Letters from the heart

Of course, in today’s computer age, people can make contact instantly using email, or internet sites such as Facebook

But there’s something special about having a letter or card drop through your letterbox. It shows that someone cares enough to write just for you. There are other things you can do in a letter too. Here are some ideas – why not try them out for yourself?

Keep a special friendship alive

Where would childhood sweethearts Jim and Nellie be without the 760 love letters they wrote to each other when Jim was away for five years, fighting in the Second World War? Writing about how they felt and thinking of things to cheer each other up gave them hope. It kept their love alive until they were able to marry in 1947.

Express yourself!

In his recent biography of the Queen Mother, William Shawcross includes many quotes from her personal letters to friends and family. These show wit, strong convictions and the ability to see the funny side of life. We get a sense of who she really was as a person, rather than the familiar figurehead.

Reflect on your life

If you were to write a letter to yourself as a teenager, what would it say?

That’s the idea behind a fascinating collection called Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-year-old Self, published to raise money for the Elton John Aids Foundation. In the book, well-known personalities give advice to their younger selves, based on what they know now. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, the letters capture all the ups and downs of life.

Why not have a go yourself?

The publisher is inviting people to write their own letter giving advice to themselves as a 16-year-old. You can see the blog online at mydearmeletter.blogspot

Why not have a go at entering our letter writing promotion?

Share your news

You’re sure to know someone who’d love to get a letter from you. Or you could surprise them with an email! If you haven’t done this before, your local library or UK Online centre will be pleased to show you how.

Find your nearest Online centre here

Find your nearest library here