Five Tips for Writing a Letter, Jane Austen Style

I was inspired by this picture to imagine what advice Jane Austen might give to those who want to write a good, old-fashioned letter. (I'm not the only one who misses real letter-writing, am I?) And so, without further ado, here is an imagined letter from Jane herself.

Gentle Reader:

I understand you have suffered of late from a serious lack of letter-writing. I cannot comprehend how such a thing can have happened, but I am distressed on your behalf. One may do away with embroidery, the pianoforte, or the hunt, for all I care, but the joy of penning a letter is a pleasure I cannot imagine doing without. Therefore, I am moved upon to instruct you somewhat in the ways of letter-writing.

To write a good letter, one must:

1. Have appropriate tools. A good pen is essential. Choose one that does not trail ink around in unwanted pools or faint away before a word is completed.

2. Choose high quality stationery. For maximum enjoyment for the reader, ensure the paper is smooth to the touch and of such quality that the ink does not bleed through from one side to the next.

3. Take your time. Letters are meant to be read over and over again. Do not rush your writing. This is not the appropriate place for abbreviations or sloppy penmanship. Make your words beautiful to both the eye and the mind.

4. Say something worth the time, effort, and cost of a letter. Platitudes that have become customary in social settings are often unnecessary in the real communication made possible through letter writing. Put your heart in your letter, and you will have created something worth saving.

5. Write regularly. Practice will increase your skill as a correspondent, and, as a result, the pleasure you take in the activity. With a little perseverance, you may form a habit of letter writing which will bring you joy for years to come.

Sincerely,

Jane Austen


Let's write more letters! I'm going to write a real letter in December and actually mail it, instead of letting it sit on my desk for months. I'll let you know who I send it to. What about you?