Snail Mail 101

A fabulous resource I've just discovered

I couldn’t wait to rip open the package at the post office and find graphic designer Christine Richards’s book Snail Mail: Guide to Cursive Writing Practice. My first thought was, “Wow, this is really a workbook and it’s only 50 pages,” but I was soon enchanted with its purpose, message, and approach.

It’s much more than just a workbook.

Since writing my own book HEARTSPOKEN, How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire, I’ve been surprised by how many people lack confidence in their ability to choose the right words and—even more often—their poor handwriting. In six easy-to-follow sections, this book tackles both and also manages to convey the following important messages:

• Writing a letter is a quick and easy way to bring your loved ones closer

• Learn the basics and you’ll never lack confidence again.

• Start with baby steps.

• Practice makes perfect.

Richards tells you how to get started, who you might want to write to, some things you might want to say, and what supplies you’ll need to get started. She includes a list of salutations and closings, and there’s a delightful diagram showing the parts of a letter and its envelope so you’ll know what to write and exactly where to write it.

I was charmed by the chapter called “I Write Letters to Say,” in which she gives phrases for conveying many different sentences. Each beautifully illustrated page features a handwriting sample and provides space at the bottom to practice the sentence yourself. So you’re improving your handwriting while learning some lovely phrases and sentences.

The chapter on Cursive Writing is perfect for anyone of any age who wants to improve their handwriting. She starts with five reasons why it’s worth the effort, a page of warm-up exercises, a page demonstrating grip for both right-handed writers and left-handed writers, and then there are practice pages for all the letters of the alphabet, showing exactly how to form the upper and lower case letters. You can trace and then copy.

She suggests some creative, quirky materials you might turn into stationery, and winds up with a list of ten wonderful reasons to write a letter. The list includes benefits for you as well as for the recipient of your missive.

If you’re a veteran note or letter writer with legible handwriting, you may not need this book, but if you want to review the basics again, this is the book for you.