<p>Every year, <a href="https://www.thinkingofyouweekusa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thinking of You Week</a> gains momentum. That for 2024 begins next week, running from September 16-22. As I write this, that&#8217;s just over three days to get ready. A special Thinking of You postmark will be stamped on all mail this month as people challenge themselves to write seven letters in seven days. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-13.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016609"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ivory_tower_studios/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ivory Tower Stationery</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Unfortunately for many, sending mail clearly seems an old-fashioned chore. And it <strong>is</strong> a process to obtain and write a card, then properly address it, stamp it and mail it. So I say, if you are going to do all that — ;even if it feels simple to you — ; don&#8217;t just scrawl a few sentences off the top of your head. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-17-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016618"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://helenedna.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helen Edna</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>And please, I beg you, don&#8217;t buy fancy stationery just to spew fancy word salad. Write something memorable! Write something that truly captures your personality and your bond with that person, which is then able to be pulled out of that envelope and experienced any time the recipient feels like it. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Evergreen-Summer-Greeting-Card-Sullivan-copy-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016637"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.theevergreensummer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evergreen Summer</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>But you can&#8217;t attain that epistolary magic without, as they say, getting real. And that can be really hard, even for paper nerds. As a writer I always say there is nothing more intimidating than a blank page, or in this case, a blank thinking of you card. So I am sharing a few tips I have learned over the years for writing compelling, must-save missives.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-17-1-959x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016616"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://efrancespaper.com/?utm_source=Google_New_Release&;utm_medium=performance+max&;dm_cam=19072492474&;dm_grp=&;dm_ad=&;dm_kw=&;dm_net=adwords&;tw_source=google&;tw_adid=&;tw_campaign=19072492474&;utm_term=&;utm_campaign=Performance+Max&;utm_source=adwords&;utm_medium=ppc&;hsa_acc=7390774868&;hsa_cam=19072492474&;hsa_grp=&;hsa_ad=&;hsa_src=x&;hsa_tgt=&;hsa_kw=&;hsa_mt=&;hsa_net=adwords&;hsa_ver=3&;gad_source=1&;gclid=CjwKCAjwooq3BhB3EiwAYqYoEq4h4ZHxqG4bnKWTVXqvwELRBpiTRwX5yZ3Vnm58vIjvtJqE6_FoQxoCCCUQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E. Frances Paper</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Start a list.</strong> Before you start gathering cards and writing supplies, start contemplating who you want to reach out to, and why. Maybe you had a conversation with someone going through something, and you have more thoughts to share — ;or you just want them to know they are on your mind. Or maybe you want to thank someone, but not for the kinds of things we are taught to write thank-yous for: sticking up for you when you needed it, being understanding when you dropped the ball. I always make a few notes on what I want to say when I add them so it&#8217;s easier to start my draft. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-17-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016612"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://andthemoonwillrise.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoppqfH5XJm1zkcx5-jGBfxz6fQyqcak7TvBhq9urWalSymH6j4V" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and the moon will rise</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>This list can also incorporate birthdays, anniversaries and so on so you never overlook someone&#8217;s special occasion. Many address books — ;including this chic number gifted to me by Chelsea at Sugar Paper that I use religiously — ;have dedicated space for special days of each month in the back. Some perpetual calendars also have space for this, or are completely devoted to writing down special days. Personally I prefer my address book since I can access the date, and then the address pretty easily, but you should make a system that works for you. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FloralThinkingOfYou-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016615"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://bloomwolfstudio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomwolf Studio</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Get out of your head.</strong> It&#8217;s a bit ironic that although you are writing the letter, you want to ease up on your own perspective. Instead, take a moment to see the world and the situation through their eyes. How do you think they are feeling? If it was you, what would you want to hear from you? </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/paperstuff-E-122-Thinking-of-You-copy-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016630"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://paperandstuff.shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper&;stuff</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Tackle the low-hanging fruit first.</strong> Write the &#8220;easiest&#8221; one first. This will build your confidence and simplify putting more complicated sentiments down on paper. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PP_TOY_Cards_50432-Wild-at-Heart_Silo-copy-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016632"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.pumpernickelpress.com/31/home.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pumpernickel Press</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Make a draft. </strong>I cannot emphasize this enough. Writing is re-writing, and when you want your message to resonate, make every word matter. I keep a Google doc with all my drafts, it is currently at 27 pages. This way, if the person reaches back out to you, you can remember exactly what you said. You also have a tangible reminder that you wrote it.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-17-2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016622"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.jessicafrasz.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jessica Frasz Studio</a></figcaption></figure>



<p> Don&#8217;t be afraid to write a draft, wait a day or so, then revisit it with fresh eyes. I will often see what I was sloppily trying to say, and can make it more succinct. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DL_GC039_ThinkingofYou-copy-811x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016635"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://darlinglemon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darling Lemon</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Also, forget everything you were taught about writing formal thank-yous. Don&#8217;t be stiff, be you. No one, including you, is grading this. I know it is hard, but I promise you it is worth it!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NCG072-03-1018x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10016640"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.thenoblepaperie.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Noble Paperie</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Create a scene.</strong> Sometimes I will draft and actually write letters at the same time, others I will draft something and it may take a few days to get out. For both parts of the process, you want to be comfortable. Light a candle, play some music. Whatever it is that puts you at ease, indulge yourself! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/7P-GC0095-Teal-Thinking-of-You-Card-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10016601"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://7thandpalm.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqMN6fKIEjaxUtT6tGTb8sU_dHmlRERhsCtXSCuY7zRuSdMGzL7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7th &; Palm</a></figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Dress the Part.</strong> You know that moment that you pick up your mail and see an interesting envelope peeking at you amongst all the junk? I call that a &#8220;red carpet moment&#8221; — ;and you want your mail to be ready for its close-up! Hit up your local post office to see what Forever Stamps they have in stock, pick up some envelope seals or washi tape, splurge on a few Le Pens. Remember you&#8217;re sending a little bit of yourself out, forever — you want to look your absolute best.</p><div class="inline-post clearfix"><div class="see-also byline">See also</div><div id="block-wrap-12250" class="block-wrap-native block-wrap block-wrap-23 block-css-12250 block-wrap-classic columns__m--1 elements-design-3 block-ani block-skin-0 tipi-box block-wrap-thumbnail ppl-m-1 clearfix" data-id="12250" data-base="0"><div class="tipi-row-inner-style clearfix"><div class="tipi-row-inner-box contents sticky--wrap"><div class="block block-23 clearfix"><article class="tipi-xs-12 clearfix with-fi ani-base tipi-xs-typo split-1 split-design-1 loop-0 preview-thumbnail preview-23 elements-design-3 post-10006233 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-favorites tag-anne-passchier tag-carolyn-suzuki tag-democracy tag-design tag-illustration tag-justin-shiels tag-laci-jordan tag-salini-perera tag-sarah-schwartz tag-stationery tag-stationery-blog tag-stationery-design tag-stationery-designer tag-stationery-trends tag-sticker tag-sticker-sheets tag-stickers tag-the-paper-chronicles tag-the-paper-fold tag-the-paper-nerd tag-the-trend-of-the-month-club tag-vote tag-workman tag-workman-publishing" style="--animation-order:0"><div class="preview-mini-wrap clearfix"><div class="mask"><a href="https://thepapernerd.com/stick-up-for-democracy/" class="mask-img"><img width="100" height="100" src="https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=100%2C100&;ssl=1" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=100%2C100&;ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=254%2C254&;ssl=1 254w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=351%2C351&;ssl=1 351w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=546%2C546&;ssl=1 546w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=861%2C861&;ssl=1 861w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=24%2C24&;ssl=1 24w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=48%2C48&;ssl=1 48w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=96%2C96&;ssl=1 96w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=150%2C150&;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=300%2C300&;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?resize=50%2C50&;ssl=1 50w, https://i0.wp.com/thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/use-me.png?zoom=2&;resize=100%2C100&;ssl=1 200w" sizes="(max-width: 100px) 100vw, 100px" /></a></div><div class="meta"><div class="byline byline-2 byline-cats-design-4"><div class="byline-part cats"><a href="https://thepapernerd.com/category/favorites/" style="color:#b79b0d" class="cat">Favorites</a></div></div><div class="title-wrap"><h3 class="title"><a href="https://thepapernerd.com/stick-up-for-democracy/">Stick Up For Democracy</a></h3></div><div class="byline byline-3"><span class="byline-part date"><i class="tipi-i-calendar" aria-hidden="true"></i> <time class="entry-date published dateCreated flipboard-date" datetime="2020-10-01T15:16:44+00:00">October 1, 2020</time></span><span class="byline-part likes-count"><a href="#" class="tipi-like-count " data-pid="10006233"><span class="likes-heart"><i class="tipi-i-heart-o" aria-hidden="true"></i><i class="tipi-i-heart" aria-hidden="true"></i></span><span class="tipi-value">0</span></a></span></div></div></div></article></div></div></div></div></div></tipimidc>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-17-1-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016620"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://inkpapercrafts.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ink.paper.crafts</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>And that&#8217;s all there is to it folks! While I wouldn&#8217;t expect to churn out prose befitting Ernest Hemingway on Day 1, creating compelling, must-save missives is definitely within anyone&#8217;s and everyone&#8217;s reach. Finally, it&#8217;s my most sincere hope that Thinking of You Week is the &#8216;soft entry&#8217; to evolve people from casual letter writers to hard-core paper nerds, like myself. And with that, I wish you happy writing — and re-writing!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://thepapernerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DL_GC012_Mailbox-with-Flowers-copy-811x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-10016634"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://darlinglemon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darling Lemon</a></figcaption></figure>



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