Lane von Herzen: The U.S. Postal Service as Necessary for Democracy

My Third Novel's Conclusion, My Heartbreak

My heart begins to break when I think about completing this particular book -- because this narrative has sustained me like no other story I've known. It's both more personal and more universal than my other works. But beyond memory and archetype, it's a cri-de-coeur about needing to become the person one is destined to be. And in the writing, I have met my own life's work, my own fated journey -- having the sense all the while that the pages are suffused with a resonance, an energy, an electrified field that defies explanation. Writers hope and pray to be overtaken by a work in this way -- to be conscripted into passionate service of a profound story. To experience it even once in a lifetime seems a great privilege. I still have several months before this novel is complete, and this constitutes my reprieve. Because I'm not ready for the beauty to end.

Monday, March 23, 2026

The U.S. Postal Service as Necessary for Democracy

OIG Hotline, this is to document my intention to ensure that the U.S. Postal Service be appropriately funded and supported as foundational to the preservation of democracy within the United States, including its importance in states that allow mail-in ballots pertaining to state and federal elections. Because this provision is so important, I would appreciate outreach to ensure that it is written correctly. Accordingly, I would ask that communication be extended to me at the earliest possible time in order to appropriately establish this support for our national interest.

Thank you for facilitating all appropriate steps in this process.

Most sincerely,