12 Comments
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Penelope J's avatar

Also just wanted to come back and say that I can't imagine Claude coming up with any of these. AI has not taken over yet.

Penelope J's avatar

I absolutely loved all of these. What a great collection and I agree they all kind of do belong together somehow.

Glen Donaldson's avatar

He loves his cats and don't anyone forget it!

Pegra's avatar

I loved about 99% of these ("I want to be the water that bathes you"? *ick*) but my absolute favorite is William Styron's warning to James Jones. I had to check that they were really friends.

HeleneCoyle's avatar

Makes me long for a letter.

Lynda Davis's avatar

I love reading other people’s mail also journals old diarys will surely to your Substacks

Cate Salenger's avatar

These are brilliant as always but I particularly love the one about the cat.

The Sulky Scribbler's avatar

Dora’s letter hits hard.

Tessa Apa's avatar

Here’s the thing… most of the letters shared are from one person to another. Never meant to be impressive literary ramblings. Or publicly appreciated. Yet they are. And now shared. I marvel at the uncommon genius and ability to arrange words. Which makes me wonder, whether the best kind of writing should be made with one person in mind, as we honestly share our thoughts to that one person. Even if you are writing a book meant for many, who is your one person? Is this the secret?

Adam the Apple's avatar

Wonderful mixed mail bag today! I promptly shared the Frida letter with my wife. Early in our relationship, I casually mentioned to her that all I really wanted in a partner was someone who would sit with me, staring into each other's eyes until we transcended our individual selves for a brief moment of cosmic union. She has mentioned many times over the years that I'm lucky she was willing to ever see me again after that! I'm hopeful that after reading Frida's significantly more intense and in-depth missive that she may retroactively cut me some slack.

Amy's avatar

A variety pack of letters! I love it.

K.A. Troop's avatar

Thank you for assembling those!