letters I’ve written are to people I’m close to and love dearly, so I usually put something silly. “Your weirdest friend,” “That Old Goof,” so on, and so on. Then, sign your name. In some cases, literally. Yes, even after you’ve typed out a letter. A handwritten signature isn’t necessary needed, but it can be a good personal touch. Just a little something direct from you to the reader.

Part Two: No, Seriously, How Do I Write A Letter?

Tools! Yes, there are many. Lots of them you know and have probably already thought of. Really, what you choose is based on preference. As an example, I prefer to type my letters, not just because of the technology available but because my handwriting isn’t very good. It will pass as legible if the need arises, but I wouldn’t consider it the kind of thing someone would want to read.

Note from the Editor: Actually, their handwriting is perfectly fine.

 That being said, dear reader, you may have beautiful handwriting. If that’s the case and you’re writing a letter, show that off! Letter writing is an art form. Never be afraid to express your talents and artistic creativity.

Of course there are the standards: pen and pencil. I ask, however, why stop there? In another article, I discussed the joy of using different tools and mediums to write. Letter writing is no different. Certainly, there are the “approved” ways of writing, but this is your creation. Be as creative as you want to be! If you wish to write a letter to your partner using a quill and parchment paper, then you go right ahead and do that, you fascinatingly creative person!

Finding some of the older tools might be a bit of a challenge, but nothing worth doing comes easy, right? Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and go on a hunt for the tool that is right for you. One of my favorite tools for writing letters and short messages is a word processor from the 90’s. It’s not the fastest or easiest machine to use, but there is something charming and calming about being able to disconnect from everything and just focus on the act of creating. I won’t lie, if the screen was a bit better and I could transfer data from there to my computer proper, I’d be writing every article and my other projects exclusively on a machine like that.

The most important part to consider when it comes to a tool like that is that you enjoy it. If something is well made but doesn’t fit what you’re trying to do, then it doesn’t really matter if it’s nice, does it? A very well-made violin bow is little use to someone trying to change a transmission. Comfort, familiarity, and ease of use are all things to consider. Maybe you find writing with a 1920’s typewriter easier than with a laptop. There’s nothing wrong with that. Document scanners exist, so you can still do that and have your work uploaded online. It’s all about finding what works for you and what allows you to create at your best regardless of whether it’s writing a letter, a novel, or the next great fantasy epic.

Part Three: Why Are You Writing?

Because you enjoy it. Now, on to part four…

Jokes aside, that is a good question. A letter, unlike a story, is much more direct to one person rather than a wide audience of people. Since you’re only talking to one person, generally, the focus becomes more narrow.

Note from the Editor: See this resource on focalization.

Is there a specific reason you’re writing this letter or are you just checking in? Either is fine, of course, but if you have a reason, it’s best to try to stay on that topic during the course of the letter and not ramble on about silly things like I do. I’ll be the first to admit, I get a little carried away when writing or talking, so...don’t be me.

Note from the Editor: What we also call “rambling” is actually a sign of a strong, innovative imagination, so this isn’t something I would discourage.

Let’s start with a general letter. Just seeing how someone is doing and checking in on their life. That’s easy. You can start by asking them about themselves and their lives as I mentioned earlier. It’s a good icebreaker and it gives them opportunities to elaborate on these topics when they write back. Letter writing isn’t an instant process, so addressing a lot of topics in a general letter is common. You want to convey as much as you’re comfortable with while keeping in mind it will take time for the reader to get your letter, read it, then write back.

The casual letter is just like having a conversation with a friend. You just say what you feel most comfortable sharing and ask them about things. There’s nothing too deep about that. Since it’s so casual, you don’t really need to worry a lot about rules of letter writing either, I’d wager. They probably won’t get upset if you don’t refer to them as, “Your Royal Highness.” That is unless your friend is a royal, but also if they make their friends call them that, is that really a friend? That’s a question for another time. The real point here is to just be casual, have fun, and talk with your friends like you always do.

Now, the more focused letter. Something you are writing about with a specific topic in mind. Perhaps this is a business correspondence or something equally as important. That’s a whole different ball game, my friends. In this, you need to be focused, proper, and on point. Unless you’re certain that your reader is ok with silliness, it’s best to assume that they won’t appreciate it. Letters of this kind can be kept as a record and, as such, may need to be looked over in the future. You want your letter to address your points, communicate well, and be useful for anyone who needs to read it. Make sure to properly address your intended reader, communicate all the relevant information, then get started on the body of your letter.

Properly addressing and filling out the header of your letter makes it easier to get the basic information clear and makes it easier to file, if needed. From the introduction, the reader knows who is writing, how to get back to them, and then is ready to move onto the “why” of the letter. Now, what that “why” is? That’s up to you, really. It depends on the purpose of your letter. However, even if it is a letter to address a problem or an issue, do your best to keep a professional tone. That will make the reader care about finishing the letter or even helping you with your issue. Explain the issue, explain how it impacts your situation, then (if possible) recommend some solutions to the problem.

Part Four: What Else Is A Letter?

I don’t imagine this going on for too long but, then again, it is me and I do have a tendency to ramble a bit. I imagine, if you’re a regular reader of mine, you already know that. Now then, the subject: What else is a letter? Not in a philosophical way, mind you. More like “What else counts?”. Does a postcard count as a letter? What about a greeting card? An e-mail? Text?

Let’s go piece by piece. Does a postcard count as a letter? Well, before I say, let me address the “what” of this question. See, while I don’t know the common age of all of you, my dear readers, I feel it only fair to assume that some may not know what a postcard is. After all, they aren’t as common as they once were. A postcard is a card.  It has a picture on one side and information for mailing on the other. Usually, a postcard is a picture of a location, and that indicates where the sender is at the moment. On the back, aside from the address, there is space to write a small note to the reader and tell them how you’re doing and how much you’re enjoying this location.

The actual question: Is a postcard a letter? I’d say yes. Granted, it’s usually a very short letter, but that still counts, unless you don’t write anything but the address. In that case, it’s just sharing a photo with an implied location. Still, I would say that it does count as a letter given its nature. You’re still writing something to convey information to a reader whom you want to read what you have written. That counts in my book.

Greeting cards? Again, I’m going to say “yes.” I have a reason, of course. See, I know a lot of people just sign the card and use that as the finished card. However, in my family/friend groups, it’s always been customary to use the blank part of the inside of the car to write a letter or note of some kind. Pretty much every card I’ve ever received has had a note like that inside of it. So, now that I see that typed out, I will amend my statement: Yes, a greeting card is a letter, but only if someone does more than just sign it. Otherwise, I’d call it just a card. I think that’s pretty fair, don’t you?

An e-mail is obviously a letter. “E-mail” quite literally means “electronic mail”. From the earliest instances, they were used as a full letter equivalent. Some of my younger readers may not have had much experience with e-mail in that form. Most of the time, an e-mail is an automated thing sent from some company or service to inform you about something-or-other. It doesn’t have to be that, though. You can still exchange e-mail addresses with someone and send letters in that way. In fact, if you’re more comfortable doing it that way, I encourage it. I remember doing that with friends when I was much younger.

Most of the time, I would say “no,” a text message is not a letter. Again, I add caveats! In most cases a text message is just a short note or message to communicate quick and timely information, not usually the medium that you would sit down and craft a lengthy, multi-paragraphed ordeal for. However, you can! That’s the beauty of writing. No one can tell you what is or is not a “proper” way to write. There are expectations for writers, but not all writing has to meet those expectations. Write however you want!

Part Five: Conclusion

In the end, you should write whatever feels best for you. Do you need to write letters to others? Not really. You can even just write them to yourself. Some people swear that it’s a huge help to their writing practice and their mental health. I’m no doctor so I can’t speak on the last part but I can see how taking time to work on your writing more, even if it’s just a letter to yourself, can be helpful.

If you have people you are close to, though, consider writing a letter to them. It might just be the perfect thing to brighten their day and make their life a little more fun and interesting. Maybe they’ll even write back. You could start a whole writing group, practicing and sharing letters of encouragement and understanding. After all, a hobby can be anything, and practice never hurts.