On Writing & Storytelling: Love by Emails – My First Attempt at Writing an Epistolary Chapter

Hi, again, my friends. I am chiming in to let you know that despite my apprehension about trying to write an epistolary chapter, I (figuratively) gritted my teeth and decided to give it a go anyway before committing to writing Chapter 12 in the same way I’ve written the previous eleven chapters. I figured, “Well, I liked the idea, and I hate giving up too easily when it comes to writing something new, so why not at least make one attempt at writing the chapter as an exchange of emails between Jim in New York and Maddie in London? I can always shift gears if I can’t find my voice in the epistolary form.”

So, even though I still have major misgivings about the whole endeavor, I started with one day’s worth of back-and-forth emails across the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Here are the first few emails, starting with Maddie’s opening missive.

The Big Smoke and the Big Apple: An Epistolary Chapter of Love and Music – March 2000

Subject: Greetings from London!

Hi Jim,

Good morning! I hope this email finds you well and happy. I’m writing to let you know that we arrived safely in London this morning, after a long but smooth flight. The weather here is a bit chilly, but not too bad for early March.

We’re all a bit jet-lagged, so today we’ll just take a rest break at the Strand Palace Hotel in Soho. (I know you’ve probably been to London on research trips…have you ever been to the Strand? It’s quite a charming, elegant hotel.)

By the way, I hope you received the parcel that I sent you via UPS before I left for the airport.  Let me know what you think of it when you open it.

I miss you so much, Jim. You’re always on my mind and in my heart. I can’t wait to see you again and give you a big hug and a kiss. Until then, take care of yourself and keep in touch.

Love,

Maddie

MaddieMusica*97@hotmail.com Sent: Saturday, March 4, 2000 11:00 AM GMT

Subject: Re Greetings from London!

Hey, Maddie,

I’m so glad to hear from you. You have no idea how much your email brightened up my morning. I’m happy that you arrived in the Big Smoke safely and that the flight was smooth. I hope you get some rest today and adjust to the time difference. I know how exhausting it can be to travel across the Atlantic.

The weather here in New York is still unpredictable. One day, it’s snowing; the next day, it’s sunny. I wish I could be there with you and enjoy the London weather, even if it’s chilly. I’ve been to London a few times for research, but I’ve never stayed at the Strand Palace Hotel. It sounds lovely. Maybe someday we can go there together.

Oh, and about the UPS parcel: It was waiting at the front desk for me when I got home last night. I haven’t opened it yet; I need some caffeine first. I just got out of bed, and the first thing I did was check my email to see if you’d written me.

I miss you too, Maddie. More than words can say. You’re always in my thoughts and in my heart. I can’t wait to see you again and hold you in my arms. Until then, please take good care of yourself and keep me posted.

I’m so proud of you for being part of the NY Philharmonic and recording at Abbey Road. That’s such a huge accomplishment. You’re an amazing pianist, and I’m sure you’ll impress everyone with your talent and skill. What piece or pieces are you going to play in the recording? I’m curious to know.

With love,

JimWWII99@yahoo.com Sent: Saturday, March 4, 2000 8:00 AM EST

Subject: Re Re Greetings from London!

Hey, Jim,

I just read your email, and I must say, I’m a bit disappointed. You haven’t opened the parcel yet? What are you waiting for? Christmas? Don’t you know how much time and effort I put into choosing the perfect items for you? And you just leave it sitting there, unopened, while you drink your coffee and check your email? How rude!

I’m only kidding, Jim. I’m not really mad at you. I’m just teasing you a bit. I know you’re probably still sleepy and groggy from your late night of grading papers and writing lectures. You work too hard, you know. You should take a break once in a while and have some fun.

But seriously, Jim, open the parcel already. I’m dying to know what you think of it. It’s something special, something that reminds me of you and our time together. I hope you like it as much as I do.

I am extremely fond of you, Jim. Maybe… And I miss you terribly. Only eight more days until we see each other again. It seems like an eternity.

Take care of yourself, Jim. And don’t forget to write me back.

Love,

Maddie

MaddieMusica*97@hotmail.com Sent: Saturday, March 4, 2000 3:00 PM GMT

Subject: Re Re Re Greetings from London!

Hey, Jim,

Oops, I just realized I forgot to answer your question about the pieces on the album. Sorry about that. I guess I’m still a bit jet lagged. Or maybe I was too distracted by your sweet words.

Anyway, the pieces on the album are:

– Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. This is one of my favorite pieces ever. It’s so jazzy and lively and fun. I love playing it on the piano. It makes me feel like I’m in New York with you.

– Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This is a classic piece that showcases the beauty and elegance of the piano. It’s also known as the “Elvira Madigan” concerto because it was used in a Swedish film of the same name. It’s very romantic and soothing.

– Forgotten Dreams by Leroy Anderson. This is a lovely piece that evokes nostalgia and melancholy. It’s very simple and delicate, but also very expressive. You’ve heard me play it before, and you know how much it means to me. It reminds me of our first date, when we walked in Central Park and watched the sunset.

I hope you like these pieces, Jim. I think they reflect our relationship and our feelings for each other. I can’t wait for you to hear them.

I love you, Jim. And I miss you more than ever.

Love,

Maddie

MaddieMusica*97@hotmail.com Sent: Saturday, March 4, 2000, 3:10 PM GMT