1 Sealed Letter

In this episode, I will explore the ways in which you can leverage the power of AI language models like ChatGPT to enhance your letter writing abilities. I discuss what ChatGPT is and how it works. Then, we will delve into some specific use cases for ChatGPT, such as generating new ideas and refining your writing style. I will also share some tips and best practices for using ChatGPT effectively, including how to give clear and specific prompts, how to evaluate the quality of the responses you receive, and how to integrate ChatGPT into your writing process.

In the 50th episode, we read a letter to a cartoonist who changed the world. I muse about what it means to follow a dream even when we don't know what will come and share some of my favorite insights from Iwerks' career. If you haven't heard of Iwerks, changes are you still know his most famous cartoon! Subscribe to for updates here: KathrynHastingsCo.com/subscribe

What happens after someone dies? Are they gone forever or do we have a way to reach them? In this episode, I share my own technique for connecting with those beyond our world. Through this type of letter writing, I find peace with my grief and learn lessons from those no longer living.

In the Dunhuang Provence of China, citizens often sent apology letters for their transgressions, but their method of drafting was quite unique. In this episode, we read a short apology letter and talk about regret and shame. I also share what I learned from Daniel Pink's research for using our regrets to empower our development.

In 1939, the Atlantic Monthly Magazine published never-before-seen love letters between Abraham Lincoln and Ann Rutledge, his presumed first love. Ostensibly the letters had been passed down through the family of Wilma Minor, the journalist who broke the story.

Learn my technique for planning, organizing and refining the contents of my letters. I don't do this for every letter, but the technique works wonderfully if you're not sure what to write OR if you have many ideas and aren't sure how to organize them.

Why do friendship breakups happen? What is the best way to end a friendship? In this episode, we read a letter from John Steinbeck to his friend George Albee, which confronts Albee for his bad behavior as a friend.

In this episode, we learn from Susan L. Carruthers about the complex history of “Dear John” letters, and explore the larger context of how romantic correspondence aided and hindered martial strategy. Susan L. Carruthers wrote the first full length history of “Dear John” letters in her book, “Dear John, Love and Loyalty in Wartime America.” You can learn more about her book and purchase a copy for yourself here: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/dear-john/1797B606C15FADDC0DE85650877B440A Follow Susan and her work here: https://www.susanlcarruthers.com

How is it possible we haven't talked about this before? In this episode, I share some stories from my time collecting and teach you about the collector's mindset. If you'd like to learn how to collect, please pre-order my guide here. It goes out October 1st. https://py.pl/11HDvv Seal inspiration: https://pin.it/3CCUH8P

What makes for a good note? In this episode I share some of my favorite ideas for notes so that you can find inspiration and send your love ones little notes as well. Hope you find this episode short and sweet.

Not all relationships go how we'd like, and even ones that end don't always end well. Sometimes it's worth writing a person to break off a relationship. Other times, the experience of writing a letter can help us appreciate how a relationship served us and allow us to speak our peace when things fall apart. In this episode, I provide tips on how to write a Dear John letter and explain, why it's never to late to seek epistolary comfort.

Did mail-order brides have anything to do with the mail? What would compel someone to marry someone they haven't met? Is this episode, I explore the history of mail-order brides and uncover a bigger story about gender dynamics in the colonies.

When writing a condolence letter, I always try to make my letter as personalized as possible. The length of the letter may vary, but I follow a simple framework: 1. Send your condolences 2. Share something from your memory of the person 3. Provide some type of support, even if it's just emotional. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter here: http://kathrynhastingsco.com/subscribe

Dedicated lover or 19th. century toxic narcissist enabler? Victor Hugo's mistress of 50 years kept constant correspondence with him, sometimes writing multiple letters a day. She supported his career and even joined him during his exile on Guernsey. What can we make of her letters and their relationship? Sources Juliette Juliette Drouet's Love-letters to Victor Hugo. Edited by Louise Guimbaud. Translated by Lady Theodora Davidson. London: Stanley Paul & Co. (1915) https://www.gutenberg.org/files/44034/44034-h/44034-h.htm This letter & More Information https://theamericanreader.com/1-november-1839-juliette-drouet-to-victor-hugo/

After Beethoven's death in 1827, an unsent love-letter was discovered in a hidden compartment of his desk. For centuries, scholars have tried to guess who the intended recipient of the love letter was, and if it resulted in an affair. Sources: https://www.cpr.org/2020/09/22/the-2-women-who-could-be-beethovens-immortal-beloved/ https://books.lettersofnote.com/products/letters-of-note

Listen to the historic letters about William Faulkner's tenure as postmaster at the University of Mississippi. While his notorious reputation as postmaster is no secret, the charges against him are worth exploring in greater depth with his subsequent letter of resignation. See and purchase William Faulkner's postage stamps here: https://www.littlepostagehouse.com/vintage-postage-bluegreen/Faulkner Sources: Webb, James W. And A. Wigfall Green. William Faulkner of Oxford. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State UP, 1965 The Falkners and the University, Mississippi, Post Office Author(s): Gerald W. Walton Source: The Faulkner Journal, Vol. 5, No. 1 (FALL 1989), pp. 49-50 Published by: The Johns Hopkins University Press "Case No. 133733-C": The Inspector's Letter to Postmaster William Falkner Author(s): JOAN ST. C. CRANE Source: The Mississippi Quarterly , Summer 1989, Vol. 42, No. 3, SPECIAL ISSUE: WILLIAM FAULKNER (Summer 1989), pp. 229-245 Published by: The Johns Hopkins University Press The New Yorker, NOVEMBER 21, 1970 ISSUE THE POSTMASTER By William Shawn, November 13, 1970

The podcast is back! In this episode, I share some about my personal experience with letter writing and the magic I find in letters. I share some about my philosophy of letter writing and why I think letter writing is even more important in the digital age.

The arguments around “separate but equal” education started long before Brown vs. Board of Education. In August 1885, a Chinese American mother, Mary Tape, fought the SF Board of Education's discriminatory policies against her daughter, Mamie Tape. In this episode, we explore her story and letter she wrote in response to the school district's racism.

The best expressions of gratitude come from gratitude received fully. In this episode, I give my best tips for writing a thank you note and share about my philosophy of receiving.

In this letter, Rilke discusses his time in Rome, muses about beauty and encourages his young fan's poetry. I recommend listening to the earlier episodes first if you haven't heard them already.

The history of airmail combines the history of aviation with history of the US Postal Service. In this episode, I explore the key chapters in this fascinating history, and share some of my personal stories in aviation. Blog post about airway beacons and arrows: https://www.gentleartofwandering.com/looking-for-airway-beacons-and-arrows-in-the-backcountry/ Additional photos and resources from the USPS: https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/airmail-history-in-pictures.pdf https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/airmail.pdf

Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the little know but revolutionary Renaissance woman, Vittoria Colonna. We're joined by author, Ramie Targoff, who is a Professor of English, co-chair of Italian Studies, and the Jehuda Reinharz Director of the Mandel Center for the Humanities at Brandeis University. Professor Targoff wrote a book about Vittoria Colonna, “Renaissance Woman,” and shares about this fascinating historical heroine.⁣ ⁣ Vittoria Colonna, Marchesa of Pescara, was the quintessential renaissance woman. She was personally connected with some of the most prominent people in 16th century Italy, including Michelangelo, many popes and Queen Marguerite de Navarre, to name a few. As the first female poet published in Italy, she began a revolution for female writers and is still beloved today.⁣ ⁣ Professor Targoff's Bio:⁣ https://ramietargoff.com/about⁣ ⁣ Professor Targoff's books:⁣ https://ramietargoff.com/new-page⁣

Listen to accounts from Titanic Passengers to get a better sense of the those who took this fatal voyage over 110 years ago. I provide some historical context to the letters, share some interesting stories from the ship, and draw parallels to our current time.

Today, I'm speaking with Mike Harney who is the Vice President, master tea buyer and blender of Harney & Sons teas. Tea drinking and letter writing have always gone hand-in-hand for me, and so I asked Mike to teach us all about the ceremony of fine teas. He has extensive knowledge of all of the major tea regions in the world as well as an exceptional palette for tasting team. He also has published The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea. Whether you're an inveterate tea drinker like me or new to tea, there is lots to learn from Mike.⁣ ⁣ Harney.com⁣ ⁣ Tea Recommendations:⁣ Leisurely afternoon letter - Hot Cinnamon⁣ Love Letter - Jane's Garden⁣ Condolence Letter - Earl Gray Supreme⁣ A Complaint Letter - Oolong⁣ Letter Before Bed - Yellow and Blue⁣ Travel Letter - Paris⁣ ⁣ Dr. Will Li:⁣ https://instagram.com/drwilliamli⁣

Learn from those who lived during the Spanish Flu of 1918. In this episode, I discuss what I learned about the pandemic through letters, and I also read letters written at that time. The letters come from the National Archives in DC, the WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, MO, and the British Medical Journal. If you're interested in learning more about the 1918 pandemic, I recommend Jeremy Brown's book, “Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History.” He tells more stories from the pandemic and how the flu shaped society.

Paul Herron is a researcher, writer, editor and publisher of Sky Blue Press. He has extensive knowledge of Anaïs Nin's life, literary work and letters. Through his in-depth knowledge and passion for her work, Paul helps us understand this multifaceted woman and artist, who even by today's standards lived outside of societal norms. Her work continues to inspire and bring new questions about the cycle of human relationships and personal growth.⁣ ⁣ http://www.skybluepress.com/bookstore/⁣ ⁣ http://www.skybluepress.com/about-us/⁣ ⁣

In this episode, we continue with Rainer Maria Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet. We talk more about the life of an artist, an artist's unique path, and how to grow even when it makes others uncomfortable. I recommend listening to the other three episodes first.

What can the history of letter writing teach us about fan mail? When writing celebrities, what are the best ways to connect with them, while still respecting the distance of being strangers? In this episode I share some simple tips of how to write a good fan letter… And how to avoid some of the tropes that have existed since the beginning a fan mail.⁣ ⁣ In this episode I also mention fan mail that Lord Byron received. To read more about his fan mail and additional letters that I didn't share, visit the article written by the Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/i-love-you-lord-byron-how-the-poet-s-postbag-bulged-with-female-admirers-letters-894522.html

Many know the ending of this tragic relationship between two Queen cousins, but the letters from these two figures are often forgotten. Hear about their lives and star-crossed paths. To see how Mary folded her last letter, see this tutorial: https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_2fca6JibI/?igshid=zg9af871mzlm

After his death, Beethoven's family found a letter in his desk, which had been written nearly 25 years earlier. The letter tells about his struggles with deafness and his retreat from society. He also shared about how his art inspired him to continue despite his suffering. ⁣ ⁣ Letter translation: all-about-Beethoven.com⁣

In 1890, Lewis Carroll published a small pamphlet with tips on letter writing. His advice still applies today, and much of it can apply to email as well.

For those who don't want to set hard goals in 2021 but still want to head in the direction of their dreams, an astral letter can be the perfect option. In this episode, we work with modern shaman and seer, Laura LaRosa to understand working with the astral and this unique method of manifestation. To book a session or contact Laura, simply email LauraLeeLaRosa@gmail.com

Tune in for the third letter in this series of Rainer Maria Rilke's Letters to a young artist. We talk about criticism, patience and what it means to be an artist.

We're all familiar with holiday cards, but what makes a holiday letter different? In this episode, I share my own approach to holiday letters and of course share my perspective on a stress free holiday season in 2020. ✨

One of the most inspiring people I've spoken with, Julie Montagu, is a force of nature. She bears many titles including an aristocratic one, as well as yogi, entrepreneur, TV host and writer. ⁣ ⁣ In this episode, the viscountess shares about their family country estate, Mapperton House. We also discuss some historic family letters from an earlier countess whose life parallels Julie's in surprising and fascinating ways.⁣ ⁣ American Aristocrat Patreon:⁣ https://www.patreon.com/americanaristocrat⁣ ⁣ Learn more about Julie:⁣ http://juliemontagu.com/⁣ ⁣ Learn more about Mapperton:⁣ https://mapperton.com/⁣ ⁣ Learn more about An American Aristocrat's Guide to Great Estates:⁣ https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/details/series/an-american-aristocrats-guide-to-great-estates⁣ ⁣ Follow Juile on Instagram:⁣ https://www.instagram.com/juliemontagu

2020 has been a strange year with quarantine. Should we do holiday cards the same as every year or take a different approach in 2020? In this episode, I'm sharing my new approach to holiday cards this year.

Jim DeFelice is an author, researcher, historian and master storyteller. He has covered a wide variety of topics and genres from military history, spy thrillers, futuristic techno-thrillers and memoir, including his #1 NYT best seller, American Sniper. His newest popular history, West Like Lighting, chronicles the rich history of the Pony Express. DeFelice drove the entire route of the Pony Express and also met with museum curators, local historians and reenactors to find as many primary sources as possible for his research. He tells the story of the Pony Express in the much broader context of this unique chapter of American history. http://www.jimdefelice.com/ Pony Express Oath: "I, _____, do hereby swear, before the Great and Living God, that during my engagement, and while I am an employee of Russell, Majors and Waddell, I will, under no circumstances, use profane language, that I will drink no intoxicating liquors, that I will not quarrel or fight with any other employee of the firm, and that in every respect I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful to my duties, and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my employers, so help me God.” Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph, MO: https://www.ponyexpress.org/ Timeline (from Pony Express Museum) https://www.ponyexpress.org/historical-timeline

Learn about the rich, 500 year history of the Postal Service in the UK. We're joined by the curator, Joanna Espin, from the Postal Museum in London. Did you know that the postal service was the first social network? The Postal Museum reveals the fascinating stories about how we've shared information for the past 5 centuries. The Postal Museum is supported by the Postal Heritage Trust, an independent charity created to protect and share this rich history. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider donating here: https://www.postalmuseum.org/support-us/donate/ IMAGES Penny Blacks, Tollhurst Photos & Walker's Letters: https://bit.ly/32bSitB Cross writing: https://bit.ly/3enGIAt

Artist, author, dancer, designer, muse, teacher, witch and more, Laura Tempest Zakroff is a woman of many talents. In this special witchy episode of the 1 Sealed Letter Podcast, Laura teaches us all about witchery and how to use sigils, which are symbols for witchcraft. You don't need to be a witch in order to benefit from the techniques she teaches. In fact, you might find the topics even more fascinating if you're totally new to the world of witchcraft in Sigils. Laura also teaches us techniques for letters in witchcraft, including: putting spells/sigils on our letters, finding the writing witchy supplies for letter writing and developing a better understanding of your own intuition. Laura's Instagram: @owlkeyme.arts Laura's Site: http://www.lauratempestzakroff.com/ Laura's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaHXTaHUeP-Z331QoC2Fu4A Laura's Art, Owlkeyme Arts http://www.owlkeyme.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/owlkeyme Threadless: https://owlkeyme.threadless.com/

How do you bring all 5 senses to the experience of letter writing and reading? Listen to this informal episode for some of my favorite tips.

On this episode, we learn from Jessica Frandson and Jill King, cofounders of CAMPO Beauty, a 100% Natural aromatherapy brand, which uses only the highest quality luxury beauty oils. We discuss how to use essential oils in letter writing, particularly for the ceremony and scenting of letters.⁣ ⁣ CAMPOBEAUTY.com⁣ @CAMPOBeauty (Instagram)

In this episode I read the second letter in the Rilke series of Letters to a Young Artist. It's a short letter and a relatively short letter.

Learn from handwriting analyst, Elaine Charal, who specializes in graphology (the study of handwriting). ✍️ She shares about what our handwriting can reveal about us, and how we can rewire our brains through handwriting practice. Have Elaine analyze your handwriting here: https://www.handwritinganalysistoronto.com/profile.html

In this episode, I share my advice on writing letters to the future, including: letters to yourself, letters to a loved one and time capsule letters. I also reference this pen: Sakura Black Pigma Micron Pen

Genealogy helps us understand the voices of epistolary history and the missing voices too. Kenyatta D Berry is a professional genealogist, attorney, author, lecturer and TV host. She has extensive knowledge of African American Genealogy and enslaved ancestral research. Her book, The Family Tree Toolkit: A Comprehensive Guide to Uncovering Your Ancestry and Researching Genealogy, is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about their genealogy. It's a wonderful resource guide and also provides helpful steps for how to get started. Kenyatta is a host on PBS' Genealogy Roadshow, where I first saw her. She's a contributor to The New York Time's groundbreaking “1619 project” which commemorates the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans in the colonies. She's also been featured in leading publications, including Black Enterprise, Good Housekeeping, Spartan Magazine, Real Simple, Wall Street Journal and Woman's World. Kenyatta's Contact Info: https://kenyattaberry.com https://kenyattaberry.com/resources http://instagram.com/kenyatta.berry https://m.facebook.com/kenyattadb/

Amy Sudduth, Historian, Researcher and Epistolary enthusiast. ⁣ ⁣ contact - amy.c.sudduth (at) gmail⁣ ⁣ Wax Seal Society https://bit.ly/3mec8gi⁣ ⁣ More notes from Amy:⁣ ⁣ Richard Steele's Letter- ⁣ “Nov. 18,1712⁣ Dear Prue,⁣ I AM come from a Committee, where I have (been) chairman, and drank too much. I have the headache; and should be glad you would come to me in good humour, which would always banish my uneasiness of temper from, dear Prue, ⁣ Your fond fool of a husband⁣ Rich. Steele”⁣ Sir Richard Steele to his wife; from the Epistolary Correspondence of Sir Richard Steele, 1809, pg 253⁣ ⁣ The Penny Post Story & William Dockra in 1680. https://bit.ly/2ZkCJyu⁣ ⁣ Mark Kurlansky's History of Paper, probably too often, but it is great. ⁣ ⁣ Strathmore Charcoal 300 Series for 18th century correspondence. Amy prefers to buy the 11x17 size, so I have options to cut the paper to smaller sizes for other sizes. https://bit.ly/3heGdsh⁣ ⁣ The name of the other brand that I couldn't recall is Southworth, which is usually found at Office Supply stores. The trick with that paper is making sure you pay attention to weight. But their pastel Wove Paper is dreamy. They have a Wide variety. I usually get mine at staples and have a crush on the 'blush' colour that I use for my 1820s correspondances. https://bit.ly/35q16hI⁣ ⁣ Gentleman's letter to a lady:⁣ ⁣ MADAM,⁣ ⁣ The great love and tenderness I have hitherto expressed for you  is false, and I now feel that my indifference towards you  increases proportionably every day, and the more I see you  the more I appear ridiculous, and an object of contempt, and the more I feel disposed, inclined, and finally determined, to  hate you. Believe me I never had the least inclination to  offer you my hand and heart. Our last conversation has  I assure you, left a wretched insipidity, which has be no means possessed me with the most exalted opinion of your character.  Yes, madam, and you will much oblige me by avoiding me.  And if ever we are united, I shall experience nothing but the  fearful hatred of my parents, added to an everlasting dis pleasure of living with you. Yes, madam, I think sincerely.  You need not put yourself to the smallest trouble or send or  write me an answer ------ Adieu. And believe that I am  so averse to you that it is really impossible I should ever be,                         Madam,                                  Your affectionate lover till death.                                                                                W. GOFF

Learn key tips for improving your own handwriting, and hear about easy free resources —

In this week's episodes, I share about the western lineage of handwriting from the Sumerians in Uruk to modern day handwriting in America. I mention two books in this episode, “Paper” by Mark Kurlansky (https://amzn.to/3jeHa5i) and “Mastering copperplate calligraphy” by Eleanor Winters. (https://amzn.to/3luVngu) Here's the general timeline (with some points of history I didn't mention): * 50,000 BCE - Humans start drawing lines * 15,000 BCE - Humans have learned to paint with dynamism with cave painting at Lascoix, France * 3000 BCE - Mesopotamian cuneiform, including Sumatran, which included the first phonetic characters. * 2400 BCE - Egyptians began using parchment * 1500 BCE - Phoenician alphabet create with 22 phonetic letters, first fully phonetic alphabet * Around 400 BCE - The Athenians declare the Ionian alphabet the official alphabet * By 146 BCE - the Roman Empire conquers the Greek empire and borrows for their own alphabet of 23 characters * Late 700s CE - Charlemagne standardizes writing through standard teaching for scribes * 10th Century CE - U added to the alphabet * 12th Century CE - W added to the alphabet * 15th Century CE - J added to the alphabet * 1588 CE- England defeats the Spanish Armada and takes control of the seas * 17th Century CE - Expansion of English economy through trade causes for an increase in scribe and tutors. * Mid-1880's CE- Spencerian method develop and taught widely in the US * Late 1880s CE - New methods, including Palmer and Zaner-Bloser methods developed * 1970's CE - D'Nealian® style developed

What makes a good love letter? What are some examples of good love letters?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In this episode, I share some of my favorite love letters and give advice and encouragement to write your own letters.

In this episode, I share some about my own journey with letter writing and tips that I've learned along the way. I also answer some of your questions about letter writing best practices. Key questions: ⁣ 1. How does the reader feel?⁣ 2. How do I want them hem to feel?⁣ ⁣ In this episode, I also mention Ellen Adam's music. You can listen to her here: http://ellenadams.net/music.html⁣ ⁣

In my very first episode, I share a letter from a collection of one of my favorite poets, Rainer Marie Rilke. This poem can be read online here: https://poets.org/text/letters-young-poet-first-letter