Life Kit Podcast: The Art and Pleasure of Writing a Letter Hosted by Marielle Segarra | NPR | Release Date: April 15, 2025
Introduction: Rediscovering the Timeless Practice of Letter Writing
In the April 15, 2025 episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra delves into the enchanting world of letter writing with Rachel Syme, a writer for The New Yorker and author of Syme's Letter Writer. This episode explores the multifaceted joys and benefits of penning heartfelt letters in an increasingly digital age, offering listeners expert guidance on fostering meaningful connections through the written word.
The Enduring Magic of Letters
Marielle opens the conversation by reflecting on a poignant moment from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, where Mr. Darcy theatrically delivers a letter to Elizabeth Bennet. She shares her own emotional resonance with the scene:
"When I tell you the anticipation I felt as she opened the envelope, the way I got butterflies in my stomach the first time I read this letter, I felt like I was her."
— Marielle Segarra [00:17]
Rachel Syme echoes this sentiment, highlighting her lifelong fascination with stories centered around correspondence:
"I loved the idea of letter writing."
— Rachel Syme [01:10]
Why Embrace Letter Writing?
Rachel elaborates on the intrinsic joys of letter writing, emphasizing its ability to build and sustain deep relationships:
"It's enjoyable, that it's fun... you're building a relationship, you're building an archive, you're building a body of work."
— Rachel Syme [01:39]
Marielle adds that letter writing not only hones one's writing skills but also fosters unique and intentional connections:
"It's also a way to stay in the practice of writing. And it can help you form and nurture relationships that are unlike any others."
— Marielle Segarra [02:06]
Getting Started: Initiating the First Letter
For those intrigued by the prospect of writing their first letter, Rachel offers practical advice on approaching potential recipients:
"You have to couch it in a little bit of like a silliness. I just got the most beautiful stationery and I've been dying to use it and write a letter to somebody."
— Rachel Syme [06:25]
Marielle reinforces this by suggesting reaching out to friends, family, or even strangers, and offers creative ways to find pen pals through programs like Rachel’s own Pen Palooza, which now connects over 10,000 members globally.
Choosing Your Medium: Handwritten vs. Digital
A pivotal aspect of letter writing is the choice of medium. Rachel passionately advocates for handwriting letters, despite its challenges:
"I have kerpal tunnel now from doing such a thing... I have a really beautiful fountain pen that I use that's very smooth writer and doesn't require much of my wrist strength."
— Rachel Syme [09:45]
She encourages writers to explore various types of stationery, from Florentine paper to vintage hotel stationery, emphasizing that the medium should reflect personal style and creativity.
Unlocking Creativity with Writing Prompts
To overcome the initial hurdle of knowing what to write, Rachel suggests using prompts. Marielle shares insightful examples from Rachel's book:
- "Write a series of letters while sitting on public benches at the park."
- "Describe the dogs that trot by."
- "Write a detailed account of the last time you got food poisoning."
Rachel adds that even mundane topics like the weather can become engaging narratives:
"A lot of people begin their letters with what's going on in the weather... there's like, a great thrill in writing about the seasons and the weather and detail and sensual experience."
— Rachel Syme [12:49]
Enhancing Letters with Embellishments
Letters offer a unique canvas for artistic expression. Rachel dives into the world of mail art, encouraging writers to adorn their letters with:
- Collage and stickers
- Origami-inspired envelope folds
- Ephemera like dried flowers or vintage photographs
"Letters are a great opportunity to mail anything flat that excites you."
— Rachel Syme [17:39]
Marielle summarizes this creative aspect:
"Embellish the heck out of this thing. You gotta put some stickers in there and then include some tiny flat treasures like pre-wrapped tea bags, ticket stubs..."
— Marielle Segarra [17:39]
Navigating Common Challenges in Correspondence
Letter writing, while rewarding, can present obstacles such as maintaining momentum and managing expectations. Rachel advises starting small to prevent feeling overwhelmed:
"If you don't feel prepared to write a big long letter to somebody, send a postcard."
— Rachel Syme [18:19]
She also emphasizes the importance of radical kindness, suggesting that if a correspondence fizzles, it's perfectly acceptable to let it drift or gracefully transition to other forms of communication.
"Letter Writing is a hobby, after all, and it should be something you're both enjoying."
— Marielle Segarra [20:12]
Personalizing Your Correspondence: Signature Sign-Offs
Adding a unique sign-off can imbue a letter with personal flair. Rachel shares her creative sign-offs:
"I often call people kids. So I'll say, you know, until the next letter, kid."
— Rachel Syme [21:22]
Marielle suggests crafting original sign-offs that resonate personally, providing examples like:
- "So long, sweet pea."
- "See you in the mailbox."
- "Catch you on the astral plane."
Key Takeaways: Embracing the Art of Letter Writing
- Start Writing: To receive letters, begin by reaching out to friends, family, or even strangers through programs like Pen Palooza.
- Use Writing Prompts: If unsure what to write, utilize prompts from Rachel’s book or create your own inspired ideas.
- Embellish Creatively: Enhance your letters with stickers, drawings, or small flat treasures to add a personal touch.
- Maintain a Hobby Mindset: Keep letter writing enjoyable and stress-free. Allow correspondences to evolve naturally and be kind to yourself and others.
- Create a Signature Sign-Off: Develop a unique closing that reflects your personality and adds charm to your letters.
Marielle concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to explore other Life Kit episodes on related creative endeavors, such as writing memoirs or crafting playlists.
Final Thoughts
Writing a letter is not just an act of communication; it's a craft that fosters deep connections, preserves memories, and allows for artistic expression. Whether rekindling old friendships or igniting new ones, the art of letter writing offers a timeless avenue for meaningful human interaction.
"I hope people write letters and find joy in this practice."
— Rachel Syme [22:09]
Embrace the pen, choose your paper, and let your thoughts flow—one heartfelt letter at a time.
For more insights and episodes, visit NPR Life Kit.