Writing right: Author Sandra Lamb offers tips for penning sincere, personal notes to family and friends

Finding those perfect words — even when there's plenty of time to write them down — can leave people feeling frustrated and uninspired.

For those who frequently twirl their pen, tap their desk or stare blankly into space while nothing but clichés come to mind, then Sandra Lamb has some advice on how to write messages that convey sincerity and tact.

In her new book, "Write the Right Words," she guides readers through composing meaningful notes for situations ranging from anniversaries to adoptions that call for a handwritten gesture.

She explains the importance of thinking about how the receiver will view the occasion, which they may not be too enthused about. A graduation may bring gloomy job prospects, or a birthday may mean more gray hairs. Whatever the event or their attitude, she said considering a person's perspective shows that you care and understand, with the added touch of it being handwritten.

"There's a very special feeling you get — all hugged and warm — when you open your mailbox and find a hand-addressed envelope," Lamb writes in the beginning of her book. "There it is, with your name written in the penmanship of someone special to you."

In a phone interview, Lamb recalled a time when her handwritten message brought needed comfort. Lamb said she was surprised to hear a friend quote excerpts from a note she gave to her just after her mother's death.

It had been more than two years since Lamb had delivered the letter expressing her sympathy.

"The note was something tangible that she could take out, read and hold in her hands," Lamb said. "She must have read it so many times — it was that important to her."

In reflecting on the meaning of penned messages, Lamb writes in her book that "(The handwritten message) is precious, and it is something we don't want to disappear from our social discourse. Handwritten messages have always been one of the better aspects of civil society. Let's not lose them."

For some, writing personal notes to family and friends is still an important part of their weekly routine. As important as checking e-mail or returning phone calls.

Carolyn Davidson, of Logan, sends cards with written messages for the wedding, birthday, graduation and special occasions of each of her grandchildren. She doesn't like to miss a single one.

With 21 grandchildren, that adds up to a lot of writing time. She even keeps her grandson in Australia up to date with letters about her life.