As always, another great article. I'm really looking forward to your guest writer next week. I find graphology fascinating. We think we can hide things, but our handwriting won't let us conceal our true essence.
You always make great points! Let me add this: I know for a fact that snail mailing resumes and pitches is often the best way to rise above the crowd. Maybe including a short hand-written intro note would be effective!
I agree, Maryan, and while he addition of a handwritten note is classy, it should not take the place of a typed cover letter.
And while we're on the subject of job applications, I always recommend that applicants send BOTH an email and a handwritten thank-you note after an interview. The email is immediate and is simply an acknowledgement of appreciation and perhaps a point you want to emphasize. The handwritten note won't come for a couple of days, but it's a confirmation that you're the kind of person who pays attention to detail.
Thanks so much for this wonderful comment, Karen. There are a lot of folks in my Facebook group "The Art of the Heartspoken Note" who make their own envelopes and do all kinds of fun crafty things. I'm not as talented along those lines, though I'm trying to get brave and more creative.
I think it's remarkable that Kristi never intended to be a Substack guru, but I find her guidance to be clear, practical, and really helpful.
I totally agree! Unexpected "just for the heck of it" handwritten notes are the best. Every single time I open my mailbox there's a silent wish for a handwritten note. Ever since college. And thank you for let us know about K Keller! Much needed.
You have written so beautifully about the joy of receiving a letter. Yes, college is, for many, the first time they've been away from home for extended periods of time, so it's natural that we remember that joy of receiving mail.
And you won't be disappointed in Kristi's "Unstack Sustack."
This is seriously the best surprise all week! I'm so grateful not only to be your special note today, but to know that my tips are making a difference. Thank you!
On the topic of handwritten notes, I totally agree. My son and I sent letters to each other for years and now I'm SO grateful I have them because I no longer have him. That's one thing technology took away from us....the human touch. This was a beautiful post, Elizabeth!
I'm delighted this was a happy -- and well-deserved--surprise, Kristi. And I'm so touched with your affirmation of the importance of handwritten notes and letters in your own life. Their impact transcends years and miles, and lifetimes.
They certainly do. I now have a treasure box of handwritten letters I can leave to my grandkids - letters written by their dad. I'm sure it'll delight them in their adulthood too!
Your article reminds me of the times before email when the only way to communicate was through physical letters. One of the most exciting things was to receive a letter from a penfriend who was someone from another country you had never met in person. These friendships often continued for years, well into an adulthood and beyond.
Sandra, I totally agree. As a teenager, I had plenty of penpals from different countries. It was so neat to write to strangers and learn about their cultures.
And the great thing, Kristie was the excitement of receiving such a letter. I can’t imagine an email having such an effect today when all we really want to do is delete most of them!
As always, another great article. I'm really looking forward to your guest writer next week. I find graphology fascinating. We think we can hide things, but our handwriting won't let us conceal our true essence.
Thank you so much, JarieLyn! It helps me so much to know what pieces land well with readers.
You always make great points! Let me add this: I know for a fact that snail mailing resumes and pitches is often the best way to rise above the crowd. Maybe including a short hand-written intro note would be effective!
I agree, Maryan, and while he addition of a handwritten note is classy, it should not take the place of a typed cover letter.
And while we're on the subject of job applications, I always recommend that applicants send BOTH an email and a handwritten thank-you note after an interview. The email is immediate and is simply an acknowledgement of appreciation and perhaps a point you want to emphasize. The handwritten note won't come for a couple of days, but it's a confirmation that you're the kind of person who pays attention to detail.
Love sending cards and writing letters.
We even try to “make” our own envelopes (think fun folding with pretty paper). But I don’t do it enough and want to get better at doing it!
Also YESSSS I agree! Kristi is a Sensei Goddess at Substack + +. 🦋
Thanks so much for this wonderful comment, Karen. There are a lot of folks in my Facebook group "The Art of the Heartspoken Note" who make their own envelopes and do all kinds of fun crafty things. I'm not as talented along those lines, though I'm trying to get brave and more creative.
I think it's remarkable that Kristi never intended to be a Substack guru, but I find her guidance to be clear, practical, and really helpful.
I totally agree! Unexpected "just for the heck of it" handwritten notes are the best. Every single time I open my mailbox there's a silent wish for a handwritten note. Ever since college. And thank you for let us know about K Keller! Much needed.
You have written so beautifully about the joy of receiving a letter. Yes, college is, for many, the first time they've been away from home for extended periods of time, so it's natural that we remember that joy of receiving mail.
And you won't be disappointed in Kristi's "Unstack Sustack."
This is seriously the best surprise all week! I'm so grateful not only to be your special note today, but to know that my tips are making a difference. Thank you!
On the topic of handwritten notes, I totally agree. My son and I sent letters to each other for years and now I'm SO grateful I have them because I no longer have him. That's one thing technology took away from us....the human touch. This was a beautiful post, Elizabeth!
I'm delighted this was a happy -- and well-deserved--surprise, Kristi. And I'm so touched with your affirmation of the importance of handwritten notes and letters in your own life. Their impact transcends years and miles, and lifetimes.
They certainly do. I now have a treasure box of handwritten letters I can leave to my grandkids - letters written by their dad. I'm sure it'll delight them in their adulthood too!
Oh, it will be a treasure!
Your article reminds me of the times before email when the only way to communicate was through physical letters. One of the most exciting things was to receive a letter from a penfriend who was someone from another country you had never met in person. These friendships often continued for years, well into an adulthood and beyond.
Exactly. It was so exciting and children miss that today
I remember that too! I don't know when I got away from having pen pals, but it's such a rich tradition! I plan to write more about it soon.
It was so exciting receiving a letter from overseas and sometimes you had to wait about a month to get a reply
Sandra, I totally agree. As a teenager, I had plenty of penpals from different countries. It was so neat to write to strangers and learn about their cultures.
You're absolutely right, Kristi! I can't help but think the world might be a more peaceful place if we had more pen-palling going on!
And the great thing, Kristie was the excitement of receiving such a letter. I can’t imagine an email having such an effect today when all we really want to do is delete most of them!
Haha AMEN to that!!