I realized the other day when we received a Christmas card from a relative with an address label for a signature, that we are losing the personal touch of writing with a pen and paper.  In today’s technological world, it seems even more important that we remember the importance of letter writing, and writing that involves more thought than icons and acronyms.  Texting, e-mail, voice mail are all great, and yes, we do write with two out of the three, but when was the last time you sent a friend a real hand-written letter?  When was the last time you received one?  Is letter writing dead?

Many of us probably have at least one relative (always the one you never met, have no idea how they got your address, or even knew who you were to send you anything) that writes the once a year Christmas letter, highlighting their life’s events.  You know, the things no one cares about, like the cat had surgery, and the pool needed repair.  These, I have to say (at least for myself) do not count in the book of “thought out” letters.  They have that obligatory feel that reminds me of making out a grocery list. 

As writers, we should take every opportunity to hone our craft through practice.  All great artists practice, and start with the basics before moving on to their masterpieces.  Consider practicing by writing a few letters, not just at Christmastime, but anytime.  Begin by challenging yourself to two letters a month, making one hand written; no one says they have to be novels, but please, at least sign your own name.