An online literary magazine is mailing its readers letters from some of the nation’s most celebrated writers and poets.
The Rumpus, a site that features book reviews, essays and more, operates Letters in the Mail, a service that sends each subscriber a penned letter — including a return address — from a notable author every two weeks.
“We strongly believe letter writing is an art form, and it’s one that isn’t celebrated enough,” said Marisa Siegel, The Rumpus’s editor-in-chief. “A letter should be an experience.”
Recent letters have come from author and essayist Alana Massey, bestselling author Lidia Yuknavitch, and writer and artist Molly Crabapple.
“Many authors include illustrations, photographs, comics, doodles, poems and other fun surprises,” Siegel said.
A Letters in the Mail subscription costs $7 a month. Since its launch in 2012, subscriptions have grown steadily and now include a children’s version, Letters for Kids.
Siegel believes the draw of Letters in the Mail is the connection it brings between writers and readers.
“Being able to receive an intimate glimpse into the life of an author you admire, and to write back to that author, is a special and unique thrill,” she said.