It’s Letter Writing Month and day 3 of the #sendcardsspreadlove challenge! We’re so excited and full of gratitude that you’ve joined us. As a reminder, make sure you sign up to receive all the info and special bonus content that won’t be shared on the blog.

If you’re just joining us, you can get all the important details in the Day 1 blog post, including a list of reasons to write and who to send a card to.

Day 3 Of The #sendcardsspreadlove Challenge

Week 1 Challenge: Thinking of You

The challenge this week is to send a card to someone you’ve been thinking of (you’ll make their day, I promise!) and the prize is your choice of one of the single curated collections (themed and special collections excluded). To be eligible, share your week 1 challenge card and/or note on IG (remember to follow us) or in the Facebook group. Be sure to tag @prettybypost and use the #sendcardsspreadlove hashtag. Deadline is April 11th.

Besides not knowing who to send a card to or why (but now you have a BIG list of reasons of who and what to write, so we can check that off as D-O-N-E.), the next biggest obstacle I hear the most is not knowing what to write.

So, I’ve compiled a list of resources for you on what to say when writer’s block hits. And don’t feel bad, it happens to the best of writers!

“To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart.” ~ Phyllis Theroux

[Tweet “Never be stuck for what to write. The #sendcardsspreadlove challenge has you covered!”]

Resources On What To Write

• Read our post 3 Quick & Easy Tips for Writing Notes
• We’ve got a post about thinking outside the box and using open-ended cards
• Check out our post What Do I Say? Writing a Card to Someone with Illness or Grief
• The notes I’ve written to get in the #snailmail spirit for the 2017 challenge are here, here and here – use them for inspiration!
• These letter themed books are great: 101 Ways to Say Thank You, Dear Mr. You, If You Find This Letter,  I Will Always Write Back, Letters of Note Vol 1, Letters of Note Vol 2, Letters to My…fun book series), The Art of the Handwritten Note, The Art of the Personal Letter and To the Letter
• Here are some books for the crafters and DIYers: Creative Correspondence, Mail Me Art, Pushing the Envelope and Snail Mail: Rediscovering the Art & Craft of Handmade Correspondence
• This article talks about crafting the perfect thank you
• Learn how to write a sexy note….
• ….or a love letter (this example is written for men, but has very useful tips for anyone)
• Read this for 7 writing projects that you can realistically complete in 20 minutes or less
• Here’s how to craft the perfect apology letter for when you mess up

Take this advice from Brett McKay from ArtofManliness.com for day 3 of the #sendcardsspreadlove challenge: “Write the way you would talk. A letter is but talk on paper. Just as you would in real life, adjust the style and formality depending on your intimacy with the recipient. If it’s a business contact, maintain a more formal tone. If it’s your girlfriend or an old buddy, be as informal, intimate, and breezy as you would be if they were with you in person. Your goal is to have your voice reading your letter to them in their head. It’s much easier to create that effect if you write how you actually talk. Just as you don’t overthink when you talk, don’t overthink when you write a letter.”

Who To Write To For A Purpose

• A Million Thanks
• Cards for Hospitalized Kids
• Cards of Hope (for foster youth)
• Love for the Elderly
• Operation Gratitude
• Soldiers’ Angels
• Stamp Out Hate

Who To Write To For Connection

• Bullet Journal Pen Pals
• InCoWriMo
• Letter Writers Alliance
• Post Crossing Project

Resources For Inspiration

• Read about how Diane von Furstenberg starts her day – we say switch out the email with a card or hand written note
• There’s a letter writer series where people share their stories in The Guardian
• This legendary football player sends handwritten letters on his own personal stationery to fellow NFL players
• President Obama wrote 10 letters a day!
• Oprah’s “treasure box of letters” – she believes that one-of-a-kind stationery sets create the best gifts ever
• A Birthday Tradition You’ll Want to Steal (from a PbP subscriber)

Let’s Send Out Cards

So on day 3 of the #sendcardsspreadlove challenge, you now have reasons to write AND resources for any type of writer’s block. Let’s get to sending out cards! On Friday, we have our first guest post from Alexandra Franzen.

PS. There’s just a handful – 4 to be exact – of  The Best of Curated Collection if you need cards. OR check out any of our single collections or special themed collections.