If there's one type of writing which strikes terror into my heart it is the thought of having to write a love letter.
Having to, because it is expected, and as a writer you will surely use your talents to express your emotions.
Wrong.
For me, the escape into writing is an escape from myself. Just as an actor dons a character like a suit of clothes, so I wear my writer's garb to separate me from me. Even as I write this, it is not I that taps at the keyboard, but the other.
This creature may revel in writing of a girl's sparkling eyes and cascade of auburn hair, but I cringe. I am naturally an introvert and if it's something I can't say to someone's face, I won't be writing it.
Let's face it, a love letter is nothing but a written compliment, and without the safety net of the giver's eyes to verify its sincerity.
To be honest I'd rather write lust than love. The mechanics of coupling may ultimately lead to boredom but at least there is an earthy honesty about them.
If all this makes it seem that I distrust love letters, then I have no argument. Perhaps it is because I am adept at writing fiction that I expect any element of sincerity to be met with doubt. Is this a male thing? I don't know, I've never tried being a woman.
But I know I could create a character that could write a good love letter, so why can't I?
Luckily, I'm not in love with anyone at the moment, so the pressure isn't killing, but if the unexpected should occur I know I will write as much drivel as the next man. All sanity will desert me, every iota of technique and skill will disappear, I will wheedle and beg for the love of another like any other swain. Perhaps, then, love letters were invented to bring writers down from their pedestal, to remind them that they too are mortal.
The expectations are too high, you see. The recipient of a love letter from a writer is going to expect more than references to the moon, but if ever there was a case for the use of cliché here it stands. How shall I love thee? Give me a break!
Which is why, ladies, you are warned, expect no amatory epistles from yours truly. Like most men I find it difficult enough to say, 'I love you', without having to write it.
Having to, because it is expected, and as a writer you will surely use your talents to express your emotions.
Wrong.
For me, the escape into writing is an escape from myself. Just as an actor dons a character like a suit of clothes, so I wear my writer's garb to separate me from me. Even as I write this, it is not I that taps at the keyboard, but the other.
This creature may revel in writing of a girl's sparkling eyes and cascade of auburn hair, but I cringe. I am naturally an introvert and if it's something I can't say to someone's face, I won't be writing it.
Let's face it, a love letter is nothing but a written compliment, and without the safety net of the giver's eyes to verify its sincerity.
To be honest I'd rather write lust than love. The mechanics of coupling may ultimately lead to boredom but at least there is an earthy honesty about them.
If all this makes it seem that I distrust love letters, then I have no argument. Perhaps it is because I am adept at writing fiction that I expect any element of sincerity to be met with doubt. Is this a male thing? I don't know, I've never tried being a woman.
But I know I could create a character that could write a good love letter, so why can't I?
Luckily, I'm not in love with anyone at the moment, so the pressure isn't killing, but if the unexpected should occur I know I will write as much drivel as the next man. All sanity will desert me, every iota of technique and skill will disappear, I will wheedle and beg for the love of another like any other swain. Perhaps, then, love letters were invented to bring writers down from their pedestal, to remind them that they too are mortal.
The expectations are too high, you see. The recipient of a love letter from a writer is going to expect more than references to the moon, but if ever there was a case for the use of cliché here it stands. How shall I love thee? Give me a break!
Which is why, ladies, you are warned, expect no amatory epistles from yours truly. Like most men I find it difficult enough to say, 'I love you', without having to write it.
Gurmeet Mattu is an award-winning writer with a track record in
print, stage, radio and television, as well as being a qualified
Trainer. He is currently operating
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