I came across a book called Good Old Fashioned Advice by Michael Powell. It includes a section on the proper way to write a love letter. It’s a dying art, but one I think is very romantic because it demonstrates thought and takes an effort when these days it’s far easier to fire off an email, telephone or send a text.
Mr. Powell suggests the following steps will produce a successful love letter:
1. Write from the heart. If you are sincere, honest and caring, your words will find a natural rhythm and music.
2. Use high quality parchment and handwrite in ink.
3. If you have poor handwriting find someone who has good, tidy writing to write your letter for you. The visual impression will create a romantic disposition in the recipient even before they read the letter.
4. Check your spelling and punctuation. As the author says, love may be may be blind but it notices bad grammar.
5. A love letter should not be written lightly because toying with the affections of another is uncool.
6. Avoid purple prose. Simple writing is easier to read and more sincere.
7. Start your letter writing by placing a photo of your loved one in front of you. It’s good for inspiration.
8. Take your time. Don’t rush your letter writing.
9. Listen to some romantic music. The author suggests Chopin, Beethoven, Wagner or Tchaikovsky. I think we could probably go a bit more modern than that.
10. Write as you speak and think. A letter can be playful, flirtatious or witty, but it should carry your voice.
11. Be specific. Point out twelve unique qualities about your beloved.
12. Focus your letter on the two of you and nothing else.
13. End the letter by looking to the future. You want this relationship to last forever and to grow year by year. Let them know your thoughts and hopes for your life together.
Have you sent or received a love letter?
