“If you can’t write it yourself, then get someone else to write a letter for you.” -Willie Perdomo
This one sentence could be the mission statement for my fledgling new business- The Write Way. If people can’t write those thank you notes themselves for whatever reason, be it time, or poor handwriting, then, they can hire me.
Writing Masters have always existed in history. These were penman, perhaps, with a portable writing desk who would travel, or those who may have a shop where people could go to get a letter written. In former times, when many common people were illiterate, a scribe was needed to communicate written news or conduct business within families and communities. Today’s problem is not illiteracy, it’s a time famine.
The fast pace of today’s culture has people feeling they have little time for slowing down and writing a letter. Technology has introduced incredible speed into our communications. Emails, text messages, and tweets can get your thoughts into someone’s mind within seconds, yet the personal touch, the nuance of the visual flow of handwritten words is missing. And, I’m sorry to say that the demand for speed has nearly erased courtesy.
Let me explain. There are still many ways that a handwritten note is valuable. So many stories exist about the individual who was not the most qualified, yet wrote a handwritten thank you for the interview, and got the job! Newlyweds need to thank their well-wishing friends and family for their gifts. Sending thank you notes for celebrations and kindnesses received completes the natural circuit of reciprocity. You are saying “thanks” on paper.
I’ve been working on this idea for a few years now. The motivation behind the effort is my personal love of letter writing and the desire to offer my skills to assist keeping people connected “The Write Way.’
I am amazed to find great enthusiasm for this endeavor. I want to share my process with you, with the hope that you, too, might become a 21st Century Writing Master. All you need is a love of letter writing, and good penmanship.
I’ll continue this story, in a few days time, with the nuts and bolts.
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Special thanks to- Margaret Shepherd, Rosalie Maggio, Nicky Hardenbergh, Sandra Beckman, John Molish, Gail Greenberg, Kitty Burns Florey, Mike Sistrunk, Jan Barber, Donald Fleming, Jennifer Isham, Adam Schwartz, Carolann McCarthy, Willie Perdomo, Lynda Barber, Chris Gavin, Bobby Douglas