Letter Writer of the Month - Bonnie

The London Letters Pen Pal Club began its life in 2019 with the hope of bringing together letter writing enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate the joy of receiving letters and the power of the written word.

Over the years we've grown slowly but surely in numbers each week, and we're so proud to now be a 850+ community of snail mailers! We have members from different countries, ages, religions, sexualities, political views, careers, disabilities, and genders - and whilst our differences vary dramatically, we are all united by a love of letters.

'Letter Writer of the Month' is a monthly journal entry where we invite one member from the club to give us an insight into their journey with letters. Some have always been letter writers from a young age, others only began when they signed up to the club. Our members all have a unique story to tell, and we hope you'll love getting to hear it. 

Our Letter Writer of the Month for June is Bonnie.

"Letter writing makes us think. We have to find the words we need to say exactly what we feel. Some say that is what makes them too hard, but I say, that is what makes them so special and so necessary."

Name: Bonnie
Age: 56
Job Title: Teacher
Location: Connecticut, USA
Member since: January 2024

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became interested in letter writing?

What is it about letters that you think makes them special?

Letters connect us in a way nothing else can. When you take the time to put pen, pencil, or even crayon to paper, you emerge through the writing. The words, each written character, is you coming to greet the other person. Letter writing makes us think. We have to find the words we need to say exactly what we feel. Some say that is what makes them too hard, but I say, that is what makes them so special and so necessary.  When teaching students to write, I say, "If we were having a conversation about this subject, what would you say to me?" Inevitably, that is exactly what they should write. Letters are a conversation...you just have to wait a little longer for the reply.  It is the waiting that brings greater value.

What type of things do you write in letters compared to digital communications?

When I got my first phone, my children laughed and said that my texts were too long. "You're not writing a letter, mom", they would chide. They also comment on my inclusion of punctuation marks.  Apparently, semicolons are unheard of in the world of texting.  I enjoy sharing as much as possible in my handwritten letters...much too hard to do with just one's thumbs. I ask questions, talk about the past, and work to make connections.  Letters are personal; they are a window into a life, a moment, a feeling.

Do you have a favourite letter, either famous or one you have received personally?

One letter immediately pops to mind with this question...it is a letter that I keep separate from my others and that I take out to re-read from time to time.  It was written to me by my step-father just before he and my mother got married. It is a long story, but as a pre-teen, I wasn't exactly polite about my wishes that he NOT marry my mother.  ;)    The letter was so heartfelt, honest, and filled with hope for what he saw as his role in my life. I know that if he had simply tried to speak to me, I could have turned him away, tuned him out. But the letter has always reminded me of the power of words and the importance of being able to be honest on paper...it is forever. 

Do you feel any positive benefits to your mental health when you write?

The positive benefits of letter writing are numerous.  It benefits the mental health of the person opening the letter (think of the excitement and joy the sight of a REAL letter brings).  It also benefits the person writing the letter.  I always feel a sense of peace when writing. Whether writing on lined notebook paper during a particularly long staff meeting, or on precious stationery, the time spent in thoughts of the other person and my connections to them brings me peace.  It is quiet time away from technology (I need this more than ever these days),  and the deliberate, thoughtful process of crafting my thoughts through the pen makes me have to slow down.  My thoughts are always racing a mile-a-minute and when writing I have to slow down.  First, because if I don't, my hand tries desperately to keep up with the thoughts and my handwriting becomes illegible...never a good thing. But, second, by slowing down, I can really think about what I want to say, what I am feeling, and how to best reply to questions posed by my pen pal.  

Describe your letter writing set up. Do you have a favourite pen or paper? Where are you when you're writing?

What made you sign up to our pen pal club and take a leap of faith by writing to a stranger?

A few years ago I was reading a book, "Life Reimagined: The Science, Art, and Opportunity of Midlife", by Barbara Bradley Hagerty.  In one chapter she mentions the benefits Letter Writing has for the brain.  She mentions The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society.  I could not imagine this was a real thing, but upon looking it up online, there it was.  Joining was a no-brainer. The fact that I follow a society focused on handwritten letters on-line, gives my husband and children no end of amusement.  THLAS shared a post about London Letters and the pen pal club. Again, how could I resist.    It has been such a wonderful experience for me to develop friendships one letter at a time.I have always enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories.  Whether on a plane, in line at the grocery, or at the playground with my kids when they were little, I liked making connections.  It is difficult sometimes and it takes courage to take a leap to speak with a stranger.  What better way to get around that barrier than by writing a letter. What is great is that Jennifer gives you the opportunity to take part in the selection.  You write a bio about yourself.  When it gets sent to London Letters members, we can decide to reply with a bit about ourselves and why we think we would be a good match.  You get to read them and select a good fit for you.  

Do you believe letters still have a place in modern society?

Absolutely!  Now more than ever people need to put down their phones, put pen to paper, and reach out to other human beings.  I always had my children send thank you notes and I still believe it is one of the best ways we can show our appreciation. I send cards to students and the effect is immediate as many have never received a card or letter before.  They feel the significance of the act.  From time to time, I have my students write letters of appreciation.  It is energizing to see what they say when they take the time to think.  No one thinks twice about receiving a text or an email these days. But send a handwritten card/letter?  The impact and reaction are always worth the wait.

What role do you think letters will play in the future?

I am hopeful that more and more people will begin to send letters.  Students benefit greatly from this activity due to many opportunities:   The significance and power of letters throughout history; The psychological and sociological impact of people sending letters (think Veterans, Seniors, Students from other countries); The increased development of thoughts and ideas through developing and organizing thoughts on paper without AI.  

What would you say to someone to encourage them to give letter writing a try?

A huge thank you to our Bonnie for her time, and we hope you enjoyed getting to know her! Why not take that leap of faith and join our pen pal club too? We're always open to new members, you can learn more about the club here.