Memoirville recommends…A short essay by Olena Jennings on The Millions, Autographs and Pen Pals.

Jennings starts her lovely essay by recounting her attendance to poetry readings and book signings as a child, listening to authors such as Amy Tan and Jennifer Egan. She eventually finds a pen pal at a small reading with whom she writes and commiserates almost daily. “It was then that my writing probably took on its autobiographical quality,” she recalls. Memoirville published a discussion between authors Ben Greenman and Emily Gould, which, among many topics, touches on keeping a diary and letter writing. The dedication in Greenman’s new book, What He’s Poised to Do, reads, “To the people I’ve written to and the people who have written back.” Greenman and Jennings remind us that it’s always a good time to put down the smart phone, pick up a piece of paper, and buy some stamps.

Tags: BenGreenman, EmilyGould, Olena Jennings