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Ruth Calder reading a page at her desk, a green typewriter beside her

Ruth Calder

One letter on Sunday, about beginning again.

Every Sunday · 28,400 readers · Get my list of twelve books for a late start.

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A green typewriter and pens on a wooden desk, seen from above
Letter

The year I unlearned being busy

For thirty-four years my value was my speed. This is what happened when I stopped typing for other people.

Oct 27, 2026 · 7 min read

Ruth Calder making notes on a page at her library desk

About

I was a court stenographer for thirty-four years.

At sixty I sold the house, bought a typewriter and started writing down the things I had been listening to all my life. Now I write one letter every Sunday, and a book when the letters add up to one.

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“I am fifty-eight and I read it every Sunday before anyone else in the house is awake.”

JoanVermont

“The only newsletter I have ever paid for, and the only one I forward.”

AdeManchester

Every Sunday · 28,400 readers

Get Second Drafts

One letter on Sunday, about beginning again.

Get my list of twelve books for a late start.