“‘Delightful’ is the word that comes to mind when reading Elizabeth H. Cottrell’s HEARTSPOKEN. It is a combination of etiquette, common sense, and exquisite advice on how to write the perfect note or letter. What is more, it helps to determine why and when to write to others, and what type of note to construct. It is full of examples and replete with quotes from history’s greatest letter writers. Most of all, it is a spiritual guide for communing with others on a heartfelt, heartspoken level.”

“In a world where connectedness is defined by social media likes and instant messages, Elizabeth Cottrell reminds us of the benefits of pausing to pen a heartspoken personal note, both for the writer and the recipient. With her easy-to-remember NOTES formula, Cottrell inspires amateurs and experienced letter writers alike to express compassion and caring with thoughtful words. A lovely gift for a teen, young professional, aspiring leader, and even the veteran snail mail aficionado.”

“In Heartspoken: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire, my ‘soul-writing sister’ Elizabeth Cottrell shows how to develop your superpower of writing heart-to-heart notes. Her NOTES formula is a great way to get started, and you’ll find plenty of situation- specific tips within these pages as well. With this book by your side, you can become a world-class note writer, engendering good feelings in others’ lives as well as your own!”

“Over those years, Elizabeth has blessed me with her handwritten notes, both in times of sorrow and in times of joy. I cannot adequately convey how much those handwritten, heartspoken missives meant to me, as they reached across the miles to comfort me like nothing else could. Each note carried with it the tangible expression of love, compassion, and friendship that no email, however sincere, could ever convey.

“Elizabeth’s book has been a long time in the making, first as a spark in the author’s eye, now, at last, fulfilled. If you don’t consider yourself a letter or note writer, but want to be, you are in capable hands. If you are already a note writer, you are now privy to a masterclass that will elevate your note writing to an art form of the highest order. If you are at a loss for words during an emotionally laden event in a friend or loved one’s life, she gently guides you on how to allow just the right words to flow from your heart and onto the page.

“For those looking at how to use note writing in your professional lives, Elizabeth has that covered too. She is adept at teaching you how to infuse your professional and business notes and letters with genuine graciousness and sincerity.

“If anyone can bring back the lost art of the letter, it’s Elizabeth Cottrell. Her book is your instruction manual in making our world a kinder, more compassionate, and thoughtful place. God knows, we need this in our lives now more than ever!”

“In a contemporary culture where civility among humans sometimes lapses, Heartspoken is a timely reminder of its benefits. Ms. Cottrell polishes the old tool of note writing to suggest how easily we can positively affect the lives of others. The emotional return possible from the few moments invested in a well-timed note is compelling. The author’s primer provides complete guidance on how to do this, when to do it, and why we should. A relevant document for compassionate people of all ages.”

“I have known Elizabeth for over a decade, and her message has never wavered—she lives on connections with her faith, with others, with herself, and with nature. Amidst all this, she’s worked tirelessly on her book. Elizabeth has produced the definitive note-writing resource. While there are a lot of books on the market about handwritten correspondence and how to write notes, there are few that embrace the scope of this one—there is a chapter or section to fit every note-writing need. Thorough research, as well as loads of examples via personal notes from Elizabeth and others, enhance this collection in both an intimate and professional way. If you want to write more handwritten notes— and do it well—invest in this book.”