A Nostalgic Postal Revival

Remember the good old days when you'd receive a handwritten letter in the mail? As an avid pen-pal right up to today, it's no surprise that author, writer and Expat Living contributor Dee Khanduja has circled back to her roots and launched The Butterfly Letters, where she tells stories for kids through good old-fashioned letters!

- Dee Khanduja

So, Dee, why letters?

Letters for me are such a beautiful and elegant way to say how you feel or to update someone while leaving them with a keepsake. As a kid, I loved receiving letters from pen-pals around the world. I would diligently write back and have kept up the practice of writing to people to this day.

So you still handwrite letters for people?

Absolutely! I have a drawer full of gorgeous stationery and notecards and will always opt to handwrite over email or text catchups. I've ritualized the art of letter-writing. I create a peaceful moment, light a candle, and really tune into the words flowing from my pen. It helps me disengage from the juggle and struggle of being a working mum and focus on whoever I'm writing to.

What sparked your idea for The Butterfly Letters?

I've been a prolific writer since I was a child, and even now I journal a lot and express myself through the written word. Over the years, I've explored different genres of writing, ranging from brand copy to poetry, to co-authoring two self-help books, copywriting for various magazines, and writing fantasy fiction.