A theme has emerged in the world: there is a general, human longing for a simpler time. A time when people wrote letters, lived more slowly, and had more time and space for consideration. In addition to the lack of physical record that this generation will leave behind, there may be something else lost in our lack of letter-writing, too. By not taking the time to write letters anymore, are we missing a deeper level of connection in our friendships and relationships?
Letters allow us to express our deepest, most authentic feelings with one another in a way that we often don't manage when we meet in person or message online. Letters allow the writer time to formulate and collect their thoughts. It's a unique practice that probably benefits the writer as much as the recipient.
Of course, we can all do our best as individuals to write more letters, but a stationery shop in the English countryside, Wildflower Illustration Co., recognized that people are craving something a bit bigger than that - a movement, or a collective change of habits. And so, they launched The Sunday Letter Project, a worldwide network of independent shops to act as 'letter holders' for like-minded people around the world to connect via pen and paper.
We absolutely loved this idea and quickly signed up!
Maybe you had pen pals when you were a kid and loved it.
Maybe you've always wanted a pen pal but never had the chance.
Maybe you'd love to learn what it's like to live in a certain country.
Maybe you'd like to get something in the mail that's not a bill!
Interested? Here's how it works:
1. Write Your “Introductory Letter”
You can write about absolutely anything you want! Often, people want to hear about the little things in your day - what's on your mind, what book you're reading. Don't overthink it!
Here are some more ideas:
- A favourite walk, meal, or small joy from your week
- A poem that spoke to you recently
- Birds that have visited your windowsill or garden
What to include:
- A short introduction including your first name and where you're from (roughly)
- Why you were drawn to the project
- A few lines about what brings you joy
- The frequency of letters that would be ideal for you
- Anything you'd like to know about your reader
2. Choose Your Pen Pal's Location
Where have you always wanted to learn more about?
- Decide where you'd like to find a penpal on this Network Map, choose the closest “Letter Keeper” shop to your desired location, and address your envelope to this shop.
- Put La Quaintrelle's address as your return address in the following format:
Your Name/Initials/or Pseudonym
La Quaintrelle Boutique & Emporium
258 Commercial St.
North Sydney, Nova Scotia B2A 1B8
Canada
La Quaintrelle and your chosen shop will essentially be your “mailboxes”.
- Mail it from your local post office.
3. Wait For Someone To Choose Your Letter!
Once your letter arrives at your chosen shop, it will be placed in a basket of other letters sent to this shop from around the world. When someone goes into that shop to find a pen-pal, they may decide to write back to you!
Your replies will be collected each time and kept safely by your letter-keeper shop.
Wondering when you should expect a reply? This is an intentionally slow process, so try not to rush it. We recommend waiting a few weeks to check with us to see if a reply has been received.
FAQs
Who is responsible for sending the letters?
- Each writer is responsible for sending their own letters. Shops act only as collection and pick-up points.
Are there any rules?
- Just a few gentle ones, to keep everyone safe and to keep it as an enjoyable experience for all. In the spirit of the project, we ask that writers donʼt include social media handles, phone numbers, addresses, or other personal contact details. If pen-pals would like another way to stay in touch, we suggest using an email address instead. Letters should always be written in a spirit of kindness and respect. Letters sent within the network must not include money or goods of any significant value.
Can I write anonymously?
- Yes, but we encourage including at least a first name, pseudonym, or initials so the exchange feels human.
Can children take part?
- The project is designed for adults aged 18 and over.
What if I don't get a reply?
- Sometimes a letter finds its way back, and sometimes it doesn't. We suggest sending just one follow-up letter if no reply has been received - and waiting at least a month before doing so.
Ready to start? Write your letter, pick your shop, and send it out into the world! We'll also post updates on social media of any letters that make their way to our shop looking for pen-pals. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to send us a message. We're happy to help!
We look forward to ‘letter-keeping’ with you! 🤎
More stories
Welcome to the shop, Aran Woollen Mills
Meghan Finney
·