Write the Right Words by Sandra E. Lamb

I’m a believer in sending good old-fashioned greeting cards. E-mail notes and texts and even phone calls have their places, but nothing beats a card for the big happy occasions, like birthdays, holidays. Card can also express sympathy, thanks, and love. But while I may spend hours searching for just the right card, or at least it seems like that to my husband, Lamb has reminded me that what matters even more is the handwritten note that, sadly, I usually don’t include in the card. I don’t know what to say or feel like I don’t need to bother. A quick scribble of my name is so much easier, but not nearly as personal.

The challenge comes when you are the sender. How do you write a greeting-card message to someone that will infuse your words with that special bit of care? With your own voice? With a hug that’s warm and beating and alive? How do you write a message that pulses with a visceral thread of connection? (pg. x in the introduction)

This book is an indispensable addition to my shelves. Lamb takes every card-giving occasion, from birthdays to holidays, adoptions to deaths, thank yous to apologies, and discusses what makes them special and the “message etiquette.” She gives pointers and tips on crafting your own personal notes, but I have to admit that for me the suggested messages are a blessing. She has so many possibilities for every moment that I’m certain I’ll be able to find one that with very little tweaking will be perfect.

Honestly this book has me wanting to send more cards to more people, giving me a boost I guess. How about a note to my husband?

Roses are red, violets are blue. What more can be said? I’m head over heels in love with you. (Yes, and I promise to leave the poetry to the poets in the future.) (pg. 154)

I should have sent a card to Amber at the end of the school year.

All A’s on your report card! Outstanding! This calls for a burgers and [milkshake] night out. How about [Friday]? (pg. 60 with a minor change because I’m not sure she would know what a malt is.)

There’s all kinds of ideas and occasions in this book. Honestly I love it, and I can see myself flipping through it every time I sit down to sign a card.

Thanks to the author and TLC Book Tours, I have one signed copy of Write the Right Words to giveaway. To enter, just leave a comment before August 26. I’ll announce the winner on the 27. This one’s open to the US and Canada only, no PO boxes.

Published May 11, 2010 by St. Martin’s Press
256 pages

My copy was provided for the TLC tour and the above is my honest opinion. I am an Amazon associate.

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