People often ask what inspired me to write my book, INK? My answer: a lifelong belief in the power of handwritten correspondence.

These written correspondence carry pieces of someone’s heart — thoughtfully chosen words on paper that we can keep and return to when we need hope, encouragement, reflection, and joy.

Unlike impersonal texts, emails and social media indtant messages  these tangible notes become lasting treasures that unlock memories.

One note changed everything for me. In the final days of his battle with cancer, my childhood best friend John Amos hand-wrote in his cursive handwriting a simple note of gratitude and reflection. I have kept this note in plain sight for five years as I worked through memories of his life and death, his fight with cancer and the memories we created and shared together growing up in Henderson, NC. John's note also is a reminder for me of the importance of encouraging others in times of need and being grateful to those persons who have done something nice for me and to let them know this in writing through letters, notes and greeting cards.

John’s words are a precious gift — a reminder to be intentional in offering encouragement, gratitude and love through this lost art.

John, thank you for taking the time to write to me in your final days. Your note inspired me to write INK and to help others experience the same power you gave me.

Through INK: Discover the Power of the Pen in a Digital World, (Releasing TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4th) I offer a step-by-step guide to rediscovering handwritten communication and the power of the pen and the impact a handwritten messages can have on your life and the lives of others.

My hope is that readers will be encouraged to slow down, put away your cell phones, turn off your computers and pick up a pen and paper  and make a difference through handwritten correspondence.

By doing so, together we can change the world — one handwritten communication at a time.