Short, Single-Subject Letters
Dear [Lynn],
Hey, what can I say? I am an engineer, and engineers typically use the divide-and-conquer technique for completing jobs. That is, we take a big job (or letter in this case), and divide it into several smaller, more readily understood and compact jobs. Then, we complete each of those.
Your letters have been so “meaty” lately, requiring substantial cerebral energy in my replies. I’m by no means complaining. But often when I get them, it is late at night and I’m just too tired to answer all their questions. So, I pick a manageable one, answer it, and put the rest away for when I have more energy. This methodology works well in computer programming, and I suppose it’s showing up in my letters too.
Also, doing it this way rather than waiting until I’ve responded to the WHOLE letter, you get a response sooner. That’s a good thing, right?
Talk to you later on.
Tom Hesley