Writing physical letters

When was the last time you wrote a physical letter, with handwriting? I cannot accurately answer this question for myself. Part of me wants to believe that I have written a letter by hand and sent it to someone. However, I cannot think of a single occasion where this is true. Perhaps when I used to enter into magazine competitions when I was a kid, although that was not a full letter so much as filling out a form to enter a competition.

Anyway, today I wrote my first hand-written letter in as long as I can remember. This is something that has been in the back of my mind for a few weeks as I promised I would send a printed h-card to one member of the London / Europe Homebrew Website Club in exchange for some stickers I received. I put the idea in the back of my mind but as I have been preparing for releasing my first zine I realised that I have all I need to send a letter. I just needed to actually write the letter.

My handwriting definitely needs work, a fact of which I have been aware for the last few years, but I enjoyed the challenge. I think my writing comes across as legible when I focus, which is good considering I seldom write on a day to day basis as most of my notes are recorded on electronic devices. Oh! how much I depend on computers to keep track of things.

Anyway, I wanted to open up a discussion about physical letters. When did you last write a physical letter? Why? Do you have a pen pal? Have you ever had a pen pal? If you know me and would like to set up some written correspondence, send me an email at readers@jamesg.blog and we might be able to arrange something. While letters are slow, they are definitely more personal (and they give me an excuse to practice my handwriting skills) and I enjoy the medium. I find myself increasingly fascinated with print but most of my artefacts so far have been digital creations made into print.

I'm already excited to see what comes of this.