Literary Letters

Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of void, but out of chaos.
— Mary Shelley

A Timeless Tradition

The art of letter writing is a practice steeped in tradition, elegance, and intimacy, offering a window into the soul of both writer and recipient. Unlike the fleeting nature of digital communication, a letter is a tangible expression of thought, carefully composed and deliberately shared. It demands time, attention, and sincerity—each word chosen with precision, each sentence crafted to convey not just information but emotion, character, and intent.

In an age where instant communication reigns, the letter stands as a testament to patience and reflection. It allows for a deep connection, as the writer pours over their thoughts, organizing them into coherent and meaningful prose. The physical act of writing—a pen gliding over paper, the texture of the page, the ink settling into the fibers—imbues the message with a sense of permanence and gravity. A letter can be held, revisited, and cherished, becoming a keepsake that transcends time.

 

Moreover, letter writing is an art that fosters mindfulness. It requires the writer to slow down, to consider the recipient's perspective, and to craft a message that resonates. This deliberate process nurtures clarity and thoughtfulness, encouraging a deeper exploration of one's emotions and ideas. It is an act of generosity, offering a piece of oneself to another, creating a bond that endures.

 

In a world increasingly dominated by ephemeral communication, the art of letter writing serves as a reminder of the power of words to connect, console, and celebrate the human experience. Though ancient, it is a practice that remains ever relevant, a bridge between hearts that no technology can replace.

Letters That Write The Story

Born August 30, 1797, Mary Shelley is renowned for her use of letters in her literary work, particularly in Frankenstein. Each correspondence serves as a delicate thread weaving together the fabric of her narrative created as a seamless tapestry of voices, emotions, and perspectives. Chosen with care, the epistolary form allows her characters to transcend the boundaries of mere plot devices, becoming vessels of deeper, more personal truths. Through these letters, Shelley breathes life into her characters, imbuing them with a sense of realism and intimacy that resonates with the reader.

 

In Frankenstein, letters are not just tools for exposition; they are windows into the souls of their writers. Robert Walton’s letters to his sister frame the narrative, offering a lens through which the reader views Victor Frankenstein's tragic tale. These letters are laced with yearning, curiosity, and a profound sense of isolation, mirroring the very themes that haunt Victor himself. As Victor recounts his story to Walton, the reader is drawn into a world of ambition, guilt, and the consequences of transgressing nature’s boundaries—all conveyed through the written word.

Shelley’s letters are a means of exploring the inner landscapes of her characters, revealing their vulnerabilities, desires, and fears. They serve as a bridge between the external world and the internal struggles of her protagonists, capturing the essence of their turmoil in a way that direct narration could never achieve. The letters carry the weight of unsaid emotions, the lingering whispers of regret, and the haunting echoes of lost connections.

 

In Shelley’s hands, letters become more than mere communication; they are the lifeblood of her narrative, pulsating with the raw energy of human experience. They elevate her storytelling, transforming her novel into a deeply personal exploration of the human condition, where every word carries the weight of a soul laid bare.

EndlessPens Elevates the Art of Letter Writing

On National Letter Writing Day this 29th of August, let us celebrate this meaningful mode of communication with essential guidelines to start. Writing the perfect letter is an art that blends thoughtfulness, clarity, and personal expression. A perfect letter begins with intention—understanding the purpose and the recipient. Whether it's a note of gratitude, a heartfelt apology, or a simple hello, the tone should be tailored to the relationship and occasion.

 

Start with a greeting that sets the tone, whether it’s formal or warm and friendly. This small detail establishes the connection from the outset. As you move into the body of the letter, clarity and sincerity are key. Express your thoughts with precision, avoiding unnecessary embellishments that can cloud your message. Each sentence should have a purpose, contributing to the overall intent of the letter.

 

Personal touches make a letter memorable. Reference shared experiences or express emotions that might not easily be conveyed in person. These details show that the letter is crafted uniquely for its recipient, creating a sense of intimacy and care.

 

Conclude with a closing that reinforces the connection—whether it’s an expression of hope for the future, a wish for well-being, or a simple, heartfelt farewell. The signature is your final flourish, a mark of authenticity that anchors your words in your identity.

Finally, consider the presentation. Stylish handwriting or even calligraphy adds visual artfulness to your words, turning the letter into a cherished memory. Likewise, using writing tools transcending the ordinary add joy to the writing experience itself through beautiful stationery, uncommon inks, and noteworthy fountain pens, like these—

 

MD Paper Cotton Pad - This pad has an original design with the pages glued along both the vertical and horizontal edges for a sturdy design, while simultaneously enabling freedom of orientation when writing. The pad is cut in one corner, so that you can grip just the right part of the paper when turning the page and the pages are unruled to provide total freedom when putting your ideas on paper, whether you’re writing or sketching.

 

Kakimori Chika Higashi Relation Writing Set - A set of letter writing paper and envelopes with artwork by Higashi printed on soft Shinkyokushi paper. Relation is an abstract image of people, objects, words and spaces. The envelope fits up to L/3R size photographs (89 x 127mm), so you can enclose cherished memories along with your words.

 

Tomoe River Paper Loose Sheets (100 pcs) - Japanese Tomoe River paper, a favorite among those who love to write and are particular about the quality, is renowned for being incredibly thin and for its velvety smooth texture that performs amazingly well with fountain pens and ink pens. This particular Tomoe River FP loose leaf paper is the highest in quality of all Tomoe River paper and other top brand paper available, specially designed for fountain pen users. This premium, artist-grade paper is manufactured and treated for the perfect surface level for fountain pens to glide across smoothly and elegantly leaving you with exceptionally crisp lines.

 

Kakimori Chika Higashi Remark Single Note - A set of 20 sheets of writing paper perfectly sized for a gift message or a few simple words. A study in mark making, Remark expresses how each line is unique even when drawn with the same action and the same length.

 

Rhodia Calligraphy Pad - Made with Simili Japan paper, a smooth, lustrous ivory 60 lb paper made from pure alpha cellulose. It is manufactured with long fibers which make it highly resistant and perfect for ink drawings. It is transparent and therefore also lends itself well to calligraphy using a scaled grid.

 

Benu AstroGem Leto Fountain Pen - BENU introduces its new collection of fountain pens – AstroGem. This collection was inspired by the shape of the interstellar asteroid, Oumuamua, and the numerous social media comments suggesting that the asteroid has a BENU-like vibe. Featuring 7 unique designs, each named after a famous asteroid with edgy shapes and uneven facets, these pens are our own interpretation of asteroids, proving that even interstellar objects can be flamboyant and colorful if designed by BENU! AstroGem Leto showcases a premium resin barrel in black tones, adorned with a shimmering gray dust pattern. Bold green accents complete the design. Comes with a Schmidt stainless steel nib, size #6.

 

Cypress Eggshells Raden Ladybug Elf  Fountain Pen - In the Chinese world, ladybugs are a symbol of carefree, freedom, and abundance, the cute patterns also have the meaning of realizing ideals. In Japan, ladybugs are called tentō mushi. The ladybugs get used to flying towards the sun, so they have the name of Sun God‘s sky road, conveying the courage and infinite hope of pursuing dreams. The designer presented the design with eggshells, raden and urushi, making the little ladybugs living in the bamboo forest sparkling and shining like the jewels!

 

Kilk × @jane_euphoria Lady Bastet Fountain Pen - Introducing Kilk Celestial Lady Bastet, a blank designed by @jane_euphoria, in DiamondCast by McKenzie Penworks and beautifully showcased on the masterfully crafted Celestial design by Kilk. Every detail has been meticulously created, from the elegant silver trims to the engraved number edition and beetle designs on the band, the Lady Bastet engraving on the top cap, and the embossed cat figure on the clip. This exquisite pen is available in both stainless steel and 14K gold. Limited and numbered edition of 50 pens.

 

Sailor 1911 Ringless Large Kyoto Gardens Fountain Pen - An ode to serenity and beauty of Japanese gardens. Inspired by the beauty of Japanese gardens, this collection immerses us in a delicate and poetic universe, fostering tranquility and contemplation. A journey into a haven of peace where each pen reconnects us to the magic of nature painted in myriad colors. With the Kyoto Garden collection, let's celebrate the enchantment of nature, elegantly captured in each of these exceptional pens.

 

Kakimori Pigment Ink Bottle - The evocative form looks as though a drop of molten glass has solidified. Filling the bottle with ink creates the illusion of two elements becoming one. The stable base prevents the bottle from tipping over easily. Once dry, Kakimori's pigment inks are water and fade resistant. They have been developed to ensure your special message stands the test of time. The generous 20mm opening with an 8-degree angle makes dipping easy without damaging the delicate nib. The shallow depth allows for effortless refilling of converters and helps to keep your pen clean from unwanted ink.

 

Sailor Manyo IV Ink Bottle - A Limited Edition series for 2024. The theme of this edition of Manyo Ink is food. The food that people ate during the Heian period is described in the Manyoshu. Discover what kind of food culture existed among the common people or the aristocracy.

 

Pennonia Tihanyi Lila (Purple of Tihany) Ink Bottle - Or Purple of Tihany, Pennonia Tihanyi Lila was inspired by the lavender fields found near the Hungarian town of Tihany, thus the name in English can be translated to Purple from Tihany or simply Tihany Purple. The ink leans towards the red spectrum of purple and has a darker, muted color in order to give back the wide range of purple shades found in lavender flowers. Since it's not a vibrant color it doesn't offer sheen however it does have good shading properties. The ink is also water-resistant after drying.

 

Wearingeul William Shakespeare Ink Bottle - The Color of Literature is the project expressing the stories and impressions of literature works with colors. Wearingeul inks illustrate the specific scenes or the atmosphere of novels and poems. Also, some Wearingeul ink sets represent the main concept of the original stories, giving a unique experience following the itinerary of the characters in the stories. Wearingeul inks are suitable for writing and drawing with fountain pens, dip pens, glass pens and other various ink pens.

 

May this selection inspire your epistolary endeavors!

 

Nothing contributes so much to tranquilize the mind as a steady purpose - a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye.
— Mary Shelley

Happy National Letter Writing Day!

 

 

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Written by @lekzumali
Check out her musings on Instagram!