I came across a book called Good Old Fashioned Advice by Michael Powell. It includes a section on the proper way to write a love letter. It’s a dying art, but one I think is very romantic because it demonstrates thought and takes an effort when these days it’s far easier to fire off an email, telephone or send a text.
Mr. Powell suggests the following steps will produce a successful love letter:
1. Write from the heart. If you are sincere, honest and caring, your words will find a natural rhythm and music.
2. Use high quality parchment and handwrite in ink.
3. If you have poor handwriting find someone who has good, tidy writing to write your letter for you. The visual impression will create a romantic disposition in the recipient even before they read the letter.
4. Check your spelling and punctuation. As the author says, love may be may be blind but it notices bad grammar.
5. A love letter should not be written lightly because toying with the affections of another is uncool.
6. Avoid purple prose. Simple writing is easier to read and more sincere.
7. Start your letter writing by placing a photo of your loved one in front of you. It’s good for inspiration.
8. Take your time. Don’t rush your letter writing.
9. Listen to some romantic music. The author suggests Chopin, Beethoven, Wagner or Tchaikovsky. I think we could probably go a bit more modern than that.
10. Write as you speak and think. A letter can be playful, flirtatious or witty, but it should carry your voice.
11. Be specific. Point out twelve unique qualities about your beloved.
12. Focus your letter on the two of you and nothing else.
13. End the letter by looking to the future. You want this relationship to last forever and to grow year by year. Let them know your thoughts and hopes for your life together.
Have you sent or received a love letter?
Lovely ideas! Thank you.
I used to…before email. lol
Love these ideas.
Fun TT!
*hugs*
Paige
My TT is at http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/
What a lovely post. Thanks for sharing. :)
Sadly, that’s one type of letter I’ve not received. Thanks for the interesting post, Shelley!
It’s been years since getting a letter like this. I also, loved little love notes placed strategically around the house.
Great tips. Happy T13!
Adelle, little notes left around the house are fun. I hope hubby reads this post ;-)
I’m going to stick with the emails. He’d be horribly offended if I had someone with good penmanship do it in my stead.
LOL – good point Alice. It might give rise to questions!
This was such a sweet post. Letter writing – especially love letters – is definitely a lost art. A love email/text just isn’t the same.
Suzanna – Emails aren’t as durable. I can’t see many being around in 100 years and selling for hundreds of dollars.
Gee. It’s been years since I’ve written (or received) a love letter. My favorite is the suggestion to use good quality parchment. Very nice.
My husband has never sent me a love letter. He might scribble a few lines on a card, but he’s more likely to hand over a surprise present.
When I was 14 we had end of term socials at school. I liked a guy, and we kissed at the social. We lived in the country and quite a distant apart. He wrote me a love letter, which must have taken a lot of guts. I was horrified at all this outpouring of emotion. I was obviously way too young for a love letter and tossed it in the bin. It’s the only one I’ve ever received.
As a Sexologist, I whole support this fabulous idea. What a wonderful way to show your lover or someone you cherish how you feel. It’s even great to receive one from a secret admirer.
Live with passion,
Dr. Charley Ferrer
Author: BDMS FOR WRITERS
BDSM THE NAKED TRUTH
Ah, the plot bunnies are stirring. Letters from a secret admirer would make an excellent plot.
No matter how you write it, the gesture is so sweet….Words can show so much…
It is a sweet gesture, and the time and thought that go into a letter mean so much too, since time always seems in such short supply these days.
This is really good advice and I think a dying art form.
My husband and I wrote each other before we got married while he was away in the Navy. I think it help us fall in love.
Janice – letters are so great because you can hold them and reread them. And years down the track, they bring back memories.
This is a wonderful idea, however, having someone else write it for you…I just can’t see that working out well. Although, it’s given me an interesting idea for a menage story. Thanks!
Happy TT,
~Xakara
13 Circling Thoughts
LOL – I think you’re meant to compose the actual letter and have someone with neat writing do the penmanship.
Cool post. I have to say, though, number 11 kind of threw me. 12 unique qualities? That’s a pretty hefty letter if you’re not using bullet points :)
Oh, it would be lovely to be on the receiving end of such a love letter!
We used to text love notes, does it count?
I guess they’re the modern version, Nas. They don’t last as long though because it’s easy to delete them/lose them.