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Four Very Cool Note Writing Connection Tips

By Elizabeth Cottrell

NOTE: This article has been adapted from one that originally appeared on my Facebook Group page: “Revive the Art of Personal Note Writing!”

Happy October to each of you! I have four unrelated—and very cool—tidbits to inspire you to write more personal notes and improve your personal note writing skills:

  1. Receiving a personal notes touches people. My friend David Spanburg sent me this wonderful picture. It is a heartwarming and extremely creative depiction of what personal notes and letters are all about. Do you see why I consider them such powerful connection tools? Thanks, David!
  2. Short notes are just fine. My brother Bruce Herbert sent me a treasure trove of lovely thoughts, quotes, and examples about note and letter writing. He included this about brevity:

 “As you know, E.B. White was a master of the short communication. Though you might not want generally to highlight noted authors if part of the idea is to encourage the ‘normal’ person to write more, he might be useful to help reinforce the idea that folks do not need to write long missives. 

One of my favorite letters in a collection of his work ends with an apology to the recipient for the length of the letter; he said ~ ‘if I’d had more time, it would have been shorter.’

 So, with that fine sentiment echoing in my ear I will close here!”
  3.  Embrace the right mindset about personal note writing. Remember—it’s not about how many notes we can send as how many lives we can touch…how many hearts we can lighten…how many souls we can encourage. Start with whatever seems manageable to you and nudge yourself to stick with it.
  4.  

Keep a log of your correspondence. Sometimes I panic thinking I have not written someone I should have; then I consult my log and am reminded that I did, indeed, write to them. (I have also been known to think so much about writing someone that I’ve convinced myself I actually did…when I didn’t.) I use one of those little calendar/schedule books that companies often give away at Christmas, and I keep it with my stationery and stamps. Whenever I put a stamp on a letter, I log the recipient and a word about the reason (sympathy, thank you, congratulations, etc.). Many of you may prefer an electronic method, but just make it simple and convenient so you’ll do it.

What most helps you with your own personal note and letter writing? What message have you received in personal mail that made a difference in your life? Please share in the comment below or join the conversation on my Facebook Page.

Happy writing!

If you struggle with note writing, be sure to get my free Secret NOTES System. This report will teach you to write heartspoken personal notes that encourage, inspire, and comfort. Fill in your valid email address in the right sidebar of this page, confirm your email, and you’ll have the report link within minutes.


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Comments

  1. Diane says

    August 11, 2020 at 8:33 pm

    Gosh, that’s a tip I should incorporate: to create a log of my correspondence. Thank you for the great idea.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth H. Cottrell says

      August 11, 2020 at 9:23 pm

      I’m delighted you found the idea of a correspondence log helpful, Diane. I’ve shared pictures of some of my journal pages in my Facebook group called “The Art of the Heartspoken Note.” Come join us, Diane: https://facebook.com/groups/heartspokennotes.

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth Cottrell says

    October 5, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    I’m so glad, Cyndi! So few people write personal notes these days that when we get one, we really appreciate it.

    Reply
  3. Cyndi Briggs says

    October 5, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    I love this idea Elizabeth! I sent my mom a thank you note the other day and she called to thank me for the thank you note :). It meant a lot to her!

    Reply

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Elizabeth Cottrell, aka RiverwoodWriter

Elizabeth H. Cottrell

I am a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and blogger called to encourage readers to strengthen the bonds of faith, family, and friends and to cultivate the joy and impact of personal, handwritten notes and letters. More Info.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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