![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() "It pays to be super polite in a complaint letter, as the neighbour could have a short fuse and go off like a sky rocket. "If you do write a letter, address it personally to the neighbour, and mark the envelope or email message 'Private and Confidential' so there is no risk of publishing defamatory material to a third party," he says. Mr Breen also says we need to be cautious when it comes to accusations or shame. Lawyer Peter Breen, who also authored The Book of Letters: How To Write A Letter For Every Occasion, urges people to always try talking to their neighbours first. If there's compassion behind your words you have more chance of reaching them." Legal considerations "Think about the clearest way to get your message across, how you'd like to make people feel. "Try not to write when you're still in the flush of feeling, particularly if it's anger - that's a lesson I've learnt the hard way," she says. ![]() Marieke also suggests giving yourself time to cool off before writing. "Human emotion is missing from our media-dominated societies and that is a very powerful thing we can use to spread awareness about important issues." "Let the message come from your heart, but minimise accusations and blame, and never aim to force a message down the throats of your audience," she says. "You can never control how someone responds to your work or heartfelt expression, but I think you can rest easier at night if you know you've spoken from a kind and clear place." How to write a communal noteĮmily's advice for others wanting to raise a grievance with their community? Be honest. "And even if they don't, if for some reason this beautiful missive was responded to with derision or scorn, it doesn't take away from the intent. "It's clearly from the heart - and I think with any letter (or creative project/output in general), if it comes from an utterly sincere and genuine space, people pick up on that," she says. Writer and founder of Women of Letters, a literary event celebrating written correspondence, Marieke Hardy says Emily's honesty and emotion made the note resonate. There are a few things to consider when writing a communal note - such as politeness, and steering clear of accusations. "I hope that it reminded the cat owners in our area to remember their loved pets are also excellent predators." I have had a few in my life which I loved very much. "My dad is an environmental scientist, and I grew up in the country, so I am well aware of the damage that cats do to our native wildlife, but my partner is American, and it was an illuminating discussion for her. Actually neighbour, who I have never talked to, came and knocked on our door and asked if we had written it, and it led to a long (and lovely) conversation with her about cats and ecology," Gemma-Rose says. One of the neighbours who received Emily's note was Gemma-Rose Turnbull. People make a choice to allow their cats to roam the streets, and that is the problem." 'I got the community talking' They cannot be blamed for their instinctual behaviours. Having pet cats is not the problem, nor are cats themselves. "I was very careful in my writing to not blame cats. "I wanted people to know how sick I felt about it, how sad and angry, and how easy the solution is. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |