A polite and cordial handwritten note from author Harper Lee to a fan has been put up for auction by Lelands.com, a Website that sells sports and Americana memorabilia. (I'm assuming that Lee's letter falls under the category of Americana, not sports, although she has always enjoyed a rousing round of golf.)

In the letter, which is dated Oct. 23, 1998, and which has been framed, Lee advises her correspondent on how to purchase a signed copy of her book, and she also dispenses some writing advice: "The more you write, the more you will teach yourself. ... Learn from the great writers."

Bidding on the letter starts at $500. Here's the website. Strike while the iron is hot.