How to write an unsent letter

By the Murlune team · Updated October 29, 2026

An unsent letter is a letter you write knowing it will never be delivered. It can be to an ex, a parent, a friend you lost touch with, someone who died, or yourself. Because nobody will read it, you can finally say the whole thing.

Here is a simple way to write one, some prompts if you're stuck, and a few ideas for what to do with it when you're done.

Before you start

Pick a time when you won't be interrupted for fifteen minutes or so. Late at night is fine, as long as you're not also trying to make a big decision.

Decide who the letter is to. If no one comes to mind, write to the feeling itself, or to the version of you reading this right now.

How to write it, step by step

Begin with their name. “Dear Mum,” or just “You,”. Naming them helps you speak to them, not about them.
Say what happened, in your words. Not what you think they'd say, not what's fair. Just your side.
Say what you never said. The apology, the anger, the thank-you, the question you still carry.
Don't edit as you go. Spelling, grammar and even kindness can wait. Nobody is grading this.
Write what you need now. Not from them, they won't read it. What you need from yourself, or from life.
End however feels right. “Goodbye.” “I'm still angry.” “I hope you're okay.” An ending doesn't have to be a resolution.

Prompts if you're stuck

Start with one of these and keep going:

To an ex: “What I never told you about the end was…”
To a parent: “I wish you knew that…”
To a friend you drifted from: “I still think about…”
To someone who died: “Since you’ve been gone…”
To yourself a year ago: “You don’t know it yet, but…”
To your body: “I’m sorry I…”
To someone who hurt you: “You don’t get to…”

What to do with it afterwards

There's no right answer. Some people keep the letter and reread it months later, to see how far they've come. Some tear it up. Some burn it, if they have somewhere safe to do so.

If you'd rather not deal with matches, you can write your letter on Murlune and burn it on screen. It never leaves your device, so nobody reads it, not even us.

If it brings up more than you expected

Writing can stir up old pain. That can happen, and it is okay. Be gentle with yourself afterwards: a glass of water, a short walk, a message to someone you trust.

If writing leaves you thinking about hurting yourself, please stop and reach out to a free helpline near you, at any hour. An unsent letter is a small help, not a replacement for support.

Find a helpline near you