Love letters are a classic, unparalleled work of art and love whether they go to a significant other, family member, or friend; though they are particularly nice as a way to keep the magic alive in a long-distance relationship.

However romantic and magical they are, love letters are daunting. How can one match the beauty of Napoleon writing to his Josephine? Keats to his Fanny? As intimidating as they are, it can often be easier to just… save that idea of a sweet nothing to whisper sometime or a cute and fleeting text message.

Yet, love letters hold that special magic. They shouldn’t be a lost art. So, if you’re filled with a romantic (or merely loving) inspiration but don’t know where to start, turn here. With basic tips and places to start, you’ll be filling that page in no time.

Stop Stressing

Like I said, it’s intimidating; but the most important part to getting started is to relax. If you’re writing a love letter, chances are that the person receiving it isn’t going to judge you, writing, or your penmanship. So just, relax. Enjoy the creative project and the smile for the receiver.

Focus on one theme.

Unlike in the past, letters are not the primary point of contact anymore. You don’t have to fill have the page with mundanity before moving onto your heartfelt message. At the same time, that means there’s no rush on getting every thought down at once.

Instead, focus on a single theme, story, or message in the letter. Even a single card or page is a lot to write, and you’re better off writing more letters than burning out all your ideas on a single novel-like envelope.

Make it Personal

Write, don’t type. Embrace your own unique penmanship or practice specific fonts; but let your hand’s personality show.

Also, pick out a special stationary or decorate the plain lined page. Find whatever excites you and run with it. Personally, I love stickers like a five year old, live for a smooth calligraphy pen and shiver for a wax letter seal.

Basically, let your own creativity show through. The urge can be to make everything perfect, but that can degrade that unique imperfection that comes from one person creating something by hand.

Jump Right In

Depending on your style, you can either leap right into the letter or if you feel like you need a bit of a practice run, jot some ideas on scratch paper to get a rough sketch or type something up to get a more concrete draft. Just, tread carefully with drafting because it can limit the natural ebb and flow once you find your stride.

Otherwise, once you’ve figured out your level of preparation, then figure out what your focus is… starting with these helpful tips!

A Specific Memory or Story

Think back to one specific moment.

Where was your first date? The second? Your first anniversary?

What’s the first movie you saw together? Why’d you pick that one?

What’s a moment they took care of you? You were sick? Had a particularly bad day? What’d they do to make it better?

What holidays have you celebrated together? What days have you given special meaning yourselves?

What events have you attended together? Concerts? Special exhibits? Anything you went to once that you can think back to?

Think back through your relationship, find a memory that sticks out and try to flesh out every detail you can remember. Tell the story back to re-live it. Additionally, point out what you remember from your own perspective. You’re each going to remember it differently. Elaborate on your own special perspective.

Not only are will these be fun to read for the receiver once, these memories put down will be especially nice to read back later on.

Respond to a Poem (or other creative piece)

If you happen to read poetry (or other creative works) you’ll know that sometimes something sticks out. It reminds you of that special someone. So, start with someone else and lead up to your own words. If it’s not too long, transcribe the poem.

Then, explain why it stuck out. Share what it reminded you of. Usually, this is enough to get the mind running (and if not, thankfully, transcribing the poem will already make the letter look long enough to be thoughtful-looking).

Write your own creative piece

If you feel so inclined, try your hand at your own creative piece. A special poem, never to be seen by anyone else, written in your own hand writing can be exceptionally impressive and thoughtful.

A Daily Ramble

Sometimes, it’s just a regular day that can get the mind running. Run through your day, share when you thought of your significant other, when you miss them most. Think about the little details.

Did you wear the sweatshirt they left over and feel extra safe and comfortable?

Did you use that lipstick they bought you? Or finish the book the recommended?

Think about the details of the mundane that overlap with something special and put them down on paper. Figure out where to go from there, let your mind race away from you.

A “What If…”

If all else fails, turn to fiction. If your memory is shot, your day was drab, and you can’t find a single good piece; then look to the if. What if that person was with you now? What if you were to race away on a vacation together tomorrow (where, why, what would you do?)? What if you face forward a year or two, where will you be?

Think about the if of a situation whether it’s serious or playful and just write.

Overall, love letters are not hard. They just seem intimidating because they are a lot of work, but they are so worth it. Love letters are saved, cherished, sometimes passed down. They are just special. So, stop stressing and put pen to page!