February is International Correspondence Writing Month (#InCoWriMo)
When is the last time you wrote a letter – on paper – and sent it in the mail?
There is something luxurious about taking the time handwrite a note, address an envelope and make your way to the post office. I love the feeling of pushing it through the mail slot without knowing when it might be received. The arrival will be a happy surprise for everyone.
February is International Correspondence Writing Month (#InCoWriMo) which challenges you to hand-write and mail/deliver one letter, card, note or postcard every day during the month of February.
“To write is human, to receive a letter: Divine!”
~ Susan Lendroth
If you are new to letter writing, the idea of sending 28 letters in a row can be intimidating. I decided to help get you started with 20 letter writing prompts.
20 Letter Writing Prompts
- Write a letter to someone you admire.
- Write a letter to a local business, artist, or author.
- Write a letter to someone you miss.
- Write a letter to a person who makes you laugh.
- Write a letter to your neighbour.
- Write a letter to someone you see every day (and tell them something new).
- Write a letter to a friend’s pet from your pet.
- Write a letter to a child in your life.
- Write a letter a someone you’d like to apologize to.
- Write a letter to a childhood friend.
- Write a letter to someone you’d like to have over for tea.
- Write a letter to someone you have never met in person.
- Write a letter to a person who has made an important impact in your life.
- Write a letter to someone you’ve recently made plans with.
- Write a letter to the first person you thought of today.
- Write a letter to someone who has helped you recently.
- Write a letter to a previous boss or co-worker.
- Write a letter to a family member you haven’t seen in a while.
- Write a letter to the editor and share good news.
- Write a letter to whoever is living in your childhood home.
More Letter Writing Inspiration
If you want to add a bit of flourish to your letters, consider mail art. This is when you decorate the outside of the envelope or postcard, making it a piece of art in its own right.
Sound interesting? Check out my book The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19. This is the story of what happens when a global pandemic is captured through pieces of mail art from around the world. The Mail Art Stories Project, Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19 is a collection of decorated envelopes and postcards created between April 2020 – September 2021.
The Mail Art Stories Project is also an art exhibit touring across North America. The next exhibition will occur in March 2024 at Watson & Lou in Peterborough, Ontario.
If you would like more information about bringing the art exhibit to your community, please reach out!
Unique Postcards that Double As Writing Prompts
Every package contains 5 mail-ready postcards, each with their own theme-based writing activity. There is also a note from the maker with ideas on how to make the most out of each activity if you’re not sure where to start.
The Death Series provides an opportunity to explore endings and reflect on the impact they’ve had on your life. Each writing activity begins with “Write an obituary for ___” and then a prompt for writing. Example: Write an obituary for your grief.
The Giving Birth Series provides an opportunity to explore and celebrate new beginnings that occur in life. Each writing activity begins with “Write a birth announcement for ___” and then a prompt for writing. Example: Write a birth announcement for your confidence.
Whether you choose to write a letter every day in February, or just one, enjoy the process and the pace.
Erica
PS – don’t forget to include your return address!
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Erica Richmond, the founder of Open Sky Stories believes that words have the power to provide connection & healing. She offers a variety of writing workshops and 1:1 mentoring. Erica has published two books: Pixie and the Bees and The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19.
She lives in Peterborough, Canada with her two teens where they find adventures in everyday life.
Follow Erica on Instagram for daily writing inspiration and real-life stories.
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