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For the Love of Letters: A 21st-Century Guide to the Art of Letter Writing
The author takes readers step-by-step through the entire process of writing a letter, from how to start and what to say to knowing when e-mail is appropriate.
Have you ever wanted to write a thank-you note and suffered writer's block? Considered penning a passionate letter to your beloved, but had no idea where to begin? Needed to send a sympathy message, but couldn't find the right words? Fear not. Professional letter writer Samara O'Shea is here to spark your creativity and answer all your letter-writing questions in this charming guide.
For the Love of Letters is an anecdotal primer on letter writing, with tips on how to write all types of notes: love letters, break-up letters, apology letters, thank-you letters, erotic letters (oh yes!), and more. It's filled with moving, funny, and embarrassing stories about letters Samara has written and received, including an apology from a guy who addressed her by the wrong name, a good-riddance e-mail to a capricious boyfriend, and multiple apology letters after getting fired from an internship at O: The Oprah Magazine. With a fresh, contemporary approach, Samara weighs in on appropriate methods for every situation—for example, when to handwrite, type, or e-mail (yes, e-mail) your letter. There is also a fascinating collection of engaging personal letters written by historical and literary icons such as Marie Antoinette, Beethoven, Edgar Allan Poe, Susan B. Anthony, and Emily Post.
For the Love of Letters will show anyone who has ever shuddered at the idea of sitting down and putting pen to paper—or fingertips to keyboard—how to craft persuasive, interesting, and memorable letters.
Have you ever wanted to write a thank-you note and suffered writer's block? Considered penning a passionate letter to your beloved, but had no idea where to begin? Needed to send a sympathy message, but couldn't find the right words? Fear not. Professional letter writer Samara O'Shea is here to spark your creativity and answer all your letter-writing questions in this charming guide.
For the Love of Letters is an anecdotal primer on letter writing, with tips on how to write all types of notes: love letters, break-up letters, apology letters, thank-you letters, erotic letters (oh yes!), and more. It's filled with moving, funny, and embarrassing stories about letters Samara has written and received, including an apology from a guy who addressed her by the wrong name, a good-riddance e-mail to a capricious boyfriend, and multiple apology letters after getting fired from an internship at O: The Oprah Magazine. With a fresh, contemporary approach, Samara weighs in on appropriate methods for every situation—for example, when to handwrite, type, or e-mail (yes, e-mail) your letter. There is also a fascinating collection of engaging personal letters written by historical and literary icons such as Marie Antoinette, Beethoven, Edgar Allan Poe, Susan B. Anthony, and Emily Post.
For the Love of Letters will show anyone who has ever shuddered at the idea of sitting down and putting pen to paper—or fingertips to keyboard—how to craft persuasive, interesting, and memorable letters.
172 pages, Hardcover
First published April 24, 2007
19 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Samara O'Shea
3 books37 followersI've written two books paying homage to the written word and its healing powers. My third book offers inspiration and guidance to those suffering unrequited love. My books are a melting pot of personal stories, history, pop culture, literature and advice. In addition to the books, my work has also appeared in Woman's Day, Country Living, Marie Claire, and The Huffington Post. I have a master's degree in social work and am preparing to take my clinical license test in late September 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 9, 2011
Okay, I liked this book a little less than O'Shea's other book, Note to Self: On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits. I found it to be quite readable, and I enjoyed reading it. Like Note to Self, this book comes across almost more like a memoir than an instruction manual--she could've reasonably subtitled it "My Life in Letters." But readable as it was, I think it did fall down a bit on the how-to part, mostly because I ended up being more fascinated by the sample letters than the advice they were supposed to illustrate!
Oh, and another similarity to Note to Self: there's a section on erotic letters. Anyone thinking of buying this book for a young person or for someone who doesn't care for explicit sexual description, should look through the book before giving it away.
Oh, and another similarity to Note to Self: there's a section on erotic letters. Anyone thinking of buying this book for a young person or for someone who doesn't care for explicit sexual description, should look through the book before giving it away.
March 30, 2015
I was disappointed in this book. Instead of being an actual guide to letter writing, this was a general book about letters the author has written. Some tips for letter writing included check your spelling and include details. Thanks.
April 30, 2019
Absolutely lovely. It teaches you how to write any kind of letter (even erotic letters, reader be warned). I find this endlessly useful and will refer back next time I need to write a thank you note or a sympathy letter.
April 15, 2012
The art of general letter-writing in the present day is shrinking until the letter threatens to become a telegram, a telephone message, a post-card. — Emily Post, Etiquette, 1922 (page ix)
When is the last time you wrote a letter? Would you like to write someone, but you’re not sure what to say? Some letters are harder to write, such as apologies or condolences. For some charming guidance, I recommend For the Love of Letters, which is packed with funny stories, embarrassing letter-moments, and fascinating correspondence from legends such as Marie Antoinette, Beethoven, and Edgar Allen Poe.
O’Shea begins with how to write a love letter. You’ll find advice, from where to begin to how to sign off. The examples, from famous and not-so-famous authors, range from eloquent to steamy. John Keats professes his undying love whilst he is dying. James Joyce’s love letters to Nora Barnacle, even after five years and two children, burn with passion and desire.
Love letters don’t have to express romantic love. (One of O’Shea’s most treasured came from her sister. And thank you notes aren’t restricted to birthday presents. You can write one for an unexpected gift: an impromptu dinner invitation, some sound advice, or a shared adventure.
I challenge you to write a letter to someone you care for this week.
When is the last time you wrote a letter? Would you like to write someone, but you’re not sure what to say? Some letters are harder to write, such as apologies or condolences. For some charming guidance, I recommend For the Love of Letters, which is packed with funny stories, embarrassing letter-moments, and fascinating correspondence from legends such as Marie Antoinette, Beethoven, and Edgar Allen Poe.
O’Shea begins with how to write a love letter. You’ll find advice, from where to begin to how to sign off. The examples, from famous and not-so-famous authors, range from eloquent to steamy. John Keats professes his undying love whilst he is dying. James Joyce’s love letters to Nora Barnacle, even after five years and two children, burn with passion and desire.
Love letters don’t have to express romantic love. (One of O’Shea’s most treasured came from her sister. And thank you notes aren’t restricted to birthday presents. You can write one for an unexpected gift: an impromptu dinner invitation, some sound advice, or a shared adventure.
I challenge you to write a letter to someone you care for this week.
October 1, 2012
This is a superb book, which I cannot say enough about. It is the second book I've read by Samara O'Shea. I love her forthright honesty and the conversational tone of her books. She shares numerous examples of letters, historic as well as some of her own private letters. One of my favorite historic letters in the book is the last letter written by Marie Antoinette. This book is a wonderful guide with suggestions how to write any letter from the simple thank you note to the sultry love letter. It is a book I can see myself referring to frequently.
May 12, 2014
O’Shea’s book on letters was a nice tutorial for those who don’t have as much experience in writing letters and a nice refresher for those of us who do. In addition, hearing of O’Shea’s own personal experience with writing and receiving letters over the years as well as some historical examples was a nice touch. It added more of the personal touch to what is becoming a very personal mode of communication. I recommend this as a fun and rather quick read.
January 30, 2009
While meant to be a how-to book on writing letters, this was pretty engaging. Many examples of all sorts of letters from love to business are given, and historic examples are included just for fun.
July 2, 2023
Right up my alley, for sure.
August 2, 2023
Lots of samples and examples of letters. I especially enjoyed the historical letters (including Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" letter, which I've read before.) So many books on letter writing have a lot of the same information, as did this. This, however, includes racy erotic letters and suggestions that made this old lady blush.
May 13, 2025
pretty interesting. found it somewhere for free and read it while in between books and it was more enjoyable than i expected
October 1, 2025
My friend and I write letters to each other and she decided to borrow a library book about letter writing so then I did too for a quasi-buddy read. I can't wait to use this knowledge to write kickass letters to those I love! The design of this book is wonderfully mid-2000s with so many fonts. We used to be maximalists! Loved this book
March 12, 2017
Samara is my heroine
March 25, 2016
Synopsis: "The author takes readers step-by-step through the entire process of writing a letter, from how to start and what to say to knowing when e-mail is appropriate.
Have you ever wanted to write a thank-you note and suffered writer's block? Considered penning a passionate letter to your beloved, but had no idea where to begin? Needed to send a sympathy message, but couldn't find the right words? Fear not. Professional letter writer Samara O'Shea is here to spark your creativity and answer all your letter-writing questions in this charming guide.
For the Love of Letters is an anecdotal primer on letter writing, with tips on how to write all types of notes: love letters, break-up letters, apology letters, thank-you letters, erotic letters (oh yes!), and more. It's filled with moving, funny, and embarrassing stories about letters Samara has written and received, including an apology from a guy who addressed her by the wrong name, a good-riddance e-mail to a capricious boyfriend, and multiple apology letters after getting fired from an internship at O: The Oprah Magazine. With a fresh, contemporary approach, Samara weighs in on appropriate methods for every situation—for example, when to handwrite, type, or e-mail (yes, e-mail) your letter. There is also a fascinating collection of engaging personal letters written by historical and literary icons such as Marie Antoinette, Beethoven, Edgar Allan Poe, Susan B. Anthony, and Emily Post.
For the Love of Letters will show anyone who has ever shuddered at the idea of sitting down and putting pen to paper—or fingertips to keyboard—how to craft persuasive, interesting, and memorable letters."
My Review: I have mixed emotions about this book. I found it to be helpful in the sense that it gives tips and goes into different types of letters that other similar books have not gone into, particularly the more emotionally charged letters like love letters, breakup letters and goodbye letters. It does give great tips on what to include, or how to open or close the letter. It also goes into other more professional letters as well. The one thing that was a draw back for me was the author's constant pushing of her own letter writing website and service as well as the constant reference to her own personal dating life, yes she used her own letters as examples throughout the book which maybe helpful for some but I found it to be a little narcissistic. I didn't care to continuously read about her failed relationships, I think it would have been better to make up examples, but that is just my opinion.
Have you ever wanted to write a thank-you note and suffered writer's block? Considered penning a passionate letter to your beloved, but had no idea where to begin? Needed to send a sympathy message, but couldn't find the right words? Fear not. Professional letter writer Samara O'Shea is here to spark your creativity and answer all your letter-writing questions in this charming guide.
For the Love of Letters is an anecdotal primer on letter writing, with tips on how to write all types of notes: love letters, break-up letters, apology letters, thank-you letters, erotic letters (oh yes!), and more. It's filled with moving, funny, and embarrassing stories about letters Samara has written and received, including an apology from a guy who addressed her by the wrong name, a good-riddance e-mail to a capricious boyfriend, and multiple apology letters after getting fired from an internship at O: The Oprah Magazine. With a fresh, contemporary approach, Samara weighs in on appropriate methods for every situation—for example, when to handwrite, type, or e-mail (yes, e-mail) your letter. There is also a fascinating collection of engaging personal letters written by historical and literary icons such as Marie Antoinette, Beethoven, Edgar Allan Poe, Susan B. Anthony, and Emily Post.
For the Love of Letters will show anyone who has ever shuddered at the idea of sitting down and putting pen to paper—or fingertips to keyboard—how to craft persuasive, interesting, and memorable letters."
My Review: I have mixed emotions about this book. I found it to be helpful in the sense that it gives tips and goes into different types of letters that other similar books have not gone into, particularly the more emotionally charged letters like love letters, breakup letters and goodbye letters. It does give great tips on what to include, or how to open or close the letter. It also goes into other more professional letters as well. The one thing that was a draw back for me was the author's constant pushing of her own letter writing website and service as well as the constant reference to her own personal dating life, yes she used her own letters as examples throughout the book which maybe helpful for some but I found it to be a little narcissistic. I didn't care to continuously read about her failed relationships, I think it would have been better to make up examples, but that is just my opinion.
August 22, 2008
I received this book as a gift from a friend who is a manager in a stationery store. As such, I get frequent letters from him, and we often talk of how I enjoy writing letters to friends.
Samara O'Shea is not, as one would expect, a prim and proper woman of older age informing the world on what etiquette to follow in writing letters because whippersnappers these days just don't know what a letter is. Rather, she is young, hip, and recognizes that most people are just out of practice. Whether you are writing a love letter to your companion or to someone you hope will be your companion, a break-up letter, a letter of recommendation, a simple thank-you note, an epistle urging political progress or nearly any other sort of letter you need, O'Shea leads the reader politely and humorously through the best methods of construction, grammar, and delivery of this disappearing art. Also, in a stroke of genius, she tells you what to do if you receive one of these letters.
The title is not misleading, either. Several genres of letters are very open to email as a form of delivery. It's easy not to realize that when one sends an email, one is actually composing a letter without a stamp, but even to the most romantic, there are some posts which cannot wait even the day or two a postal service will manage. O'Shea readily invites people to use email for those most urgent matters of love, and many of the informal letters of business.
Now that I've finished, I plan on writing a thank-you letter to O'Shea for making the book.
Samara O'Shea is not, as one would expect, a prim and proper woman of older age informing the world on what etiquette to follow in writing letters because whippersnappers these days just don't know what a letter is. Rather, she is young, hip, and recognizes that most people are just out of practice. Whether you are writing a love letter to your companion or to someone you hope will be your companion, a break-up letter, a letter of recommendation, a simple thank-you note, an epistle urging political progress or nearly any other sort of letter you need, O'Shea leads the reader politely and humorously through the best methods of construction, grammar, and delivery of this disappearing art. Also, in a stroke of genius, she tells you what to do if you receive one of these letters.
The title is not misleading, either. Several genres of letters are very open to email as a form of delivery. It's easy not to realize that when one sends an email, one is actually composing a letter without a stamp, but even to the most romantic, there are some posts which cannot wait even the day or two a postal service will manage. O'Shea readily invites people to use email for those most urgent matters of love, and many of the informal letters of business.
Now that I've finished, I plan on writing a thank-you letter to O'Shea for making the book.
August 15, 2009
Well, Samara O'Shea is just about as charming as can be. As an avid letter writer myself, it was nice to see typically formal letter-writing subjects (apologies, sympathy, The Goodbye Letter) tackled with finesse & fun! Because, yes, letter writing can be very fun! Sometimes I got detoured as a reader by the formality of the subjects and examples which occasionally seemed fussy to me, but overall it was a very enjoyable read & an inspiring one as well. Is there any reader who wouldn't love to get a (positive) letter from Samara someday?
I wish it were a little longer (or promised future volumes!), to have tackled subjects such as: letter writing to keep in touch with distant friends, fan letters, letters of COMPLAINT! But really, this book is already 100% awesome for Samara's insights into what makes letter writing so important, as much now as ever - especially her statements in the closing paragraphs of the book. And I absolutely loved her inclusion of writing letters to make social or political change, ie Amnesty International or letters to an editor.
The chapter on love letters was kind of embarrassing for me to read due to its explicit nature! But on a related note, James Joyce was a dirty dog. OMG.
I wish it were a little longer (or promised future volumes!), to have tackled subjects such as: letter writing to keep in touch with distant friends, fan letters, letters of COMPLAINT! But really, this book is already 100% awesome for Samara's insights into what makes letter writing so important, as much now as ever - especially her statements in the closing paragraphs of the book. And I absolutely loved her inclusion of writing letters to make social or political change, ie Amnesty International or letters to an editor.
The chapter on love letters was kind of embarrassing for me to read due to its explicit nature! But on a related note, James Joyce was a dirty dog. OMG.
August 11, 2009
This was my introduction to Samara O'Shea's books. Her second book, Note to Self: On Keeping a Journal and Other Dangerous Pursuits, impressed me much, much more than this one. For the Love of Letters is like an updated Emily Post on letter writing. Which isn't a bad thing––the next time I have to write a cover letter, an apology letter, a love letter, or a break-up letter, I will not hesitate to come back to this book. Then I'll remember not to hesitate to play with words and turn casual, well-used phrases around to make them new and exciting.
It's a great book for the types of letters it covers, but the types of letters I'm sending and receiving most of lately are letters to pen pals, which you don't need any help on. You just have to be yourself and curious about other people (and it doesn't help to have a love of stationery ;)). In all, I'm very glad to have this book for when I get into the situations that it has info about.
It's a great book for the types of letters it covers, but the types of letters I'm sending and receiving most of lately are letters to pen pals, which you don't need any help on. You just have to be yourself and curious about other people (and it doesn't help to have a love of stationery ;)). In all, I'm very glad to have this book for when I get into the situations that it has info about.
October 26, 2007
Besides being full of humor, attitude, and wit, and this book makes you want to write an epic letter to everyone in your life. I love the way the book is organized, as it includes letters by historical figures at the end of each chapter. At the end of the chapter on how to write erotic letters, there is an unbelievably raunchy one by James Joyce to his wife. There is a letter from Abe Lincoln to a mother who was said to lose five sons in the war, in the chapter on sympathy letters. As you are instructed on writing all different types of letters, you find yourself becoming more and more interested in letters themselves because of the sample letters like these. I found myself going to her website and writing down her recommended readings, which were compilations of selected letters by historical figures. letter anthologies, and letters between lovers. there is even a link to buy stationery!
February 22, 2015
I am in full agreement with Samara on the lost art of letter writing -- letters are surely a personal and emotional form of communication. People tend to hold onto and treasure handwritten letters in a way they do few other things.
There's a big danger in being too revealing of your own interests. Samara begins with the subject of erotic letters, and expresses her personal angers at Stephen Joyce for refusing to publish his grandfather's erotic letters. At times it's too wilted and revealing.
That's the trouble with sharing your personal letters -- you expose your personality, the one meant to be reserved for the target recipient. Much of the advice is wonderful. Ultimately, it's up to each person to find their own voice, share their own feelings and profundities, and strive for honesty.
There's a big danger in being too revealing of your own interests. Samara begins with the subject of erotic letters, and expresses her personal angers at Stephen Joyce for refusing to publish his grandfather's erotic letters. At times it's too wilted and revealing.
That's the trouble with sharing your personal letters -- you expose your personality, the one meant to be reserved for the target recipient. Much of the advice is wonderful. Ultimately, it's up to each person to find their own voice, share their own feelings and profundities, and strive for honesty.
August 25, 2008
Samara O'Shea loves a good letter and in this book, she shares her expertise on how to write them. That part can be helpful if you're not used to writing letters, but what makes this book worth it are her wry anecdotes about life, and the collection of letters she includes. Some of her own, but more often than not, she includes little gems-- letters written by the greats in various situations. We have Joyce's bawdy love letter to his amour, Sarah Bernhardt's breakup letter to some poor man she led on, and Marie Antoinette's last letter to her sister before being marched off to the guillotine, among many others. For anyone who loves letters, this is a great read. I can't wait to read to contribution to journal writing in her other book.
November 20, 2009
I started this book, then abandoned it, but went back to it. I think it is organized badly. I would have put the termination and resignation and kiss-off type letters at the end,. Perhaps they wanted to end the book on a positive note? There are some good tips for cover letters and some great stories about letters Samara O'Shea has written. I think the author goes into her single status a bit too much, but otherwise the books is relatively entertaining, well written and useful. I think this would be a good reference book - one to refer to periodically.
July 10, 2014
Some of the letters contained within the book were interesting (most were not penned by the author). Overall, it seemed that the majority of the book was on letters written in the context of a romantic relationship, and some more variety would have made it a more engaging read.
It was also quite amusing how the author kept emphasizing the importance of grammar in several chapters, yet there were quite a number of obvious grammar mistakes throughout the book.
It was also quite amusing how the author kept emphasizing the importance of grammar in several chapters, yet there were quite a number of obvious grammar mistakes throughout the book.
August 28, 2009
A pleasant little book on the art of writing letters, this book would make a nice reference for those who feel the need to improve their epistolary talents, or who simply enjoy the genre of letters (as I do - mostly Cicero, Pliny, Seneca, etc.). Anyway, I'd recommend this one to anyone who enjoys correspondence as much as I do!
February 21, 2015
brilliant. engaging. thoughtful. inspiring. O'Shea's passion for letters is clear in every chapter as she shares the how-to's of effective, polished, and authentic letter writing. interested in writing love letters? notes of apology? thank you cards? even angry letters? Samara O'Shea has you covered, gracefully.
March 21, 2011
It's sad to think that our society has come to the point that we need how-to books on letter-writing. Be that as it may, this book is wonderful. I gave copies of this as gifts, but I have not one for myself. *hint, hint*
April 12, 2014
Read more like a 'how-to' than an homage to art of letters, often sounding more like a magazine article guide to crafty correspondance. In short, the book lacked soul--not much of a read for lovers of the written word but adequately explanatory for someone seeking guidance in accomplishing a task.
December 16, 2015
The topic caught my attention, since I like to write letters to penpals, but unfortunately the book is divided up into topics unrelated to my own personal letter writing. Others may find it more useful if they write lots of letters to the editors, complaint letters, etc.
June 6, 2007
for review in Noneuclidean Cafe
January 10, 2008
Where this really shines is in breakup/apology notes. The rest of it is very well-worded common sense.
October 13, 2008
I am inspired to write more letters! This has always been a good medium for me to express myself, but I rarely write letters by hand anymore.
June 30, 2009
Interesting topic, decent selection of examples
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews