Now in its seventh year, Mary Robinette Kowal’s A Month of Letters keeps going strong. Each year, for the month of February, participants commit to writing one actual, paper letter each day that the mail runs (there are 23 of them this year, I believe). February is tomorrow! You can handwrite them, do them in calligraphy, use a typewriter, whatever you like. Put the letter on paper, stick it in an envelope, address, stamp, and stick in the mail. (I recommend the Star Trek stamps.)
Who should you write a letter to? How about a grandparent, if you’re lucky enough to still have one. Anyone who has sent you a holiday card or letter this season. An old friend with whom you may have lost touch. Write to your Representative. Or, ask for correspondents on Twitter, Facebook, or elsewhere. If you don’t have a P.O. Box, you might want to restrict your pen pals to people you already know. But, regardless, you may find that some people also enjoy reading and writing letters and don’t see them as a one-off novelty. You may find a long term correspondent. If you’re short on ideas, write to Mary herself. She will write back. I, myself, have a couple of letters from her to prove it.
You can just write a letter with words, or you can also draw pictures, share recipes, mail small items, or whatever you like. But, for everyone who writes you, write them back. Them’s the rules. But it also counts toward the daily writing commitment.
The LetterMo website has all kinds of goodies, such as a participant badge, stickers, a postcard, and a planning calendar. You can also buy the postcards and use them if you don’t have time for full-length letters. If you love this idea, consider supporting A Month of Letters on Patreon. A Month of Letters also has a presence on Twitter and Facebook.
Anyone want to write me? I’ll write you back. My P.O. Box address is on my website.
Have you participated in A Month of Letters before? Will you participate this year?
Mary Robinette Kowal is a distinguished author and puppeteer. Check out her books!
