Blog Tour - Write the Right Words

I am happy to be hosting another TLC Book Tour today.  This post was originally supposed to go up last week, but apparently Blogger had issues with my scheduled posts...happened more than once.

Title:  Write the Right Words
Author:  Sandra E. Lamb
Review Copy Provided by St. Martin's Press

About the Book:  A Warm and Practical Guide to Writing the Perfect Card Message
Are you at a complete loss for words when a birthday card or congratulatory card circulates at the office?
When was the last time you mailed a “thinking of you” card to a faraway family member, just to say hello?
What should you write to a grieving friend? How do you comfort a colleague in a time of need?
Every greeting card needs a personal, handwritten message to make it complete. In this comprehensive, encouraging guide, journalist and lifestyle expert Sandra Lamb offers a wealth of advice, inspiration, and examples for anyone who wants to add the perfect personal touch to their card messages---as well as anyone who wants to know the etiquette of when and what to write.
Something as small as a heartfelt message on a greeting card can help remedy our hectic, e-mail--dependent lives. Lamb provides tips and sample messages for every occasion under the sun, both happy and somber (thank-you, birthday, birth and adoption, condolence), and explains the meanings of possibly unfamiliar holidays and religious rituals to aid in the writing of appropriate messages.

My Review:  This book is going to be my new best friend!  I attended a workshop this summer about relationships.  Yes, it was for school, but I can apply it to my personal life as well.  One of the things I committed to doing, afterwards, is staying connected with my family and friends through notes and cards.  Write the Right Words is going to enable me to do that even better!

The book is broken up into seven parts: Connecting Messages, Happy Day Messages, Holiday Messages, Social Grace Messages, Care and Concern Messages, Creating a New Relationship Messages, and Dates to Remember.  I especially enjoyed the part in Connecting Messages on Connecting with Greeting Cards.  It tells you how to make the most of your handwritten message:

"Your handwritten message supplies what's so often missing in our lives: the richness of shared humanity, and the sense that we are connected one to another."

I so agree with that quote.  We do so much of our correspondence through email, text messages, and social networks, that the art and sincerity of the handwritten note or card has been lost.  I love the specialness that a note or card brings to me, and I want to do that for others.

Another part of the book that I enjoyed was Care and Concern Messages.  There are times of sickness or loss, and I want to send a note, but I'm not sure at all what to say.  Well, that day is over.  For example, each type of care or concern gives message etiquette, quotes to use, and suggested messages.  Here's a suggested message to send someone who has been diagnosed with cancer:

"It's an ugly word-'cancer.' But I've never known you to shrink from a real challenge.  We're all betting on your resilience and fight.  In case we haven't said it recently: You're very important to us.  We care what happens to you. And we all want you around for a very long time to come.  We're sending you our best wishes and prayers."

Wow!  Talk about a great message.  I'm not sure I could have thought of that on my own.   The book is set up that way throughout.  Each part lists different types of notes/cards or occasions, and then gives the etiquette, quotes and suggested messages.  I love the way Ms. Lamb has organized the book.  It is very user friendly and gives you exactly what you need when you are at a loss for words.

This is definitely one that will be staying out in my office so that I can refer to it constantly.  If you are the card sending type, or desire to be, I hope you'll pick up this book.

Sandra Lamb has also written Personal Notes and How to Write It.  I will be checking these titles out as well!

The author has graciously offered up an autographed copy for one of my readers.  Just comment on this post and you're entered.  It's that easy!  Make sure to leave your email so I can contact you.  This contest will end a week from today, Tuesday August 17th at midnight.  The winner will be chosen at random and notified on the 18th.  Open to US/Canada only.