In Letter Writing Made Easy! Volume 2, author Margaret McCarthy offers even more sample letters for hundreds of common occasions. Need to apologize to a friend? Want to complain about a rude salesperson? Having trouble expressing your feelings about a loved one's illness? Need to thank a co-worker for his assistance? McCarthy has provided samples which you can use as is, or modify to suit your own particular style or concerns.
How to write more intimate personal letters
How to write more powerful business correspondence
Practical advice on format, style, tone, forms of address . . . and much more!
So put down that phone and write a letter! It's not only more personal, it's more effective. And with Letter Writing Made Easy! Volume 2, writing a letter is a breeze!
Not Returning Someone's Call/Letter Dear (name),
I feel terrible about taking so long to return your (call/letter). Naturally I meant to do it right away, but things have been so hectic with my (job/kids/ family, etc.) that it just slipped away from me. I do hope I haven't offended you, or made you think that I don't care. That's not the case at all.
I was very glad to hear from you, and was especially interested in your news about (event). I'd like to hear more about it. (Ask pertinent questions that relate to the event).
I'm eager to keep in touch with you, and I'd like us to speak in person soon, if we could. Please call me and let me know when there might be a good time for us to get together. Again, please forgive me for waiting so long to write. I hope to hear from you soon.
Fondly,
Serious Illness
Dear (name),
I was so sorry to hear about your (type of illness). It must have come as a tremendous shock to you. Just remember to keep your thoughts positive throughout all of this; it will make your (recovery/rehabilitation) that much easier. Try to focus on getting better.
Please know that I'm here to help in any way that I can-I'm willing to help you take care of any details that may arise, or to just come visit you if you want some company. All you have to do is let me know. My thoughts and my prayers are with you.
Love,
Unappreciated "Advice"
Dear (name),
The more I've thought about what you said (yesterday/last week, etc.), the more I feel compelled to tell you that I didn't appreciate your "advice." I'm sure you think you were being a good friend by telling me what to do, but I think your remarks were inappropriate.
How I choose to conduct myself in the matter of (issue) is entirely my business. If you don't like my words or actions, you can say so-but do it in a less imperious way. Ask me to do something as a favor to you, to consider your feelings, and I may do it. But if you tell me to do something, because it's the "right" way, you're just being arrogant. You're not the arbiter of right and wrong, (name). You're just a person with a viewpoint, and if you express yourself in that manner, then I'll be much more willing to respect you and listen to you. I hope you can appreciate my feelings on this matter.
Sincerely,
Restroom/Lunchroom Needs Maintenance
Dear (name of office supervisor):
I work in (name of office/division), and I regularly use the (restroom/lunchroom) (on/in/at) the (describe location). For some time, I've noticed that there is a problem that requires some attention. It seems that the room is always a mess. For instance (give examples of mess: towels on floor/machines empty/plumbing leaks, etc.)
Naturally, I realize that it's hard to keep a room ship-shape when it has to serve so many people, and I'm sure there isn't sufficient staff to keep an eye on the (restroom/lunchroom) at all times. But this level of disarray is both unsanitary and unpleasant for those of us who depend on the facility, and I hope something can be done to fix the problem soon. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
