The Handwritten Project

I am not sure why but in recent years I have set myself some, well, rather challenging challenges as New Year resolutions. In 2011 I decided to read a different short story every day and blog a review. The results are here.

During 2012 I want to write more letters. Not just letters but cards and notes. Anything handwritten, basically, that I can send to other people. I miss the days when we used to write to each other. I do get quite a lot of post, and I am not complaining about all the free books I am sent, but little of it is personal or in the form of ink on paper.

This, I think, is a shame.

So, if I write stuff and send it to people then some of them will presumably write back. And then my letterbox will be happier. Hence my handwritten project. It is not original, I am sure lots of other people have done similar things online, but that doesn't matter.

Here's how it works. I will write to anyone who wants to hear from me. It may be a postcard, a short note, or even a long-winded letter, but it will most certainly be in my own fair hand. The recipient does not have to write back but is more than welcome to do so. Simple.

I mentioned this on Twitter as the old year came to a close and quickly collected over 60 addresses from people who wanted to be involved. Naturally, I would like to extend this offer to the fine people who actually bother to visit my blog. If you want something in the post from me then drop me a line and I will get something out to you just as soon as I can.

I do mention handwritten letters in my book, 21st Century Dodos: A Collection of Endangered Objects (and Other Stuff). They are one of the few entries that I genuinely think are worth saving. I'd love it if people wrote to each other more often. I am sure there'd be more smiles around as a result.

*Trots off to buy more stamps*

Comments

[Rob]

I miss the more intimate nature of handwritten letters/card etc too. What amazes me is how far my handwriting motor skills have fallen over the last ten years and how tired my hands get when I write. These days, my writing looks like that of a drunken, epileptic ape. Secondly, I did a course at work recently where the exam had to be handwritten. I cramped up within about 10 minutes, it was ridiclous. Apart from the occasional form/birthday card, I haven't written anything by hand for years.

[Darren]

I'm impressed! After donkeys' years of typing everything and handwriting as little as possible, like many people I now type much faster than I write by hand.

I've recently started to learn Greek; that means a whole new alphabet to learn and lots of handwriting. Oh, it's so hard! I hope you have lots of pleasure though. It really is a treat getting hand-written letter through the door!

[Jan Jones]

Thank you for my postcard, Scott. My handwritten reply to you is even now in a Royal Mail van somewhere

[Rachel]

This is a wonderful idea! I started a Facebook fanpage called "Save the U.S. Postal Service by Writing More Letters." There are many like-minded people out there. Best of luck with your project!

[Sara]

Thank you for my ladybird winter postcard, off we go to spot the animals!

Sara

[Anne Stormont (@writeanne)]

What a good idea. All the best with it. You can certainly drop me a line whenever.