In his book, We Are Still Married, Garrison Keillor included a piece titled How to Write a Letter. As you know, I am a huge fan of real mail, including (especially) letters. His piece made letter-writing seem so friendly + accessible, and was so full of tips + truth, that I would love for everyone to read it.

To entice you – into reading his piece, into writing letters – here is some of his wisdom.

1. Don’t feel guilty about not writing. Letters are a gift. You don’t owe anyone a letter.
2. The only letters that are obligatory are thank you notes, condolence notes, and responses to requests for a visit. Write those promptly. Don’t worry about the others.
3. Some of the best letters are written in a fit of inspiration.
4. Your words don’t need to be immortal, just sincere.
5. Think about your friend. When they become real to you, start to write.
6. Tell your friend what you’re doing, just as if you were talking to them.
7. If you don’t know where to begin, start with the present moment.
8. You are writing to someone who already likes you. Take it easy.
9. Don’t worry about form. It’s not a term paper.
10. Don’t start over every time you make a mistake. Write your way out of it.
11. Writing is a means of discovery. When you come to the end, you’ll know something you didn’t know when you began.
12. Your letter will be an object of art. Your simple lines will show future generations the humanity of our times.

For more letter-writing goodness, read the entire piece in We Are Still Married. Available at fine booksellers and libraries everywhere.

Thanks, Mr. Keillor, for your wisdom! You inspired me to write three letters today and I agree with all of this.

Here’s to a world full of handwritten letters!