|
Post by mailartist on May 10, 2017 16:43:40 GMT
I read an incoming letter today and thought "Huh . . . I never knew that before!" I realized that I love letters like that, where I learn something new about somebody or someplace else -- letters that teach me something (but not in a preachy way).
Other people may have other ideas, though . . . so . . . what, in your opinion, makes for a great letter?
|
|
|
Post by distractedmom on May 11, 2017 14:00:08 GMT
To me, great letters are one in which the writer's personality shines through. Letters that don't feel forced.
|
|
|
Post by ritak on May 14, 2017 14:31:08 GMT
I think every letter has its own personality. Some come on pretty paper with handwriting that is beautiful beyond belief while others arrive on torn out notebook paper that may take a little time to decipher . Some are written like a great novel while others kind of plod along but each one is special in its own way. If someone has taken the time to sit and put pen to paper and mail it to me then it's a "great" letter.
|
|
|
Post by blessed on May 14, 2017 18:42:26 GMT
Aww, that's very nicely put, ritak. I think I agree with all of you but probably the most with distractedmom. Those are my favourite kinds of letters. I like it when the writer's personality comes through. For instance, when I find myself smiling or laughing at a joke while I'm reading. Basically a letter that engages me and makes me get to know the writer. But then again, like ritak said, if someone has taken the time to write to me, then it's a great letter.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 14, 2017 19:56:08 GMT
To me a great letter is one that engages me (as blessed said), that makes me think, allows me to learn something new or surprises me and thus makes me want to write back immediately.
What does a letter look like that "feels forced" (to quote distractedmom)?
|
|
|
Post by distractedmom on May 15, 2017 14:26:38 GMT
To me a great letter is one that engages me (as blessed said), that makes me think, allows me to learn something new or surprises me and thus makes me want to write back immediately. What does a letter look like that "feels forced" (to quote distractedmom)? I don't receive many letters that feel forced. And what I mean by that is that the writer seems to be searching for anything at all to talk about. There is very little passion or emotion in the letters. It feels very dry, almost like they are distracted while writing.
|
|
|
Post by tramplingrose on May 16, 2017 11:16:01 GMT
I've been thinking about this, as I got one not too long ago from someone I'd written to during InCoWriMo, and I got the impression they were replying just to reply, and didn't put much into it. I don't know if maybe this person is just very clipped or brief in person, but I didn't have much to really send back (if that makes sense). I hope I'm jumping the gun, but I don't foresee this correspondence lasting.
|
|
|
Post by Mia on May 19, 2017 0:19:17 GMT
A letter needs to be enjoyable/pleasurable to read (OK, some might have sadness with mention of family passing away). For Postcrossing, you should send a postcard (of quality) you'd be happy to receive so write the type of letters you'd be happy to receive. Most of the letters I receive bring a smile to my face, and can cheer me up in almost any situation. I like at least a bit of humour in the letter. There also needs to be something you can reply to, other than with an adolescent "whatever" or "so what?" Having read the first volume of Letters of Note, although not a penpalling letter, I would have loved to have received something like: www.lettersofnote.com/2012/03/i-like-words.html
|
|
|
Post by blessed on May 19, 2017 8:02:58 GMT
What a fabulous letter! I like it a lot.
|
|
|
Post by distractedmom on May 23, 2017 2:44:09 GMT
Loved that letter @mia
|
|
|
Post by DJW1066 on May 29, 2017 1:50:23 GMT
|
|
|
Post by chenny613 on May 29, 2017 11:29:31 GMT
I think a letter that shares their daily life. What has happened. Asking my opinion so I feel like I am their trusty friends
I also like ones which ask me questions so I get to tell them about what's going on . My most treasured letters are often simple paper with no decoration but the letter itself really interesting. Photos are good too.
|
|
|
Post by Mia on Jul 9, 2017 11:52:21 GMT
I think over the summer, I will digitise my failed correspondence - I'll see if I can pick out letters of different qualities, perhaps will show you.
|
|
|
Post by distractedmom on Jul 18, 2017 14:15:18 GMT
I think over the summer, I will digitise my failed correspondence - I'll see if I can pick out letters of different qualities, perhaps will show you. Ooh! I like data and research.
|
|
|
Post by Mia on Sept 19, 2017 22:39:14 GMT
I haven't gotten around to digitising. One day!
Any other thoughts as to what makes a good letter?
|
|