Do you remember the last time you received a handwritten letter? The feeling of anticipation as you opened the envelope, the joy of seeing a friend's unique handwriting, and the personal touch that came with it. A handwritten letter takes time and intention to craft, and receiving one is a rare joy these days. In today's digital age, letter writing has almost become a lost art, but we believe it's time to bring it back.
Never written a letter? Not sure where to start? That's okay, we've put together a Beginners Guide on How to write a letter. So grab a pen and paper, and let's begin!
5 Steps of writing a letter to a friend:
1) Start with a Warm Greeting
2) Share Interesting Stories or Experiences
3) Ask Thoughtful Questions
4) Use Descriptive Language
5) End with Warm Closing Words
BEFORE YOU START:
Prepare your writing space
Set aside a quiet time in which to dedicate to writing a letter. When you first start it can be a little challenging to get into the flow of writing. You may not know where to begin. A good way to set the tone and get in the mood to write your letter, is to create a space to write and have everything you need at hand. Choose a space that is comfortable, with a good chair and clear, clutter free space for you to write. A desk is the ideal space and lay out out your writing tools and get into the mood for writing.
Gather your letter writing supplies; some paper and envelopes or a letter writing set, a good pen, any decorative elements your would like to include, coloured pencils or felt pens, wax seal supplies and a notepad to jot down any points you would like to include in the letter.
Brainstorming a short list of dot point topics for inclusion in your letter is a great way to avoid writers block and help you to get started on writing your first letter. We also have a list of tips for beginner letter writers below, to help you to construct an interesting and engaging letter to a friend.
What is the Structure of a Letter?
Before diving into the art of letter writing, it's important to understand its structure.
A letter typically consists of three main parts:
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion.
The introduction sets the tone and purpose of the letter, the body contains the main message and topics of conversation, and the conclusion wraps it up neatly.
How Can You Make Your Letter Visually Appealing?
- Seal it with a wax seal
- Use quality paper
- Include decorative elements
- Develop lovely handwriting
- Use a good pen
Before we start, let's look at the aesthetic considerations when writing a letter. After all, if you have taken the time to handcraft a personal letter, why not make it a beautiful, visual feast that will delight your chosen recipient.
Writing a letter is not just about the words you choose, but also about the visual presentation. To make your letter visually appealing, consider adding these following elements:
5 Tips for Crafting a Beautiful Letter
1. Seal it with a Wax Seal
Sealing your letter with a wax seal adds a touch of elegance and nostalgia. Choose a seal that reflects your personality or the theme of your letter. The act of sealing the letter with wax creates a wonderful sense of anticipation for the recipient. A letter wax seal adds that extra visual element that indicates to the receiver that there is something special contained within. Imagine your friends delight when they receive a personally wax sealed letter.
2. Use Quality Paper
Invest in high-quality paper that feels luxurious to the touch. The texture and weight of the paper can enhance the overall experience of reading and receiving the letter. Consider a patterned paper with beautiful motifs to enhance the visual appeal of your letter. A co-ordinated letter writing set is a wonderful option and contains all the elements you need to begin crafting a beautiful and personal letter to a friend or loved one. Opt for paper designs that complement the tone and style of your message.
3. Include Decorative Elements
Add decorative elements such as borders, illustrations, or small drawings to enhance the visual appeal and interest of your letter. These elements can bring your words to life and make the letter feel more personal and unique. You could also include thoughtful elements to enhance your letter, such as; pressed flowers, confetti, newspaper or magazine clippings, or a handwritten recipe. Including a current photo from your life or an old photo of you and your friend is a lovely touch and provides a good starting point for writing your letter.
4. Develop Lovely Handwriting
Take the time to write your letter neatly and beautifully. Your handwriting is a reflection of your personality and can add a unique and personal touch to the letter. Take some time to practice your penmanship and experiment with different styles to find the one that suits you best. However, don't let less that perfect handwriting stop you from penning your first letter. Just put pen to paper and get started, it is the one-of-a-kind uniqueness of your handwriting that others will treasure, flaws and all!
5. Use A Good Pen
Choose a pen that glides smoothly on the paper and feels comfortable in your hand. The right pen can make the act of writing a pleasure and can also improve the legibility of your handwriting. Experiment with different types of pens to find the one that suits your writing style and allows you to get into the flow of writing.
5 BEGINNER TIPS FOR WRITING A LETTER:
How Can You Write an Engaging Letter to a Friend?
When writing a letter to a friend, it's important to strike a balance between being personal and engaging. Here are some helpful tips to make your letter more captivating:
1. Start with a Warm Greeting
Begin your letter with a warm and friendly greeting. Use your friend's name and express your excitement to be writing to them. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the letter.
2. Share Interesting Stories or Experiences
Make your letter engaging by sharing interesting stories or experiences. This could be a recent trip you took, a funny incident that happened to you, or a thought-provoking article you read. Sharing personal anecdotes helps create a connection with your friend. You could discuss a recent movie or television series you have watched, or share a delicious new recipe you have enjoyed making. You could even recall a favourite memory of an experience that you have shared with your friend and describe what that shared experience means to you today.
3. Ask Thoughtful Questions
Show genuine interest in your friend's life by asking thoughtful questions. Inquire about their hobbies, interests, or recent events in their life. This encourages your friend to open up and share more in their response. If you have received prior letters from this friend, be sure to follow up and enquire about topics or events they have mentioned in previous letters. Respond to any questions or enquiries they have made of you and your life, elaborating on any areas of particular significance.
4. Use Descriptive Language
Paint a vivid picture with your words by using descriptive language and including detail. Describe the sights, sounds, and emotions associated with your experiences. Include important or appropriate details like location, atmosphere, who was present and when the event took place. This allows your friend to visualize what you're describing and makes your letter more engaging.
5. End with Warm Closing Words
Wrap up your letter with warm closing words that convey your affection and appreciation for your friend. Let them know how much their friendship means to you and express your desire to stay connected.
Conclusion:
Writing a letter to a friend is one of life's enduring pleasures, nothing is quite like receiving a handwritten letter from a dear friend or family member.
The key points to writing a good letter are:
- Before you begin writing, prepare your space. Ensure you have a flat, clear surface, comfortable seating and all your writing tools at hand.
- Follow a basic structure; Introduction, Body and Conclusion
- Make your letter visually appealing with extra embellishments and good quality paper.
- Craft an engaging letter by sharing personal stories, re-counting shared memories and asking thoughtful questions.
- Start with a warm greeting and end your letter with a heartfelt closing statement.
By following these letter writing tips and adding your own personal flair, you can create a beautiful and engaging letter that will leave a lasting impression on your friend. Your letter may even become a treasured keepsake, read in years to come. We often underestimate the power of the written word and intentional connection that letter writing establishes. So, pick up your pen, choose the finest paper, and let your words flow.