In Conversation with Suzie Byatt
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.
Each month we'll be chatting with a different snail mail enthusiast to find out why they think letters are special, why they think they still matter today, and what drives their passion to continue writing.
This month we were excited to interview the wonderful Suzie Byatt, who co-runs the pen pal club 'Type One Writers'. The club was founded in 2018 by Suzie's sister, Zoe, with the aim of connecting people in the UK with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) who perhaps, like Zoe, felt frustrated and alone and wanted to vent to people who would understand best. Four years later, Suzie herself was diagnosed with T1D in 2022 and fell pregnant just 2 months after her diagnosis. After several complications and frustrating interactions with doctors, she realised she didn't know anyone else who had experienced both T1D and pregnancy, and was left feeling alone and isolated by the experience. It was then that Suzie got involved with the club, opening up their pen pal membership globally so that T1D people across the world could be connected to one another, share their experiences and lessen the isolation of the disease. Today, Type One Writers now has members ranging from age 5 to 63 years old, living in various parts of the UK, Australia, Canada and USA, all connected to one another through the written word.
Tell us a little bit about your own letter writing history. Do you recall the first letter you received, or wrote?
As a child, my parents always encouraged my sister and I to write thank you letters to family and friends whenever we received gifts from them, and this is definitely something that I still take pleasure in doing now. I believe I wrote my first non thank you letter when I was around 10 - I was a huge Boyzone fan, and had become a member of their fanclub. One day I noticed on the back of their magazine that they had a penpal feature, which listed the names and addresses of other Boyzone fans around the world. I remember feeling so excited at the thought of writing to other people my age who also loved Boyzone! I started writing to a few people internationally - I had penpals in Sweden, Switzerland and France, and also one who lived a few hours away from where I grew up in the UK, who I eventually met in person. I found it such a thrill to receive letters, (which sometimes also contained foreign Boyzone memorabilia), and I really enjoyed bonding over shared interests and experiences with strangers who became friends.
How often do you write letters now?
Through Type One Writers, I now have two lovely penpals who also live with Type 1 diabetes. I live in Australia, and they live in the UK and the USA, so sending and receiving the letters can feel like a lengthy process depending on delays of the postal services at the time! I think on average I write a letter to them every two months, and sometimes it can take hours to complete, but I start writing my response as soon as I receive their letters! I also hand write a welcome letter to everyone who signs up to Type One Writers - I have found that this has improved my handwriting considerably!
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?
I like to write sitting at my desk which is situated in a cosy and warm corner of my house. I usually make a cup of tea or coffee, put on a scented candle and cleanse my space with Palo Santo. Since I started writing to my current penpals, I have been experimenting with writing on different types of paper, but I am yet to find some that I really love. I’m an illustrator, and have put on my to-do list to design and create some stationery that communicates my passion for letter writing, illustration and connection. I usually use a black gel pen to write with, and I’m a big fan of colourful washi tape. I’m also partial to sealing my envelopes with a vintage rose wax seal stamp that once belonged to my grandmother!
What type of content would you use for a letter, as opposed to digital communication?
I feel that digital communication lends itself to short and sweet comments or responses, whereas a letter has room for exploring thoughts and ideas woven with personality and character. I tend to reflect a lot during my letter writing process, and my letters are often composed of experiences, musings, observations and questions.
What do you think makes letters special?
In an ever increasing digital world, I think handwritten letters hold so much value. As an illustrator, I find letter writing to be a powerful way to tap into my creativity whilst forging deeper relationships, in a way that can’t be replicated through online interactions. The process of writing a letter invites you to invest time and energy in creating something tangible and heartfelt by carefully communicating your feelings, thoughts and personality. The meditative nature of it is such a nourishing way to connect with both yourself and your recipient, and I find this so special!
Are there any letters that you've held onto for a long time? Do you have a favourite?
In addition to letter writing, I also love writing and receiving cards! I hold onto cards that have beautiful, heartfelt messages that encapsulate important moments of my life, and I like to look through them every year or so. I moved to Australia from the UK almost 12 years ago, not knowing anyone, and I treasure the cards I have received from friends and family throughout that time that mention special parts of my journey that sometimes escape my mind.
Are there any famous letters you're especially fond of?
I’m a hopeless romantic, and particularly enjoy reading about famous love letters throughout history - I think that’s such a beautiful and vulnerable way to express love! Earlier this year, I learnt how to make a Victorian Puzzle Purse, and became fascinated with the idea of hiding meaningful messages and gifts amongst intricate folds for the recipient to discover, and then relive as time goes on.
Do you feel any positive benefits to your mental health when you're writing or receiving a letter?
Absolutely! I find letter writing to be such a mindful process. My son, who is almost two years old, really keeps me on my toes and life feels busy. Writing a letter gives me the opportunity to carve out some time for myself, slow down, reflect and express myself in a different way than I’m used to. If I feel anxious, stressed or tired at the beginning of my process, I will always feel a deeper sense of calm and clarity once I have finished writing. I also get so excited when I find a letter or card from a loved one in my mailbox - this has such a joyful impact on my mood!
How do you envisage the future of letter writing?
Postal services around the world are certainly making letter writing more difficult for people - postage costs are rising, services have become unreliable, and the frequency of deliveries has been reduced. However, despite this, I hope that those who are passionate about letter writing can continue to advocate for it and help people see its value. Letters capture moments in history, culture, tradition and ritual, and this should be celebrated forever!
What would you say to someone that's never written or received a letter before, to encourage them to try it?
Give it a go! You don’t need any special materials to write a letter - grab some paper you have laying around, pick up a pen, and start by writing about your day, or something you are grateful for. Your life, your interests and your thoughts are worth capturing, and the recipient of your beautiful, handwritten letter will feel so special when they receive it!
A huge thank you to Suzie for her time and passion. You can find out more about Type One Writers by heading to their website or by following them on Instagram.
Why not start writing like a pro today, inspired by Suzie's choice of stationery, with a beautiful wax stamp?