I send him one on his Birthday (8th February), and one commenting on his newest releases as they come out. I usually get a reply within two months when he is busy. I have sent him around 10-20 letters since 1999. I get realtime replies from Howard Shore's nephew...Ryan Shore when we meet online, and replies from Howard in around 2-3 weeks. I send them directly to him (No I'm not going to tell you where I meet Ryan or his Uncles address... sorry but I promised). I have to send Johnnys letters to Symphony Hall in Boston.