Letter Writer of the Month - Deb

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 1950+ 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 August is Member No.1226 - Deb.

" Letter writing is a documentation of a moment in time. It’s something tangible that can last. I’ve seen letters that are hundreds of years old and it’s a way to preserve history, even if it’s mine."

Name: Deb
Age: 65
Job Title: Artist
Location: Illinois, USA
Member since: October 2025

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

I am a widow about 2 1/2 years also retired about a year and a half ago so life has changed, but I’m embracing the changes. I am an artist at heart with a metaphysical slant. I’ve always been someone who pays attention to the details and to people. I guess I’m in a server. I also say sometimes I’m an anthropologist because I like to know why. Letter writing to me has evolved recently. I have discovered that writing in general is a very cathartic.  Writing can be much more in depth than sometimes oral communication think book over movie.

Writing can be a form of quiet care expressing thoughts that sometimes flys out of my fingers more than my brain almost an unconscious act. I don’t think it’s about perfection. I think it’s about communication and connection which in this modern day we are losing rapidly.

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

Letter writing is a documentation of a moment in time. It’s something tangible that can last I’ve seen letters that are hundred years old and it’s a way to preserve history, even if it’s mine.

There is more detail and feeling in letter writing over digital communication. There’s something about the hand eye coordination the touching of paper, and the slowness of it gives me time to process and think, and maybe more heartfelt than simply typing on a keyboard.

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

My favorite letter are some that my grandmother received from my grandfather when he was in World War II. This goes back to my earlier statement about archival history and something tangible. It’s in his handwriting, which is so personal they are treasured objects for me.

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

I do feel the benefits writing is almost therapy. When you’re writing sometimes what flows from my pen is easier than speaking things out loud. I don’t edit as much. I just let the words flow . This  was something that was told to me a long time ago, we all have editors and writers inside of us and years ago. My editor was so strong. She wouldn’t let the writer out and I’ve learned to put her on the back burner and writing has become much more easy for me and Important. 

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

I usually actually almost always wright in the morning. It’s when my brain is fresh and my thoughts are clearest and I’m not distracted by my day. Morning is my favorite time of day. Everything is clear and new and uncluttered by the world so I usually get my coffee and go sit at my table and plan my day,write my list  this would be the time I would write letters.  I have a few favorite pens I like Very fine tipped pens usually a pretty colored ink,I’ve just started using fountain pens. I think they’re very cool and nostalgic. Hopefully, soon I will be investing in a finer fountain pen.  I like pretty stationary not too cluttered but I’m a detailed person and I think they’re everything is important. As an artist formed function are equally important.

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

I thought it was very interesting that this was an international club, which I think broadens all of our perspectives , I think we are much more alike than not and letter writing can bridge that gap. I also love international travel so hearing about someone who lives far away from me and their day-to-day lives is fascinating to me. There’s kind of a reoccurring theme here about my thoughts on my own personal anthropology and why things are the way they are, I love the details and things to help me better understand myself, and the world around me and I try to look at things without judgment or preconceived notions. I always want to know why.

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

Yes, I think letters have a place in modern history. I think it’s an important skill an important connection with others important historical documentation think back to the letters from my grandfather from World War II. It’s a complete perspective and glimpse into a life I never would know if he hadn’t written those letters and she hadn’t saved them.

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

I think letters will continue to be a connection to other humans. I also think that letter writing is a skill and something worth preserving. I think we are also kind of moving back into that analogue state of mind if anyone has seen recent TikTok and the analog bag Makes me chuckle. Everything old is new again.

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

I would encourage everyone to write a letter even if it’s to yourself there’s something again cathartic about putting pen to paper and just letting your thoughts flow out of your fingers, no judgment, no editing no auditing just thoughts and paper and pen. I am always amazed at what comes out in the end , even if you never send the letter to anyone it’s worth it to write a love letter to yourself.

A huge thank you to our Deb 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, and you can learn more about the club here.