How it Works

Your letters can be of any length. Typed or handwritten, with whatever tools you have at your disposal, using whatever color ink or typeface you want; using any kind of paper. Write in your mother tongue, another language or a combination of both. You can choose your three people all at once or decide each person as you go. The content of a 3pistolary letter has no restrictions.

And while it would be nice to write to someone who will be able to read your words, feel free to also write to someone who has passed away if that would be helpful. And if you feel compelled to write to more than three people, by all means do it. And if three feels overwhelming or too daunting a prospect, just choose one person and see how that goes. 

Of course, it’s a good idea to avoid being too rash; a thought-out letter is less likely to yield regret than one that was written in haste and without any regard to the recipient. But if you feel certain about what you want to say, go ahead and say it, then send it.

It’s also a good idea to double check that you have the correct and up-to-date address; the last thing you’d want is for a letter to get lost in the mail.

So where do you get started? Sure, we have learned about some life-changing letters throughout history, but yours need not be revolutionary. Here are some ideas:

  • Start off easy: just write someone to say hi, especially if it’s someone you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while

  • Tell your siblings the things you admire about them

  • Apologize to a friend you’ve hurt

  • Tell someone they have hurt you (they may not even know!) If you feel able, forgive them

  • Write to your parents and say thank you for all they’ve done for you

  • Reach out to your former K-12 teacher or university professor

  • Tell your grandparents you miss them

  • Send a letter to a relative who is incarcerated

  • Tell an adolescent in your life what you wish you’d known at their age

  • Tell your spouse something they did recently that you appreciated

  • Let go of a secret that has been a burden for you to carry

Questions? Comments? Want to submit a portion of your letter? Email letters@3pistolary.com

 

31 people are participating in the 3pistolary Project.