When you receive the daily mail do you jump to open the handwritten envelopes first because you can't wait to see who has written and why? Or do you hold those letters aside to savor and enjoy after you are done sorting your bills and tossing the junk mail? Whatever your approach, you no doubt recognize the importance of the note that comes in a unique envelope with distinct handwriting and possibly a decoration or two. Indeed, in an age when even birthday greetings are sent by e-mail, the personal letter is appreciated more than ever before. For those who enjoy writing notes, or those who value doing so but find themselves intimidated by the task, acclaimed calligrapher Margaret Shepherd has created both an epistolary tribute and rescue manual. Just as you cherish receiving personal mail, you can take pleasure in crafting correspondence. Love, gratitude, condolences, congratulations-for every emotion and occasion, a snippet of heartfelt prose is included, sure to loosen the most stymied letter writer. Not only providing inspiration for the content of the missives, The Art of the Handwritten Note gives thorough instruction in the specific details that give so many men and women the jitters when it comes to correspondence that can't (or shouldn't) be produced on a keyboard. From overcoming illegible penmanship to mastering the challenge of keeping straight margins, avoiding smeared ink, and choosing stationery that is appropriate but suits your style, this is a powerful little guide to conveying thoughts in an enduring-and noteworthy-way.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Better than expected:
This was a gift for my husband - he was thrilled and I was able to save money over the retail cost, even taking shipping into account.
Help for Those that Don't Like Writing Letters:
I hardly ever wrote notes or letters - especially the dreaded "thank you" note for a gift (a process that I still remember as a childhood punishment) - despite the good intentions of my mother. Now, over 40 years later, I am beginning to become civilized at last. Thanks to the helpful advice in this book, coupled with very useful sample phrases and "do's and don'ts" lists, I can write a pretty good note as needed. My friends and family appreciate the change. And I am continually surprised at work... more info
Jumpstart for reconnecting:
A great book! Full of inspiring ideas and tips on reconnecting through handwriting. Lots of good habits to teach the next generation, too. If you've ever thought of wanting to express something special to someone else and didn't know how to start or what to say, read this book before you decide to do nothing.
paean to letterwriting, but don't trust the etiquette advice:
Average five stars and one star, and you get three stars. If you've heard of delectable cookbooks being referred to as "food porn," you'll understand why I might refer to the first four chapters of The Art of the Handwritten Note as "stationery porn." Shepherd describes beautifully why and how to handwrite a variety of notes and letters. I've written hundreds myself and can vouch for the soundness of her advice. And I love reading different authors on the beauties of pens and papers, as I am one of those... more info
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