miss real letter? Me to!

Remember a time when you used the mail for more than just holiday cards and wedding RSVPs? So do we...vaguely. Here to bring back the lost art of letter writing is literary blog The Rumpus, which has just launched a very cool epistolary service: For $5, subscribers are mailed three or four real letters a month, each from a famous author, poet, comedian or otherwise notable person. The Rumpus--which is helmed by Adderall Diaries memoirist Stephen Elliott--is no stranger to the by-mail subscription. Last year the site launched a book club ($25 a month), whereby readers receive advance copies of forthcoming titles and convene online for intelligent discussions. The new letter-writing endeavor is less by the rules. While the first missive came from Elliott himself and was traditional in its form and structure, future letters could be anything from stories to poems to cartoons. Indeed, forthcoming contributors include memoirist Nick Flynn, novelist Janet Fitch, funny-woman Margaret Cho, artist Wendy MacNaughton and all-around creative guy Dave Eggers. Plus, while each letter is photocopied and sent to all subscribers, most will include a return address--meaning you can (and are encouraged to) write back and strike up a conversation, should the spirit move you.