How to start your first letter
- Say how you found them, for example "I saw your profile on PenPalsOnly."
- Share a little about yourself: first name, where you're from in general terms, what you do, what you enjoy.
- Mention something from their profile that stood out to you.
- Ask two or three easy questions so they have something to write back about.
- Keep it to a page or two. You'll have plenty of letters to say more.
Good things to write about
- Everyday life: your week, your town, the weather, what you cooked.
- Music, movies, books, sports and shows you're into.
- Goals, dreams and plans for the future, yours and theirs.
- Funny stories and small wins.
- What they're learning or working on inside: classes, jobs, faith, fitness.
What to avoid
- Asking about their case or crime. Let them share if and when they want to.
- Sharing your home address, workplace, finances or other private details early on. A PO Box is a good idea.
- Sending money to someone you don't know well.
- Anything sexual, threatening, or about other people's cases. Staff read every letter.
- Making promises you might not keep. Consistency matters more than length.
25 questions to ask
- Where did you grow up, and what was it like?
- What's your favorite meal, and who made it best?
- What music do you listen to most?
- What's the best book you've ever read?
- What's a movie you could watch over and over?
- What sports teams do you follow?
- What's your favorite season, and why?
- What's something you're really good at?
- What are you learning right now?
- What does a normal day look like for you?
- What's something that always makes you laugh?
- Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
- What's a place you'd love to visit someday?
- What's your dream job?
- What's a goal you're working toward this year?
- What's the first thing you'll do when you get out?
- If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?
- What's your favorite memory from childhood?
- Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
- What's something most people get wrong about you?
- What's your favorite holiday?
- Cats, dogs or neither?
- What would your perfect day look like?
- What's something you're proud of?
- What would you like to know about me?