Event Details:

• Date & Time: Wednesday, March 19, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM AEDT
• Location: Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, 182 St Georges Road, North Fitzroy, VIC 3068
• Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au

About the Workshop:
Led by Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen, a talented freelance writer, journalist, and critic, this workshop will teach you the art of crafting insightful reviews. Giselle’s work has been published widely in top publications such as The Age, The Guardian, Meanjin, and Sydney Review of Books. She will guide you through the process of writing thoughtful reviews that engage with art, literature, music, and more, while developing your ability to analyze and critique cultural works.

About Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen:
Giselle is a Vietnamese-Australian writer and critic based in Naarm/Melbourne. Her insightful commentary and critical writing have earned her recognition in major media outlets, offering her a unique perspective on review writing.

Why Attend?

• Learn essential writing techniques to craft engaging and thoughtful reviews.
• Develop critical thinking skills to assess and analyze cultural works from a deeper perspective.
• Expand your knowledge of cultural critique across various mediums.

Event Highlights:

• 2-hour interactive workshop
• In-person experience
• Refunds available up to 7 days prior to the event

Whether you’re looking to write reviews for personal projects, blogs, or professional outlets, this workshop will help you build confidence in your writing and critical thinking.

Reserve your spot today and join us for an evening of writing, culture, and creativity!

The post The Art of Review Writing appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

I can’t pretend to be a dab hand at love-letter writing myself, and if you aren’t either but would like to be, read on.

Help is not just at hand – it’s here, now, in this very blog you’re reading.

Hand-written love letters are a thing of the past – and that’s sad, isn’t it?

I met a group of young people the other day, not one of whom had ever sent or received a love letter. One of them claimed not even to know what a love letter is. Seriously, he’d heard about ‘French letters’ and said he’d always assumed ‘love letters’ were some form of old-fashioned contraceptive. I put him right.

I asked a girl in the group how she would indicate to a young man that he had taken her fancy, if not with a love letter. She said she text him an emoji of a smiley face. And if you fancied him a lot? I asked. ‘A smiley face with a tongue hanging out,’ she replied. And how would he respond if he fancied you? I enquired. ‘He’d send me an emoji of an aubergine,’ she said with satisfaction.

She can do better than that, surely? We can all do better than that – and we have 72 hours left before Valentine’s Day 2019 in which to try.

Yes, this is the week in which to send the love of your life the letter of your life! Welcome to the Brandreth master-class on the art of love-letter writing.

Don’t worry, the rules I am about to share have been compiled by me, but they are not my rules: these are the lessons of history.

In preparing this crash course in love-letter writing, I have taken soundings from a number of authorities (all female), ranging from women of experience (the great historian, Lady Antonia Fraser, has compiled the definitive anthology of love letters) to the three young, unattached journalists, aged 26, 27, and 30. As part of my researches, I even made a pilgrimage to Ladbroke Grove and took a masterclass of my own from the award-winning novelist and literary historian, Dame Margaret Drabble, who in one of her novels evoked the love affair and marriage of Robert and Elizabeth Browning – ‘their story is the paradigm of perfect love’, she says – and has read more widely, more wisely, than anyone I know.

So, if you want to woo and win – or simply wow – the one you love, here are the rules, drawn from the experience of the great love-letter writers of yesteryear:

1. Be passionate.

‘A love letter must be full of fire,’ says Drabble. ‘Napoleon wrote cracking good love letters to Josephine. William Wordsworth wrote quite passionately to Mary. Jane Carlyle poured energy and all her literary talent into the letters she wrote to Thomas Carlyle. Jane Austen would write you a witty letter, but she was too proper to be passionate. A good love letter takes risks, feels dangerous. Women, of course, were not allowed to take the initiative in these matters, but had they been, I think Charlotte Bronte would have written you a letter that was suitably impassioned.

‘I would have welcomed a letter of admiration from Lord Byron. He wrote brilliant love letters to everyone – girls, women, men, boys, Caroline Lamb, his half-sister, the sixty year old woman with whom he was having an affair when he was half her age, even his wife. I wouldn’t want a letter from Robert Browning. He belongs to Mrs Browning. They were equally in love and it was a love that endured. But Byron was different. You could have a fling with Byron and move on. No harm done.’

2. Be thoughtful.

According to Lady Antonia Fraser, looks count. ‘How important is the actual physical appearance of the letter! A thousand years ago at the court of the Japanese Emperor, no gentleman would have dreamt of spending a night with a lady without sending round a letter of appreciation the morning after – a letter in which the thickness, size, design and colour of the paper all helped to indicate the emotional mood that the writer wished to suggest – the finishing touch being supplied by the branch or spray of blossom which it was de rigeur to attach to it.’

Margaret Drabble is confident that electronic communication won’t supplant the traditional letter, because the letter is tangible and portable. ‘You can carry a letter with you, hide it under the pillow, keep it in a shoe box with all the others as solid proof of love.’ Antonia Fraser quotes Edith Wharton summing up the crucial moment of the letter’s arrival: ‘the first glance to see how many pages there are, the second to see how it ends, the breathless first reading, the slow lingering over each phrase and each word, the taking possession, the absorbing of them, one by one, and finally the choosing of the one that will be carried in one’s thoughts all day, making an exquisite accompaniment to the dull prose of life.’

3. Be yourself.

Drabble offers reassurance for those who feel they may not have a professional writer’s facility with words. ‘With a love letter, passion, feeling, sincerity are what count. Simplicity of expression can be a virtue. Good writers don’t necessarily write exciting love letters. Fine words can stand in the way of true love. Bernard Shaw is a good example of a writer who managed to hide his feelings behind his words.’

4. Be prosaic.

In 1857 Baudelaire sent a collection of his poetry to his mistress, Madame Sabatier, with a covering note: ‘Farewell, dear lady. I kiss your hand as a sign of my utter devotion. All the verses contained between page 84 and page 105 are yours alone.’ Shakespeare, Byron, the Brownings all wrote love letters in the form of poetry, but Drabble advises, ‘Unless you are a poet, save your blushes and stick to prose.’

(When I was an MP I remember a tender-hearted Tory MP (Mrs Thatcher’s successor at Finchley, a married man, a father of three, and a lay preacher) who succumbed to the charms of his twenty-two year-old researcher and was forced to leave the government when samples of his love poetry found their way into the pages of the News of the World. Apparently there was no affair, simply a sentimental attachment. The Chief Whip was not to be mollified. ‘Whether he’s giving her one or not is immaterial,’ he barked. ‘What we can’t have is any more of his atrocious poetry getting into the public domain. It’s a disgrace to the administration.’)

5. Be sexy.

My trio of young journalists expressed enthusiasm for love letters that are ‘a bit raunchy’. ‘Sexy is good,’ said Julia (30). I showed the trio Chopin’s letter to his mistress Delphine Potocka in which he explains that the sexual act robs him of his creativity – ‘a man wastes his life-giving precious fluid for a moment of ecstasy’- and counts the cost: ‘Who knows what ballades, polonaises, perhaps an entire concerto, have been engulfed in your little D flat major . . .’ ‘I’m sorry,’ said the journalists, pulling a face in unison, ‘that’s a real turn-off.’

According to Margaret Drabble, ‘James Joyce wrote some very outspoken letters to Nora Barnacle – open, sexual and very persuasive. He made it clear what he wanted and she certainly gave in to it. The secret, I think, is to pace yourself. A letter should contain surprises. Unexpected explicitness is very powerful.’

6. Be positive.

Drabble and Fraser report that many of the most compelling love letters in literature have been riven with angst, fuelled by frustration, inspired by adversity, but the young women journalist in my sample are adamant that they want joyful love letters, filled with hope and humour, not anxiety. ‘And I want a letter that’s more about me than it is about him,’ says Sara, 27. ‘A self-absorbed lover is a real bore, especially if he’s always down-in-the mouth. If you can find a bloke who gives the impression that he’s more interested in you than in himself you’re onto a winner.’

7. Be sparing.

Antonia Fraser believes that when it comes to love, persistence pays. She quotes Ovid approvingly: ‘In time refractory oxen come to plough, in time horses are taught to bear the pliant reins, an iron ring is worn by constant use . . . Only persevere, you will overcome Penelope herself.’

Margaret Drabble isn’t so sure. ‘Distrust a man who writes too many letters,’ she says. ‘Not only can the weight of the correspondence be a bit overwhelming, but you have to ask yourself if love-making by letter isn’t a substitute for love-making in fact. Some people use the letter as a way of keeping the relationship at bay. There are six hundred pages of Kafka’s letters to Félice Bauer. They were twice engaged, but each time he called it off. He had a commitment problem, clearly, and found more satisfaction in writing the letters than in marrying the lady.’

Drabble’s ideal correspondent would not write too frequently, nor at too great a length. His letters would be passionate, bold, reckless, surprising – and heartfelt, at least at the time. I suggest to her that it’s a tall order. She raises her whisky to me: ‘If you can’t manage it, don’t despair. You can always go for the Cyrano option and call in the professionals. There’s a respectable tradition of inarticulate chaps getting articulate chaps to write their love letters for them.’

That’s it. If you can’t do it yourself, find a man who can.

Tomorrow, I’ll try to post some examples – moments from some of the great love-letters of history. I’d do it now, but I’ve got a letter to write.

The post How to write a love letter – the Valentine’s Day Masterclass appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

1. Painting or Drawing

Whether you’re sketching with pencils or experimenting with watercolors, creating art is a therapeutic way to express your emotions and focus on the present moment.

2. Knitting or Crocheting

The repetitive motion of knitting or crocheting can be incredibly calming. Plus, you get the added satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional, like scarves, blankets, or hats.

3.Writing Poetry or Journaling

Put pen to paper and let your thoughts flow. Journaling helps you process emotions, while poetry encourages you to play with language and creativity.

4. Gardening

Spending time with plants connects you to nature and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s a few pots on a balcony or a backyard vegetable patch, gardening can be incredibly grounding.

5. Calligraphy

This elegant art form combines creativity with mindfulness. Practicing calligraphy can improve your focus while producing beautiful lettering for cards or decor.

6. Cooking or Baking

Experimenting in the kitchen allows you to create delicious meals while engaging your senses. Try new recipes or master a family favorite for an added touch of tradition.

7. Photography

Step away from your phone and pick up a camera. Exploring the world through a lens helps you notice details and moments you might otherwise overlook.

8. Pottery or Sculpting

Working with clay is both tactile and meditative. Shaping something with your hands can be a deeply satisfying experience that pulls you into the present.

9. Scrapbooking

Preserve cherished memories while indulging your creative side. Scrapbooking combines storytelling, design, and reflection, making it a meaningful way to unwind.

10. Music

Learn to play an instrument or revisit one you’ve set aside. Music provides a creative outlet and can be a powerful stress reliever, whether you’re strumming a guitar or learning piano.

Final Thoughts

Engaging in creative hobbies not only helps you disconnect from the digital world but also enriches your life with new skills, experiences, and moments of joy. Whether you’re painting, gardening, or playing music, these activities remind us of the beauty of slowing down and savoring life. Which hobby will you try next?

For more information on interesting hobbies visit: www.easternsuburbsmums.com.au

The post 10 Creative Hobbies to Help You Disconnect and Recharge appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

In an age dominated by text messages, emojis, and social media posts, the idea of writing a letter might seem as quaint as using a rotary phone. Why spend time crafting sentences when a quick “lol” or “wyd?” will suffice? Yet, as parents, teachers, and families navigating the complexities of modern life, we know that the most meaningful connections are rarely the fastest or easiest ones.

This is where the magic of letter writing comes in.

But let’s back up for a moment. Imagine this: You’re sifting through your mail, mostly bills and junk flyers, when suddenly you spot it—an envelope with a handwritten address. Already, your heart skips a beat. Who took the time? What might it say? The simple act of receiving a letter can spark joy in a way no instant message ever could.

The Timeless Benefits of Letter Writing

Letter writing isn’t just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a powerful tool for fostering deeper relationships, encouraging creativity, and teaching essential skills to the next generation. Here’s why:

1. Building Emotional Bonds: Unlike digital messages, letters carry a piece of the sender—their unique handwriting, the effort they’ve put in, and sometimes even their scent (hello, scented stationery!). Writing and receiving letters allow for a personal connection that transcends screens.
2. Developing Patience and Reflection: In a world of instant gratification, letter writing forces us to slow down and think. For children, this is an excellent way to practice mindfulness and thoughtful communication.
3. Enhancing Literacy Skills: Writing letters helps children and teens develop their writing, spelling, and grammar skills. Plus, crafting a letter often requires storytelling—a key skill that translates to better essay writing and creative expression.
4. A Keepsake for the Ages: A letter is a tangible memory. Years from now, your child could stumble upon a box of old letters and relive precious moments, something no email folder could replicate.

Bridging the Modern and the Traditional

Now, let’s get creative. Letter writing doesn’t have to feel outdated or boring—you can easily blend it with the tech-savvy world we live in today. For instance:

• Pen Pal Apps: Websites and apps like PenPal World or Snail Mail My Email allow kids and adults alike to connect globally, combining the thrill of letter writing with modern accessibility.
• Creative Stationery: Let kids design their own stationery using free online tools or apps. The more personalized the paper, the more fun it is to write!
• Family Letter Nights: Make letter writing a family tradition. Once a month, gather the family, choose someone to write to (a grandparent, a friend, or even a fictional character), and get those pens moving.

A Challenge for the Whole Family

This brings us to World Letter Writing Day on September 1st. Why not make it a family event? Challenge everyone—parents, kids, even teachers—to write at least one letter. It could be to a relative, a teacher who made a difference, or even a future version of themselves. Make it fun with colorful pens, stickers, and even a prize for the most creative letter.

For educators, World Letter Writing Day is a golden opportunity to incorporate this timeless practice into the classroom. Organize a letter-writing workshop or exchange program. Teach students the beauty of addressing envelopes and using stamps—practical life skills wrapped in nostalgia.

The Takeaway

In our fast-paced digital age, letter writing is more than just an art form; it’s a way to slow down, connect deeply, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a parent looking to bond with your child, a teacher aiming to inspire creativity, or a family hoping to strengthen ties, a simple letter can go a long way.

So grab a pen, some paper, and let the words flow. You might be surprised by just how much joy a single envelope can bring—to both the sender and the receiver.

This World Letter Writing Day, let’s remind ourselves and the next generation: Sometimes, the old-fashioned ways are the ones that touch our hearts the most.

The post Reviving the Lost Art of Connection: Why Letters Still Matter in a Digital World appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

1. A Storied Tradition: The History of Letter Writing

Letter writing has deep historical roots, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Through the centuries, it became a vital tool for communication, from philosophical musings in the Middle Ages to personal letters during the 18th and 19th centuries. This rich history adds weight to the practice and continues to influence modern correspondences.

2. The Digital Age: Fast, But Impersonal

The rise of emails, texts, and social media has revolutionized communication, making it faster and more accessible. However, this speed comes at the cost of personal connection. Digital communication often lacks the depth and intimacy of a handwritten letter, which feels more thoughtful and meaningful.

3. The Decline of Handwritten Letters: Speed Over Substance

As digital platforms flourished, traditional letter writing began to decline. The speed of email, the rise of social media, and the environmental and financial costs of paper all contributed to the practice’s fall. Yet, the shift towards instant messaging has also led people to crave more substantial forms of connection.

4. A Counter-Movement: The Slow Communication Revolution

Much like the slow food movement, a new trend called ‘slow communication’ is encouraging people to take their time with their words. Handwritten letters are becoming a deliberate antidote to the quick-fire, transient nature of digital messages, promoting reflection, sincerity, and care.

5. Nostalgia and Simplicity: Why People Are Returning to Pen and Paper

For many, writing a letter evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time before digital distractions took over. The process of sitting down with pen and paper offers a rare opportunity to disconnect and find peace away from the constant buzz of technology.

6. The Emotional Impact: Letters You Can Hold

Unlike digital messages that vanish with the swipe of a finger, handwritten letters have a tangible presence. Holding a letter that someone has written by hand creates an emotional connection that’s hard to replicate. The weight of the paper, the texture of the ink, and the personal style of the handwriting all add a layer of meaning that a text simply can’t.

7. Digital Detox: Slowing Down with Snail Mail

In a world overwhelmed by emails and notifications, many are turning to handwritten letters as a form of digital detox. Writing a letter requires patience and mindfulness, offering a welcomed break from the constant rush of modern life.

8. Expressive Handwriting: Reviving a Lost Art

No two handwritten letters are identical. The unique qualities of handwriting — from loops to flourishes — provide a glimpse into the writer’s personality and emotions. The resurgence of letter writing is helping to revive the art of personal expression, something that is often lost in the uniformity of digital messages.

9. Authenticity in Communication

In an age of emojis, abbreviations, and quick replies, handwritten letters stand out for their authenticity. Writing a letter requires introspection and careful thought, allowing for deeper, more meaningful exchanges that digital platforms often lack. A letter is not just a message; it’s an emotional artifact that lives on.

10. Pen Pal Platforms and Social Media Campaigns: Bringing Letters Back to Life

Ironically, the very digital tools that threatened letter writing are now being used to bring it back. Social media campaigns and online pen pal platforms are encouraging people to write and exchange handwritten letters, creating a global community of letter writers and reigniting interest in this old-fashioned form of communication.

Conclusion: The Enduring Charm of Handwritten Letters

Despite the overwhelming convenience of digital communication, the resurgence of letter writing speaks to a deep human need for authenticity and connection. Handwritten letters offer something that emails and texts cannot: a tangible, personal touch that fosters meaningful relationships. As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital world, it seems that the timeless tradition of letter writing will endure — reminding us of the value of taking the time to truly connect.

The post The Rebirth of Letter Writing in the Digital Age: 10 Reasons Why Handwritten Letters Are Making a Comeback appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

Anticipated Reopening in December 2024

Shark Beach has been closed since March 2022, following damage to its seawall caused by a series of storms. Initially expected to reopen by late 2022, the project faced setbacks due to unforeseen complications. Among these were Sydney’s record-breaking rains, the discovery and removal of 3,600 tonnes of asbestos, and structural defects in concrete staircases and promenade slabs.

The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has worked diligently with contractors to address these challenges. With integrity at the forefront, contractors are covering the costs of remedial work to ensure the site’s safety and durability. While delays tested the patience of locals, the collective effort has underscored the value of investing in resilient public infrastructure.

Reimagined Spaces for Community Connection

When the gates to Nielsen Park reopen, visitors can look forward to rediscovering its serene picnic lawns shaded by ancient fig trees and its iconic Hermitage Foreshore Track. This 3.6-kilometer return trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and creative inspiration. Shark Beach’s renewed facilities aim to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages.

A Letter to the Future

Nielsen Park’s restoration speaks to the collective power of care and community. As it reopens, we are reminded of how public spaces like these invite reflection, connection, and creativity. For visitors planning a return to Shark Beach, why not use this moment to pen a letter about your experience? Whether addressed to a loved one, your future self, or even the park itself, writing can capture the joy of revisiting a place filled with personal and shared memories.

Plan Your Visit

The reopening is anticipated for mid-December 2024, though visitors are encouraged to check the NSW National Parks website for updates. Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty and stories of a rejuvenated Shark Beach and let its charm inspire your next written reflection.

For more information about Shark Beach and Nielsen Park or other parks in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney visit, go to www.easternsuburbsmums.com.au

The post Shark Beach at Nielsen Park: A Restoration Journey of Resilience appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

1. Write in the Second Person

Start by addressing yourself directly, as if you’re writing to a close friend. Using the second person (“you” and “your”) creates emotional distance and allows you to view your experiences more objectively. For example, begin with “Dear [Your Name],” and let your thoughts flow naturally.

2. Reflect on the Year Gone By

Before looking ahead, take time to reflect on the year you’ve just lived. Celebrate your accomplishments, lessons learned, and moments of growth. Answer prompts like:

• What have you learned this year?
• How did you grow?
  For example: “2023 was a year of discovery and resilience. You learned to trust yourself more and grew through challenges at work.”

3. Set Intentions for How You Want to Feel

Focus on how you want to feel in the coming year. What emotions or experiences are you craving? Clarity? Joy? Adventure? Write about the themes or feelings you’d like to invite into your life.

4. List What You Want to Do

This is your chance to create a mini bucket list. What are the key things you want to achieve or experience? Big or small, include them all:

• Travel to a dream destination.
• Take a photography course.
• Spend more time outdoors.
  Write it as a commitment to yourself—something to inspire action.

5. Make It Your Own

Your letter doesn’t need to follow strict rules. Whether it’s one page or five, written in paragraphs or bullet points, it’s just for you. Let your creativity flow and enjoy the process.

Extra Tips

• Seal your letter and set a reminder to open it next New Year’s Eve.
• Include a motivational quote to inspire you throughout the year.
• Keep it positive and encouraging, focusing on growth and potential.

Motivational Quotes to Inspire Your Letter

• “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

• “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

• “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Writing a New Year letter is a meaningful way to connect with yourself. Take the time to acknowledge your journey, dream boldly, and step into the new year with purpose. Happy writing!

The post How to Write a New Year Letter to Yourself appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

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