Postal Reading Challenge

Postal Reading Challenge
Posted: 08 Jan 2013 08:28 AM PST



January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013
It's a New Year! And I couldn't resist creating a new challenge of my own, which came to me as I was making my resolutions. I am trying to get back into the habit of sending regular snail mail letters -- which reminded me of how much I love reading about letter writing and enjoying epistolary fiction.

What is the Challenge?

The key is to read and review books with a postal theme. These can be non-fiction on the subject of letter writing, collections of real letters, or epistolary fiction of any era. Be creative! Review each one and link back to the challenge -- there will be quarterly roundup posts for you to link reviews and posts to as you create them.

The challenge runs from January 1st, 2013 to December 31st, 2013. You can sign up ANY TIME throughout the year.

Any books chosen can overlap with any other challenge, and rereads are allowed. Just remember to review them somewhere online in order for them to count toward the challenge. Lists don't have to be made in advance, though feel free to share your choices and inspire other readers if you wish!

How do I join in?
There are a few ways to participate in this challenge.

Postcard Level: Read and review 4 books with a postal theme.
Snail Mail Level: Read and review 8 books with a postal theme.
Parcel Post Level: Read and review 12 books with a postal theme.
Air Mail Express Level: Read and review 12 books with a postal theme ANDcommit to sending more old fashioned letters this year. At least 12 pieces of mail (or more!), and you can share numbers or even images of your mail art in the quarterly roundups.

Anyone who completes the challenge at any level will have their names thrown into a draw to win some letter-related goodies at the end of the year. In addition, if you complete the Air Mail Express Level, you'll get a chance to win a lifetime membership to the Letter Writers Alliance!

Wondering what you might read? Find some inspiration --
Some of the epistolary choices I've read over the years
Danielle at A Work in Progress has made a couple of lists, A Thursday Thirteen and a follow-up Part 2!
Wikipedia has, of course, listed some epistolary suggestions
Goodreads has 26 pages of readers' favourite epistolary reads
Some ideas for non-fiction reads as well as novels, from the Letter Exchange


For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.