Who do you want to write a letter to?
Letter writing is a lost art. They feel stuffy and antiquated. But we aren’t any different than our old-time-y ancestors. The urge to connect is—if anything—more present than ever. And the medium doesn’t matter.
Pixiehammer Press set out to prove that.
Armed with ancient typewriters and welcoming smiles, my wife and I attracted would-be letter writers at literary events, music festivals, public spaces, and even one wedding.
We asked who they wanted to write a letter to and a few questions about the recipient. Then we wrote to their moms, old friends, enemies, and even a few abstract concepts. The letter was theirs to keep and do with what they may.
Choice Bits
“Here I thought Craigslist was full of crazy people. Instead I found one of the funniest people I know. It totally makes up for all the coffee you pour in the sink each morning.”
”It’s fun. It feels like 2002 again.”
“Ever since we met in that dive in Birmingham, AL, I always knew there was something special about you.”
“You’re prettier than Hillary Clinton.”
“Dear Andrew - Listen here you walking contradiction, you need to get your shit together.”
“To the prettiest girl in Ottawa, let’s have a few more dances together.”
“Dear David - This is regarding the musical egg.”
“P.S. You’re adopted.”
Results
Most letters left our hands, never to be heard from again. But we did get to see a few reactions.
