Correspondence | How to write a letter to your pen pal

For most, establishing a decent relationship with a far-away pen pal is likely not a concern. Very few people have pen pals nowadays. And even fewer get past that first letter. As someone who’s had pen pals over the past 9 years, I’d like to share with you my tips for writing a good letter:

How to Write a Great Letter to Your Pen Pal:

1. Use special paper and matching envelopes.

Now, if it’s just not in the budget, that’s absolutely fine, but let me tell you; when you use nicer paper it just makes the whole experience extra special for both the sender and the recipient. Your paper is a reflection of your personality.

2. Use a nice pen with nice ink.

Again, it makes the experience extra special for both the sender and the recipient, but especially the sender. Using a nice pen, like a fountain pen, actually helps to improve your handwriting. Many nice pens, like fountain pens, actually allow your grip to relax resulting in smoother handwriting. If you are someone with poor handwriting, you might want to give a fountain pen a try.

3. There should be 5 main parts to your letter;

• greeting
• a little about yourself
• questions (ask some questions to your penfriend)
• answers (answer some or all of the questions you just asked)
• closing

Now, these don’t have to be definitive sections or anything; just as long as you include them. This seems to be a good, manageable formula for most letter writers and you’ll fall into your own patterns as you write more and more.

Here’s a sample letter:

4. Don’t make demands.

Don’t say “write back as soon as possible” or “Please write back within two weeks.” It makes you sound like a needy pen pal. Be relaxed, and just say you look forward to their response.

5. Don’t expect a response immediately.

For some people, writing a letter is more of a struggle; it requires hammering out some down time to actually craft a thoughtful letter. Many of my pen pals take 3-4 weeks to reply, and that’s normal.

6. Include a little something.

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; maybe your business card, a photo, a neat clipping or a sample of your favorite tea. It’s a nice gesture and really exciting for the recipient who receives a little something extra. Wouldn’t you like that?

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My favorite pen:
My absolute favorite pen for writing letters is a Sheaffer Fashion Fountain Pen (now called a Sheaffer Agio). My second favorite is a Lamy Safari (about $30). I don’t use cartridges, I use ink straight out of the bottle. It’s cheaper that way and the ink lasts forever. Plus, it’s fancy.

My favorite paper:
I really can’t narrow it down. But, let me share with you a great tip. Find a nice ream of paper at your local office supply store. It might be resume paper, it might not, but whatever tickles you, just pick up a ream. Now, take it over to the copy center and ask them to cut the paper in half. Voila! Extra special paper without the specialty paper price tag!

I use Crane papers, Neenah paper and some vintage paper from the 1940s mainly, but I do venture out on occasion.

Now, in the spirit of a good penfriend…if you’d like to send me a letter; I will write back!
Cole Imperi
PO Box 42831
Cincinnati, OH 45242-0831

Do you have a formula for writing a letter? What works for you? Is there a letter you’ve received that you’ll never forget? Share with us!