A Letter-Writing Guide
inspired by Elizabeth & Tara*Starr
from P.S. Longer Letter Later
There's Nothing Like a Letter from a Friend...
When Ann M. Martin and Paula Danziger set out to write P.S. Longer Letter Later, they had no idea how it would turn out in the end. With Ann writing as Elizabeth and Paula writing as Tara*Starr, they created the novel letter by letter - much in the way that real friends correspond. And because they really are friends, they found the project especially interesting and rewarding.
What's so cool about letters?
"...I just reread your letter for, like, the tenth time. I keep reading it over and over because it's SORT OF like having you here with me." - Elizabeth
Elizabeth and Tara*Starr begin to write each other letters out of necessity. They need to talk, and long-distance phone calls are too expensive. But they soon find that letter-writing is much more than an economical way of keeping in touch.
When you write a letter, you're spending a special kind of private time with a friend. You sit down with your thoughts, gather them together, and pour them out. In a sense, the blank page is the perfect listener. As you write, you have your friend's undivided attention. No one's going to interrupt you. You can just say what's on your mind. You can crumple the letter up when your done, or write another draft, or send it without changing a word. As you write, you know that your friend will read your letter in silence, absorbed by what you have to say to them. And part of the pleasure of letter-writing is the pleasure of anticipation - of imagining your friend getting the letter, reading it, reacting to it, and writing you back.
How do I get someone to write me a letter?
You've got to write 'em to get 'em. But what if you're stuck with a best friend who never writes back? In that case, find someone else who likes to write. Like anything precious, a great correspondence is rare. If you get one going, you'll know - and you'll cherish it.
Who should I write to?
"No one understands me the way you do. (And I bet no one understands you in the way I do.)" -- Tara*Starr
Write to a good friend who has moved away. A cousin you really like but don't get to see very often. Your grandmother. A classmate. Someone you admire. Someone you met at camp, or on a vacation. Someone who lives close by - or far away. You could ask your school or public librarian for way to get a pen pal from another state or country. That could be a great way to start a friendship - though it might take some time and patience to find a pen pal you really "click" with.
What should I write about?
"...I feel I have to start by being FRANK and HONEST and telling you what I am really thinking, without holding anything back." -- Elizabeth
What you write about will depend on your relationship with the person you're writing to, and on the things you have in common. Once you open up - and if you're in the mood to talk - you might find that it's hard to write fast enough to get all your thoughts down - that your brain can't keep up with your pen! If you happen to type well, you might find that typing or using a word processor is faster than writing.
What if I disagree with something my friend writes?
"The only thing I'm worried about is...are you always going to get mad when I don't agree with you, when I don't see things the way you do?" -- Tara*Starr
Elizabeth and Tara*Starr are very different, and they don't always see eye-to-eye. Sometimes they argue. Sometimes they don't understand each other. But one thing is sure - they care deeply about each other. They count on each other to listen, and writing letters helps them sort out complicated issues and scary feelings at a time when being together is just not possible. By talking about their differences, they actually become better friends than ever.
What about e-mail?
E-mail is a great way to keep in touch. Sometimes it's just a quick way of saying hello - kind of like talking on the phone. Some people put more time and effort into their messages. Thanks to the internet, you can get into discussions with all kinds of people instantly. And they wouldn't be online if they didn't like to write. A word of warning: Be cautious. It's not wise to share personal information - like your name and address - with strangers.
Still - no matter how amazing and convenient e-mail is, it's not the same as a letter. A good, solid letter that someone has gone to the trouble of sending via the U.S. Mail.
OK...Now write!
- Find a pen or pencil you really like - one that feels good in your hand. Find paper or a card that suits your mood, too. If you feel like it, decorate the letter or draw cartoons.
- Get comfortable. If you need privacy and quiet to write, try to find a place where you can have both. You want to be able to write without being interrupted every five seconds.
- Make sure you have the correct address, and write it on the envelope in waterproof ink.
- Include your own return address.
