Writing
Learn more about the book "Marcel's Letters" and the font P22 Marcel Script, which is based on the handwriting of conscripted WWII laborer Marcel Heuzé
Carolyn Porter, Marcel Heuzé, Marcel's Letters, Handwritten Letters, World War II, P22 Marcel, Typography, Love Story, Reunion, Daimler, Berlin, Marienfelde, STO, Forced Labor, Service du Travail Obligatoire, WWII
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Q & A with Mamta Chaudhry, author of Haunting Paris

When an author writes a book proposal, they often invent profiles of prospective readers; the purpose is to help a publisher envision what type of reader might buy that book. When I first heard about Mamta Chaudhry’s forthcoming novel, HAUNTING PARIS, it felt as if my picture should have been used in her book proposal. The book checks off just about every topic I could ask for: Paris? Check. An old, handwritten letter? Check. WWII? Check! A compelling history-mystery? CHECK!

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Handwriting Writing Prompt

Undated envelope with beautiful handwriting expressing disappointment (subject of disappointment unknown)

I found this delightful, mystery-filled handwriting sample on eBay for just a few dollars. I love the loopy handwriting, the flourished initial letters, and the extra-long cross bars on the t’s. Most of all, I love the sternness of the note. I’m dying to know what was so unworthy! The note was written on the front of the envelope; unfortunately the envelope doesn’t include any other clues.

It struck me as a fantastic writing prompt. What do you think was such a failure and that was so “untrustworthy” that it required courage to send? Do tell!

In Praise of Colophons

In Praise of Colophons

 

Just when I think I’m finished reading my book,
I turn the last page and find that the lettering
of this softened paperback was first cut
by a monk in 1739, just off the Northern coast
of France. How delightful, this production
by the sea——no talking, only the small splashes
of wave against rock, a plover’s squawk,
the metal plink of each letter into the carriage.

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Fuck, Yeah!

I recently received several lovely emails from readers of Marcel’s Letters. Their thoughtful messages noted how they couldn’t put the book down or how they, too, “fell deeply in love with Marcel, his family, and the font.” Emails like that make my heart swell until it feels like it could burst.

After I shared these messages with my husband, Aaron, we joked it was only a matter of time before I would receive a letter or email that contained an opposite sentiment. READ MORE

Military Writers Society of America Book Review

This is Ms. Porter’s story as well as Marcel’s. She tells it honestly and with deep emotion. She manages to balance the several strands of her adventures—the history lessons, the details of creating a font, the inner workings of her marriage, and the clues that point to the eventual outcomes. The reader will rejoice with her when things go well and cry with her when she faces discouragement. It’s a great story.

– Carolyn Schriber, Military Writers Society of America

Read the full review here

PolitiChicks Book Review

This book captured me from the beginning. I loved Carolyn’s forthright writing style; it was as though she were sitting in my living room talking to me. When Carolyn was thinking about Marcel and his loved ones, I was thinking about Marcel and his loved ones. When she was anxious, I was anxious; when she celebrated, I celebrated. This was a beautiful book, and I highly recommend it. In fact, I’m gifting it for Christmas.

– Abigail Adams, PolitiChicks

WeMentor, Inc. Podcast

Photo of Carolyn Porter and Nancy Meyer

A couple of months ago I met Nancy Meyer, founder of WeMentor, a company that offers programs and services for entrepreneurial leadership development. Once she read the book and discovered I was a freelance designer, Nancy invited me to be part of her podcast interview series, “WeMentor Mondays with Nancy.” This weekly podcast series, which now includes more than 100 episodes, is a collection of conversations with entrepreneurs regarding journeys of self-mastery, leadership and life success. READ MORE

Midwest Book Review

An absolutely engaging and inherently fascinating read from first page to last, Marcel's Letters: A Font and the Search for One Man's Fate is an extraordinary story—one that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book it finished and set back upon the shelf. ... Unreservedly recommended, especially for community and academic library collections...

– Julie Summers, Reviewer, Midwest Book Review