Letter Writer of the Month - Rachel
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 800+ 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 May is Rachel.
saw pen pals in movies growing up and this club seemed like a great way to get
back into letter writing again. Plus, you and this stranger will probably never meet, so
it provides you with a certain freedom that you might not get with people you know."
Name: Rachel
Age: 31
Job Title: Writer and Project Manager
Location: London
Member since: June 2019
Tell us a little about yourself and how you became interested in letter writing?
words and writing. When I was younger, we had letters sent to us frequently,
however, by the time I could fully appreciate the art, I was an adult and rarely
received letters, unless it’s a bill or from my bank. I decided that I wanted to get back
into letter writing and that’s when I signed up for the London Letters pen pal scheme
many years ago.
What is it about letters that you think makes them special?
It’s the fact that someone has taken time to physically write something to you and
that’s what makes it special. At a moment in time, they’re focused solely on
communicating with you, sharing things about life and it’s almost like that moment is
frozen in time.
What type of things do you write in letters compared to digital communications?
Letters feel more personal to me, so I share my dreams, thoughts and life.
Do you have a favourite letter, either famous or one you have received personally?
Yes, it was a few years ago with one of my pen pals. I’d mentioned that I was an
author, and I had written a few books. In the letter I received back from her, she told
me that she found one of my books online and ordered it to read.
Do you feel any positive benefits to your mental health when you write?
Yes, it’s cathartic and relaxing.
Describe your letter writing set up. Do you have a favourite pen or paper? Where are you when you're writing?
whole letter. But today, any biro will do, and I have a special letter writing set; each
sheet of paper has a botanical design as I love flowers and plants. I usually write at
my desk!
What made you sign up to our pen pal club and take a leap of faith by writing to a stranger?
Isn’t there something unique about connecting with someone you’ve never met? I
saw pen pals in movies growing up and this club seemed like a great way to get
back into letter writing again. Plus, you and this stranger will probably never meet, so
it provides you with a certain freedom that you might not get with people you know.
What role do you think letters will play in the future?
History always repeats itself. Our current society is technological driven society, but I
believe that people will seek the simplicity of written communication again.
Do you believe letters still have a place in modern society?
Of course, nothing can replace the written word.
What would you say to someone to encourage them to give letter writing a try?
letter to themselves.
A huge thank you to our Rachel 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.