In Conversation With Kate Aasa

At London Letters our goal is to create beautiful stationery pieces that encourages you to write more letters. We believe that letters play an important role in modern society, and we're not alone in this view.

In 'In Conversation With' we chat with epistolarians of note to find out why they think letters are special, why they think they still matter today, and what drives their passion to promote them. 

This month we were thrilled to interview Kate Aasa. Kate is teacher, poet and writer who recently relocated from London to a small beach town in Sweden. She has written poetry from a very young, but only since moving did she decide to share her writing publicly. A poem about the demise of the postal service in Denmark received a huge viral response on social media, and she has since begun work on two letter-themed children's books, alongside a 'poetry by post' service.

"My Grandparents used to travel a lot, and they would always send postcards from any new place they would visit. As I got older, I started to send them postcards and letters in return. After they passed away I was helping to organise their things and I found piles of the letters and postcards I had sent them. They had kept everything. I could see my handwriting change, my writing style change, my life change, right before my eyes. It was really moving and very special that they had held onto them all."

Tell us a little bit about your own letter writing history. Do you recall the first letter you received, or wrote?

How often do you write letters now?

I recently moved abroad and it’s been a great excuse to write more letters. I try to write every weekend if I can, usually to different people each week. There is so much to enjoy in letter writing, but having a physical item, putting your thoughts into ink on a page, and then knowing that it will be in the hands of someone you love, far away…it’s like sending a small part of yourself.

Describe your letter writing set up for us. Do you have any favourite stationery or pens you use? Where do you like to write from?

What type of content would you use for a letter, as opposed to digital communication?

I think letters are typically more considered. They give an opportunity to reflect more on bigger themes or smaller details. A bit like poetry. Digital communication is often more trivial and everyday. Logistics, plans and shopping lists. Of course I’m being a bit reductive, but a letter gives you a chance to breathe and reflect before you write. To express something meaningful in a very personal way.

Do you feel any positive benefits to your mental health when you're writing or receiving a letter?

I think in a world of immediate gratification, there is so much to be said for the slow process or writing, sending and receiving a letter. It can take you out of the stress of daily life, the 24 hour news cycle, the constant notifications and to-do’s. It is a reminder to breathe and slow down. It’s like a meditation, and it really makes me feel calm and present.

Are there any famous letters you're especially fond of?

What do you think makes letters special?

I think it’s the act of giving your time and attention to the letter and by extension, to the recipient. Sitting and create something for someone. To write, to address, to stamp, to post - the process takes thought and consideration. And you can hold it in your hand, and keep it forever.

Are there any letters that you've held onto for a long time? Do you have a favourite?

When I was in my teens, my best friend and I used to write each other ‘aeroplane letters’ whenever the other went away. I found some recently in my attic and they brought me so much joy. We used to fill them with such ridiculous nonsense. Gossip, quizzes, home-made word searches, magazine cut-outs. Some would be more than 20 pages long. They made me so nostalgic for that time, and that kind of deeply loving, whimsical teenage friendship.

How do you envisage the future of letter writing? 

Letter writing feels like the perfect act of love and rebellion in an ever-more digital and impersonal world. It seems that pen pals and snail mail clubs are becoming increasingly popular and I hope it continues. When I read stories of mail delivery services closing and letterboxes being removed it breaks my heart. More than ever we need connection and communication and I think letter writing embodies that perfectly. Long live the letter!

What would you say to someone that's never written or received a letter before, to encourage them to try it?

A huge thank you to Kate for her time and passion. To find out more about Kate's work and poetry, or to get in touch with her, head here.