How to Write an Interesting Letter
Although it's a dying art, writing letters is still most definitely an art. Making them interesting requires a little craft, a little consideration and a touch of creativity.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Personalized Stationery
- Plain Stationery
- Writing Papers
- Writing Pens
- Oxford English Dictionary On CD-ROM
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1
Do a bit of prep work, as you would for any piece of art.
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2
Gather preceding correspondence with your pen pal, photos or news stories, bits of poetry, recipes, sketches, even scraps of material or pressed flowers - whatever would be of interest.
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3
Decide on your materials. Will your letter be on traditional stationery, or will you use graph paper, sketchbook paper, musical scoring or a card of some sort?
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4
Consider telling the news in an interesting manner, such as in a poem or song.
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5
Keep the journalism rules in mind for a straight read: who, what, where, when and why.
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6
Keep your recipient in mind. If he's a fashion-oriented person, describe what Aunt Jewel wore to the Bar Mitzvah, or the feel of the cashmere sweater you just bought. If she's a musician, describe the sidewalk aria you heard.
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7
Include pictures, if you have them. Each is worth a thousand words - even if it's a bit fuzzy.
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8
Remember that what elevates a good letter to greatness is often analysis of the facts. For example, "His face told me so much more than his words. I felt he was being sincere for only the second time in our lives."
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9
Reference a past letter if you're answering questions or continuing a saga. "Yes, as a matter of fact I did go to medical school as a result of your advice."
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10
Always date a letter, and note the time and weather if the recipient is in another climate, time zone or country. They might keep it forever.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make certain to number pages for clarity. Use the computer/typewriter or ink for ease of legibility, and don't write on both sides of a thin piece of note paper.
A handwritten letter is a wonderful, personal touch - if your handwriting is legible.
Form letters are cold and impersonal, especially computer-oriented ones.
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Comments
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Nov 22, 2005
I like collecting odd pieces of paper that I find. Writing on the back of a nice textured paper or a receipt from a foreign country or an amusing advertisement may add a personal touch. -
Nov 22, 2005
When you're describing an event, use the active voice and use quotation marks in speech. Also, put humor into the incidents you describe.
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Nov 22, 2005
Make it a work of art. Think about creative ways for them to open the letter (ribbon binding?), draw a picture (they'll love it no matter what), make up your own Mad-Libs. Make it as fun and creative as possible using unusual items.
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Nov 22, 2005
Not just how they are, but what they're doing, how their life is - friends, family, pets, work, school. Asking questions makes it easier for them to write back, too, and hopefully they'll follow suit!
