Hello Strangers,
I’ve noticed something about the people around me. We tend to believe we are limited. Not just in the practical ways that many people actually are limited, but in what we think. In how we behave. In things we want but believe we can’t have, regardless of whether or not we could feasibly lay hands on them. One thing I’ve heard frequently is the lament that the art of letter writing has died. No longer do young lovers write notes, no longer do friends send letters across the country, no longer do relatives send each other recipes cut from newspapers and old pictures.
…But those aren’t the only people we can send letters to.
H.P. Lovecraft received letters from a fan about his stories, and enjoyed the fan’s ideas so much that he kept up the correspondence for months. Eventually, that fan invited him to spend the summer with him at his home in Florida, and Lovecraft agreed. When he got there, however, he discovered that the fan he was meeting was not a cultured, intellectually minded adult, but a fourteen-year-old boy by the name of Robert Barlow. Lovecraft had already made the trip, so he ended up spending the summer as planned with the boy and his mother. They spent days fishing, hiking, and sharing story ideas. Looking back through the history of writers, artists, philosophers, and kings, it’s easy to see both the profound and the hilarious ways that letters bound them together. But it’s not over. Letter writing is actually alive and well if you know where to look.
Fan Mail
I make no promises that the writer you love will spend a summer with you in Florida, but if you’ve ever wanted to tell them what their work meant to you, do so. If there’s something they taught you, mention it. You can ask questions about their inspirations, and questions about the plot. In reality, you’re not old friends, so be polite and respectful, but there are many writers who would love to hear from the people they write for.
Academics
If you’re in highschool, college, or simply enjoy doing your own private research, chances are you’ll come across scientists and other experts who have insights that you’ll need, and you’ll often find their work in expensive, restricted journals. It might interest you to know that those journals take the majority of the profit while their contributors receive very little. Many researchers will give you information (or even full papers) for free or at a reduced rate if you reach out and ask for them. These might be letters or (more likely) emails, but still. How exciting to write to noted experts and gain access to incredibly specific knowledge that helps you in your own studies?
Politicians
New legislation is being introduced and suppressed all the time. We are citizens who have a voice should we choose to use it, but so frequently my generation sits down. I don’t think many people actually know that they can contact the office of their elected representatives, at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Laws on pet ownership, property rights, food distribution, and far, far more are constantly being discussed in the halls of government. Not only that, but which charitable institutions get funding. Things like homeless shelters, pet shelters, food pantries, etc. Not only this, but more lighthearted things like celebratory events, parades, concerts, etc. Why not get your voice out there and start a letter writing campaign? Do I honestly believe it would make a difference? Well, sometimes yes and often no. But maybe the most important reason to do this is that it fosters passion in a largely apathetic and defeated society.
Hospitals and Elderly Care Homes
This one is not for the faint of heart. Whether it’s a single letter of encouragement, or a lasting correspondence, people in hospitals are sick, and the elderly are old. These are obvious statements, but the potential that the person you’re writing to may pass away is exponentially higher. It can be a heavy task. On the other hand however, sick people often get better, the elderly often become ancient, and regardless, words of encouragement, humor, or intrigue can lighten many a heart. Not only that, but this may be the perfect creative outlet. Do you have a story you’ve been writing and want feedback? Have you done some watercolor studies you think someone might enjoy? Do you want to decorate the envelope in an interesting way? Do you have funny moments that you’ve been dying to share? This is just the place for light and joy. Note that letters written through programs are checked over before they’re given to patients and residents, especially children, so be very careful when considering what to include. Research online letter writing programs in your area, or larger programs. There are different non profit organizations that set up correspondence and sometimes hospitals have unique programs for their location. And lastly…
Friends and Family
For some this simply won’t happen, at least for a long time. But for others, all that may be required is for you to stick your neck out and send the first one. Send a note, a small picture, a bag of your favorite tea or scents, and ask for one back. If you don’t live far away from each other, maybe you can even pass them to each other in person and make a day of it.
Bonus
Alright, it has always been one of my dreams to write beautiful letters with illustrations and recipes and leave them in public spaces like libraries, buses, benches, etc. You will very rarely get caught if you’re sneaky. Again, if you just want to write letters and provide the excitement of receiving a letter to someone else, this might be just the thing for you.
Benevolently mischievous,
–Mabel
To All My Strangers 