Note To Self: Read This Book

I'm going to steer us away from etiquette today and onto the subject of writing to mention Samara O'Shea's latest book, Note To Self: On Keeping A Journal And Other Dangerous Pursuits. O'Shea offers lots of advice on how to have one of the most important conversations--the one with yourself. Her website, Letter Lover, has more insight into the written word. Note To Self makes a lovely gift to yourself, or the perfect birthday present for a friend (perhaps paired with a nice pen and hip journal, like any of these from See Jane Work or World of Journals).

As a writer of books and blogs and columns myself, I've come to recognize how important it is not only to practice writing regularly, but to allow yourself more than one kind of voice. Both of these habits help to keep your writing fresh and flowing off the pen (or keyboard). In my humble experience, I've found blogging to be a sort of journal, but one more about my personal reflections on points of interest that come up in my professional life. To date I've only kept a personal journal when traveling, to be sure I wouldn't forget any details in the onslaught of foreign sites and sounds and tastes. But O'Shea's book has encouraged me to take another stab at keeping a daily personal journal. And after you see her book trailer you'll see why it's also encouraged me not to let anyone else peek at it!

Comments

[Lisagh]

Hello Anna,
I've recently found your blog and enjoy it very much. Thank you for sharing.

Please forgive me using your comments section to send a personal message, but I couldn't find a place to send you a regular email. Feel free to not publish this comment.

I write a silly little blog in a "preppy girls blogging circle". It's quite popular and I have about 15,000 readers a month. I often write about manners and social custom (as well as less serious topics like madras tennis racquet covers and margarita recipes). My post today has been one of my most commented upon, most considered by my readers and therefore, very entertaining for me to observe.

I'm writing to you because I thought you might get a kick out of it - the subject matter is invitation etiquette - and perhaps, you may even want to weigh in on the discussion.

I often cite "Emily Post's Etiquette" and have had a copy of it for many, many years. I would honestly be honored to hear what you have to say on our dialogue.

If you'd like to respond to me directly, my personal email address is lisagh@shaw.ca

Thanks again for your time.

Sincerely,
Lisagh King

http://grosgraingarage.blogspot.com

[Joseph Menez]

Dear Ms Post,

I would like to say how refreshing it is to see that the art of etiquette is not dead. I read the article that featured you in Spirit Magazine while on a flight home from Las Vegas this past New Year's Eve. Although my parents have been excellent educators in rergards to my personal and professional demeanor, it never hurts to brush up and learn about the subtle actions and behaviors that make all the difference in polite society. Thank you for your good work.

Incidentally, my sister just recently got engaged, and I am on my way to pick up your wedding etiquette books for her. Thank you again for your incite and advice.

Sincerely,
Joseph Menez