Letters Now Sent, Volume II

Letters Now Sent, Volume II is an invitation to reflect on place(s) we once called home (or still do, from afar), that shaped our story or personal journey in some way, or was transformative to the way we move through the world. This project is for anyone who has left a place that shaped them in some meaningful way.

For this collection, we invite you to write a letter to that place—a city, town, country, or even an airport or cafe or library, or house—that holds part of your story. Share what you miss, what formed you, or what you continue to carry with you. Share why that place is significant to you and to your story. Share a specific event that happened there or how you continue to celebrate that place.

Write from personal experience, with honesty and nuance. Please avoid generalities or cultural stereotypes; this is a space for authentic, individual reflection. This writing is a space for you to tell the readers about why that place is foundational to you and to your story.

A review team will read each submission with care and may offer comments or editing suggestions to ensure clarity and resonance. You will have one month to make all the edits and resubmit the revised version. Selected letters will be included in Letters Now Sent, Volume II.

This project especially welcomes voices from Third Culture Kids (TCKs), Cross-Cultural Kids (CCKs), immigrants, expats, and anyone whose understanding of home spans more than one place.

Suggestions for writing (please note: you do not have to follow this structure or a “typical” letter format):

Structure Suggestions:

  • Orient the reader:

    • For example:

      • Dear [Country/City/Town/State/Province/Airport/Cafe/House/Library/any place Name] (e.g., Dear India, Dear Paris, Dear Haiti, Dear Dulles International Airport, Dear Starbucks in Vienna, Dear Local Library, Dear House on Main Street…);

      • Dear younger self in _____ [country/library/apartment loft]

      • I’m writing from…..

      • To _______________ that taught me/shaped me/

      • [______] is important to me because….

  • Explain why the place is an important part of your story:

    • Reflect on personal interaction with the place’s history, culture, traditions, events. Was there a certain celebration or event that shaped you there? That you continue to celebrate?

    • Share your feelings or observations about why this place is important to you.

    • Pose questions or offer hopes for the future.

  • Closing: May be poetic (With Hope, Forever Connected, With Gratitude, Wishing Peace for People Living there now…..etc.)

Tips:

Ready to submit? Please fill out this Google Form completely and note the timeline below:

  • Submissions are welcome on an ongoing basis! We will adjust the timeline below based on submissions received).

  • Edits must be returned within one month of editorial suggestions.