It’s almost February! That means it’s time to start my new TBR! And celebrate Middle Son’s birthday! And Oldest Grandson’s birthday! (I call him Finch.) And if those weren’t exciting enough, it’s also International Correspondence Writing Month, affectionately known as InCoWriMo. I jumped on incowrimo.org a couple weeks ago to introduce myself and see who is participating this year; I now have a list of names for some potential new friends, and it’s time to get writing! I always have a bit of a hard time getting started, I never know what to say and end up sounding like a boring nerd. To the people kind enough to overlook that and respond, I am a much better conversationalist. I’m better at answering questions than coming up with interesting ones on my own, and I have to say, my life isn’t all that exciting, so I suppose I am rather boring.

Nevertheless! I love hearing from new people, and I really do love writing letters. And receiving letters. It’s so nice to see a handwritten letter in the mailbox, not just bills and junk mail. I have to admit, I have not always been the most faithful correspondent, which is something I intend to correct this year. I am not in school anymore, I only have one kiddo at home that needs me to take care of him (and he’s 15, so he is largely independent. I just need to make sure there is a steady supply of food. Constantly.), and I’m not much of a TV watcher, so I have no excuse. Granted, I read a lot, and I should be finishing a poetry manuscript, but I can certainly answer a letter when it arrives.

What does one write in an introductory letter to a potential new pen pal? Bella Grace Magazine offers these suggestions:

1.A moment of kindness you witnessed while people-watching
2. A place you’ve always wanted to visit and what you hope to do there
3. One thing on this season’s bucket list
4. A compliment you’ve always wanted to give to the recipient
5. A book or movie you’ve recently experienced and want to recommend
6. A person who has made a profound impact on your life
7. Something small you’ve accomplished recently that makes you feel really good
8. A list of questions you’ve always wanted to ask the recipient (NKP: If this is a new correspondent this doesn’t really help)
9. How you’d spend your ideal day
10. A holiday you’ve made up and how you’d like to celebrate it (NKP: You can make up holidays???)

Washigang.com suggests:

1.Write about your week! Share a funny story from your week, the best and worst things that happened, what you were grateful for and what you wish you did better. Describe some of the things you enjoyed doing, eating, watching etc.
2. Favorite things. Describe your current favorite things: food, books, movies, tv shows, places, animals etc. Ask your Pen Pal to do the same.
3. Write a quiz to help you get to know your Pen Pal, friend or Grandma even better!
4. Write a thank you letter to a friend, teacher, colleague or family member.
5. Share a favorite recipe! Add a story about what this recipe means to you, or about a time that you made it. Discuss things that you’re enjoying cooking at the moment.
6. Create a reading list, watch-list or listening list for your Pen Pal to enjoy. Ask them to send you one back. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your opinions later on.
7. Share what it was like for you growing up. Describe your favorite childhood memories about what you liked to do, what it was like in your family and where you lived etc.
8. Write about your ideal holiday and the kinds of things you like to do when traveling. Ask your Pen Pal the same question.
9. Do an art swap! Swapping art/crafts with someone is a lovely way to find new art or to collect art in an affordable way.
10. Talk about your life. Who’s important to you, what are your values and hopes & dreams for the future. What are things you enjoy about your life and what are things that you wish were different? (NKP: This sounds a little heavy…)

And finally, allisonmariealexander.com offers these funk and funky things to include with a letter:

• newspaper clippings from your local newspaper
• face masks
• scrapbook paper
• unusual or foreign coins (or a quarter with their state on it)
• a watercolor palette (with dried paint from tubes, watercolor pencils,  or watercolor crayons)
• fabric scraps
• patterns (sewing, embroidery, cross-stitch, crochet, etc.)
• business cards
• feathers (make sure they’re clean  )
• an aesthetic collage (either their aesthetic or yours)
• playlists, lyrics, or artist suggestions
• pamphlets from local business or visitor’s centers
• a map of your city/state/province/etc. marked with your favorite places
• a hand-drawn map of your property, house, bedroom, etc.
• paint chips or paint cards in pretty colors
• pictures cut from magazines, calendars, etc.
• small works of art
• printables
• hand lettered verses or quotes
• jokes or riddles
• greeting cards (you can write the first part of your letter in these and add additional sheets of stationery as needed)

This is turning into a very long post. I’m sure you get the idea. You can also go on Pinterest to find a ton of letter suggestions. If you are interested in participating in InCoWriMo, visit https://incowrimo.org/2025/01/incowrimo-address-exchange-2025/ and join the fun. (You do need to have or set up a Disqus account to list your contact info. If you are not comfortable sharing your information, you can say so, and people will message you by whatever means you prefer.)

Let me know if you’d like a letter or postcard! Happy writing!