Story to Story

Writing letters may seem like an old-fashioned or outdated form of communication, but it can still offer many benefits and challenges for different purposes and audiences. Whether you want to express your feelings, persuade someone, inform or educate, or simply keep in touch, writing a letter can help you achieve your goals and connect with others. However, writing a letter also requires careful planning, attention to detail, and awareness of the tone, style, and format that suit your situation. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits and challenges of writing letters for different purposes and audiences, and…

Three years ago, novelist Jon McGregor invited strangers to send him a letter in the post. Scribbled notes and love letters are still landing on the doormat…Our first letter was from Magnus Mills. It came in a plain brown envelope, and was handwritten on a plain sheet of white A4. “Dear J,” it began. “Thanks for asking and I’m really very flattered, but I don’t think I’ll be able to supply a handwritten letter.” It went on to explain the ways his time was taken up with work or with thinking about work. It was thoughtful and well-written, and concluded…

A few years ago I was working on my third book which is titled; 100 Australian Legends – The People Who Shaped A Nation. I spent seventeen years meeting, photographing & interviewing 100 Iconic Australians. One of the legends I met & interviewed was Frank Lowy who is the founder of Westfield Shopping Centres. Mr Lowy is a multi billionaire & obviously a very busy person. I knew to get his attention I had to approach him in a different way. I knew that if I sent an email to Westfield that it would be unlikely that it would get…

Alec Campbell was the last person to survive the battle of Gallipoli. I was fortunate to spend two days with Alec & his wife Kathleen in February 2002 to photograph him & interview him about his incredible life. Letter to Alec Campbell January 2002 BIO: Alec Campbell Bio by Richard Simpkin Portrait of Alec Campbell; Richard Simpkin 2002. Alec Campbell – WWI & Last Survivor of Gallipoli From all the nations that enlisted, Alec Campbell became the face for all who served at Gallipoli. He didn’t want to, nor did he understand why; but history books will show that Alec…

In 1997 I wrote a letter to cricketing great & one of my idols; Sir Donald Bradman. I asked him what would be the right cricket bat to buy & also asked him if he was ever scared of being hit during his cricketing career. He was incredibly generous to reply to my letter.