How to Write a Letter

I love receiving a letter in the mail.  There is, for me, no greater compliment, then a pretty handwritten letter.  What better time, then winter, to sit down by the fire and write a letter of encouragement to a friend or family member.  As a refresher, I thought I would share the five parts to a properly written Friendly Letter.  

First I will show you a sample Friendly Letter in the correct format, and then I will describe how to write a letter below using a heading, greeting, body, closing, and signature.

Sample Friendly Letter

Route 2, Box 2160
Clinton, IA  52732
​February 1, 2019

Dear Susan,
     "The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens." (Proverbs 3:19).
     I am happy to write and tell you that our winter is filled with happy days of reading, playing with the baby, and cooking too many sweets!  The girls are already planning the spring gardens, and they are progressing steadily with their studies. 
     With all this planning, I keep thinking about you.  We are looking forward to visiting you in June, and find ourselves talking about it often!  Please let me know if there is anything special I should bring.  Let us know how your winter is fairing.

Your friend,
​Renee

#1 The Heading

On the first line (normally right margin, but sometimes center -especially for letterheads) write, in your best cursive:

• your address 
  
• the date
  

​Then, skip a line.

#2 The Greeting

Next, greet your friend followed by a comma.

Examples: 

• Dear friend,
  
• Dear Cousin Mary,
  
• Dear Aunt Bess,

​
​On the very next line, (do not skip a line), begins the body.

#3 The Body

The body is the main part of the letter in which you write what you have to say.  It's nice to begin with a favorite scripture, poem, or other quotation.  Be sure to give proper reference. 

Remember to indent the first paragraph and all paragraphs.  You can think through how many topics you wish to talk on; give each topic its own paragraph.  Do not skip lines between paragraphs, only indent.  Write neatly.  

#4 The Closing

The closing can be written directly below, in-line with the heading.  Like the heading, it follows a standard pattern and has a comma after it:

​Examples:  

• Yours truly,
  
• Your friend,
  
• Sincerely,
  
• Warm Regards,

# 5 The Signature

Under the closing comes your signature.  For handwritten notes, there is no need to skip a line.  For a friendly letter, you may wish to sign just your first name only.

Final Thoughts

I like to use pretty stationary (preferably with my letterhead preprinted on top.  You may also wish to insert a calling card.  And for a nice final touch, seal with an envelope seal (matching sticker) or even waxed seals. 

If you would like to receive letters from my desk, you can subscribe here (this covers printing and mailing costs).  I truly love to receive letters from you as well.  

REsources

• The Vintage Rose Stationary in Brown (with free Letterhead)
• The Vintage Rose Stationary in White (with free Letterhead)
• The Vintage Rose Folded Note with Envelope Seals
• The Vintage Rose Calling Cards