Here’s hoping you are all having a lovely Valentine’s Day (that is, if you celebrate it)!
SO! Here is a pen pal matching post, as promised in the last newsletter. Many of you have emailed us lately asking for new pen pals based on certain criteria like language or interest. As this service is meant to be pretty random (and that’s one of the joys of it!) we don’t always have the ability to match you beyond general location. So we have decided to open a thread here for newsletter subscribers to find new people to write to, especially if your mailbox has been empty lately and you want to fill it back up. Even if you already have a few good correspondences going, you can feel free to scoop up one or two new ones to get you through winter/the long, dragging cold pandemic days.So! Here is what you do!
Post below with the following information:
-A bit about yourself that you wish to share (general country or state location, any other interests with regards to letter writing and beyond)
-A bit about what you are looking for in a new correspondence: someone from a particular part of the world, someone who wants to just exchange postcards, someone who wants to write in French or Italian, a tea or polaroid exchange, someone who wants to write really long letters, someone who wants to do a game of correspondence chess or a letter-based book club, etc.
- A way to get in touch with you that is NOT your address. Please DO NOT POST YOUR ADDRESS HERE (posts with addresses will be deleted). Instead, you can list an email address where someone can reach out to you, or a Twitter handle where someone can mutually follow you and you can connect in the DMs. You can also chat back and forth in one another’s comments about connecting, and then move your chat off this forum to exchange addresses in whatever way you feel most comfortable!
- Please note that any post that does not follow the format above and/or is not about finding a new pen pal will be deleted. This thread is for finding new penpals ONLY. Please stick to the task at hand. If this thread veers off the prompt, we may have to disable it entirely, so to keep it fun for everyone, please stick to finding matches.
Also: a quick note on the discussion thread idea more generally: it was always meant to be an experiment! For now, we realize that we lack the moderation tools/ability to run regular discussions with such a large group. Substack does not have too many tools for moderating large forums, and as we are just a few people running this program on nights and weekends in between full-time jobs, right now we really want to devote any extra time we have to answering your emails, managing the Elfster exchange, and getting you the newsletter. Also, the #Penpalooza hashtag has taken on a real life of its own on Twitter, and we want to respect and support the community you have all built over on that platform. IT IS TRULY WONDERFUL. So, if you want to talk paper and pens and everything else in between, go over to Twitter, hang out on the tag, and share your envelopes and stamps and letter inspirations there! WE DO LOVE TO SEE IT.
Meanwhile, please find each other below, stick to the prompt, make new matches, and KEEP WRITING LETTERS! New newsletter drops in a few weeks!
Hello!! I'm Nisha and I'm a student in the United States (California, to be exact!) I like poetry, television, linguistics, and crochet, and I also love when people info-dump on me. Give me an entire lecture on your niche interest! I love to hear about people's tiny passions.
I'm looking for someone to exchange long letters with! When I write letters they usually end up being pages and pages of like, what I did that week, a pretty bird I saw, how I ate the most perfect sun-dried tomato, a poem I read that reminded me of an idea I used to have in elementary school, and don't you think it's interesting how etc, etc, etc— So if that interests you please let me know! You can find me on twitter @nishafisha.
Hello! So I’ve been thinking—some of my favorite penpalooza exchanges have been when a penpal and I discuss a book we both just happen to have read. I’d love to intentionally recreate this, if anyone wants to start a small book-letter-discussion-exchange thing. I mostly read classics, but I also like nonfiction about zany topics, new releases (after I’ve suffered a long wait on the new york public library hold list), and books about unhinged and fabulous women (real and fictional)! Some books that I’m hoping to get to soon are Maurice by EM Forester, Passing by Nella Larsen, and North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. War and Peace is also staring at me from my bookshelf…but I am intimidated. This is just a small list: I am also, always, always, down to buy more books.
As a bit about me: my name is Madison, I’m in my 20s, and I live in New York. I work in science, soon to be a PhD student, doing research on evolutionary processes. I love victorian and edwardian history, am obsessed with ballet (watching it, though I wish I was talented enough to do it), love old and new movies, and spend a lot of time thinking about how much I wish I could wallpaper my apartment. If you’re thinking, I don’t want to talk about books, but I do want to talk about ballet or where to find the best knitting patterns for edwardian sweaters or which movies have the most beautiful wallpaper (surprising answer: the 2011 movie Drive) or science! please do reach out ;)
I don’t post on twitter, but I do lurk about, so if you want to, you can dm me there: @mlichak394
Hello! I would love a book-discussion pen pal. I'm in my late twenties, live in Connecticut, and work as a consultant and help research libraries and museums create strategic plans (among other things). I mostly read contemporary fiction with some nonfiction sprinkled in, and rarely read classics (but would like to get into them). This winter I've been watching a lot of movies, and sewing and knitting (nothing Edwardian...yet). I don't have Twitter—any other way I can connect with you?
Hello, and thanks for starting Penpalooza! I’d love to find postcard pen pals, in the U.S. or beyond.
My name is Holly, and I live in Boston, Massachusetts, where I’ve been a book editor for 20+ years. My interests include travel (oh how I miss it!), books (of course), art, cities, and queer culture. I also write fiction, make weird collages, and love long walks.
I don’t tweet much, but if you’d like to reach out—and maybe exchange a postcard!—you can find me on Twitter @holhartman
Hello! I love the idea of a postcard exchange. I'm Jen, and I teach English (and live) in Omaha, Nebraska. This is my 23rd year teaching. I don't use Twitter much, but you can reach me there @jen_stastny or at jenstastny2029@gmail.com
Hi Holly! I love postcard exchanges...just followed you on twitter (i'm @granolasusan) but can't DM you there yet (maybe you need to follow me back?). I also love travel and queer culture and books and long walks.
Hello! My name is Courtney and I currently live in central New York about forty-five minutes east of Syracuse. I have worked in higher education for over twenty years (how did that happen?). I'm an Army brat and began exchanging letters with friends as a kid when my family moved overseas. That fostered my love for stationery and the post office. I enjoy sports with baseball being my first love. I also enjoy shopping, wearing dresses with pockets, baking, the beach, museums, and a good laugh. I'm on Twitter @librarycourtney and email librarycourtney at gmail dot com.
Hi Courtney! Would love to exchange letters. I’m in the UK. No idea about baseball, but I do love a dress with pockets, so that’s a start I guess! My Twitter account is private but you can email me at emmakite@hotmail.co.uk if you like and we can go from there 😊
Hi, I’m Becky, newly 40 from the northwest of England, I like travel, reading, movies and walking my dog.
I work in a very boring job but my dream job as a child was either librarian or something in radio, still love to do either of these if I won the lottery.
Love to meet people from all over the world and find out more
Please feel free to contact via Instagram becky_vs_world or on Twitter @becky_vs_world (yes there’s a theme)
I would love to match up with someone who wants to write in Italian. Many moons ago, my Italian was fluent bits it’s gotten rusty. I’m a former journalist, current full-time mom of three, U.S. based right now, but in my heart, I’m always traveling. Love books (fiction and non-fiction), food and cookbooks, politics/history, the movies, the outdoors and dogs (we have five) but I’m happy to correspond about anything and love to learn about anything new. Twitter is @c18913 DM and we can exchange addresses.
Hello! My name is Nancy and I live in Chicago, IL (U.S.A.). I would love to have additional penpals. I enjoy writing, and since the pandemic, I've started to make stationery and envelopes out of recycled paper and magazines. I send the stationery to my penpals - I hope they like it! The themes of the stationery are mainly related to the fashion industry since the topic is a huge passion of mine, and my career. In addition to anything fashion, style, and beauty, I enjoy discussing about fabrics, quilting and anything handmade. If you have a passion in any of these areas, and would like to reach out, please direct message me on Instagram @finethreads. I don't tweet much, but if that's easier my twitter handle is @Nplumm. Looking forward to writing to new connections. Thanks Penpalooza!
Hello! I have failed to figure out how to DM you at Twitter or IG, sorry. It would be cool to connect as penpals. I enjoy making things though I confess that fashion is an art that has always alluded me. I garden and dabble in many different kinds of craft and art. If you would like to connect, I am @jklightside on Twitter. - Jackie
Hi! My name is Layla and I am a PhD student in the US (east coast) studying music history. Beyond music, my interests include reading (I am a constant reader of any kind of book), sewing, and cooking. I also love to travel and speak/write in okay-ish German. Would love to find pen pals from anywhere who share some similar interests! My email is laylabutler@gmail.com.
Hi! My name is Averill, age 30 and currently based in Virginia, but I have bounced around in Asia and Europe in past lives. I love writing long letters and sometimes include knickknacks, recipes, etc. I want to hear your stories and hear about the things that are occupying you and bringing you joy during this pandemic. I'd also love to correspond with people who have lived much longer than myself. I speak a few languages but prefer to write in English. Shoot me an email at averillp@me.com.
Hello! I'm Sarah, from New York. I'm a student in my mid twenties, open to correspondence domestic and abroad. Before the pandemic I was an avid traveler, and I would love to learn about the places you love and perhaps trade recipes - I love food! I watch tons of movies, with a special love for classics (I'm on a Marlene Dietrich kick right now). Like a lot of you here, I love to read as well, although I've mostly been reading for school instead of pleasure lately. I'd be delighted to swap postcards or letters, I'm open! sarah.schaeffer94@gmail.com / instagram DM: @velvet.minivan
Hi! My name is Emilia, I'm a freelance copywriter/drifter in her mid-twenties who lives in Brooklyn, NY. I love 20th century history, 90s music, creative non-fiction, contemporary art, etc... I want to try to spend less time looking at a screen since I do so much of it for work so I would love to exchange handwritten letters/postcards/trinkets with someone in English and/or Spanish—preferably from overseas but would obviously be happy to chat with anyone interesting and creative, which I'm sure you all are!! I'm on twitter and insta both @emiliacopes :~)
Hi there! Im Rafaella. Live in Ireland, a full time mom and a full time psychology student. I would love to chat about anything and everything. It eould be very nice to get to know other people and really exchange some really nice long letters). I like tv shows, books, crochet (still a beginner), cooking. I also have bible study and would be nice to chat about that ;) if anyone is interested, send me an email.. rafagagliardi@hotmail.com.
My name is Julia, I’m a third culture kid living in Germany. I work in the wine industry and my interests include art, history, travel, languages, and food.
A recipe exchange sounds like tons of fun and I’m desperately in need of inspiration in the kitchen lately. If anyone wants to write in Spanish, German, French, Italian, or Portuguese, I can always use some practice!
Hi! I'm looking for a penpal for my Granny, she's in her 70's she's always asking me about the letters I'm getting and I think she'd love to have someone to write to too. My Grandpa died recently so she has more time to fill than she ever has. She's slightly fussy with her requirements 'no young folk, someone who's lived a bit' (I'd say 60+ then) and 'no men!' (she said she's had one lovely gentleman in her life, she doesn't need another - bless). She's an avid traveller (pre-covid at least) and has been to far more places than I have, she's a fan of opera (especially Gilbert and Sullivan), puzzles, books and I'm sure far more than I know. We're in the UK so someone from there would be best but I'm sure she'd also love notes from further afield. If anyone would like to match with her - or knows someone who might - please DM me on twitter @harrrriet_
Hi Harriet I live in California, am 65 an RN still working 1 day a week, also an avid traveler when not COVID-19 restricted, I read a lot love music and would like to be a Penpalpalooza with your Granny..I don’t Twitter but can be reached at legahenni@gmail.com. Leighann
Hi, Harriet. Have you been overwhelmed with potential penpals for your Gran? I believe my mum's best friend - also in her 70s - would love a penpal, but before I mention it to her, thought it best to check with you first to see a) if you have room for one more possibilty, and b) if a Canadian penpal would be of interest. I am on Twitter @Booktrovert if you'd like to DM me. I tried to send you a DM, but wasn't allowed. :D
Hello! My name is Bridgitte, 28, located East Coast, US, looking for any pen pal at all, short or long letters. I am an avid reader (87 books in 2020 - thanks in part to the pandemic, https://www.goodreads.com/bribrid), I am a new-ish knitter starting on my fourth blanket, I love board games and the outdoors, and I'd love to learn from anyone and speak to anyone on any topic at all. Can reach me on Goodreads or Instagram DM @bri_bird - thank you!
Hi! I'm Kelsey. I just relocated from Washington, DC to Kentucky. I'd love to exchange letters, cards, or postcards. I'm open to penpals across the globe. My interests include: reading (fiction, essays, biography, true crime, romance, & fantasy), writing (cnf, romance, & fantasy), cryptids & other supernatural happenings, true crime documentaries & podcasts, and cooking. Feel free to reach out via Twitter @thoughts_nsense.
Hi Kelsey! I’m also in DC and have thoughts on the book Once and Future Witches fantasy novel that I would love to share. I’m not on Twitter but you can email me at madeline.koewler@gmail.com.
Hi! I’m Jess, and I’m in Philadelphia (PA, USA). I’ve lived in the UK and France, studied theatre and playwriting, and speak better French than Spanish, but I’m always looking forward to brushing up on both.
I’m looking for a penpal who also has interests in writing and literature, in English (though French or Spanish could also be wonderful, if you can be patient). I’m not too particular, but would love to hear from people outside the US, maybe from New Zealand or something? The wanderlust is getting extreme! I just bought great postcards, but also love to write a good long letter, maybe with a poem in it or something.
Penpalooza has been such a delight - I am deeply appreciative for its creation, and to those helping run it all. Thank you!
My name is Jennifer. I am a Canadian Gen Xer, and an very proud aunty. While I am not currently working, I am a writer and editor.
My areas of strong interests include: books (fiction, nonfiction, classics, poetry); dogs; LGBTQ+ ally; tea, streaming TV and movies; music; baking & cooking; and being outdoors. I am fascinated by medicine & science, and medical ethics (really, ethics in general). Big fan of libraries and bookshops, museums, galleries, ballet, and theatre. Curiosity over passion. Very socially progressive and very left-leaning. I am disabled. INFJ, but not shy. Quirky human. 🤣
I have a new bicycle arriving soon, and I am silly with excitement. I used to ride everywhere and often, but have been away from it for a while. (Leisure city bike, not a long-distance or competitive rider.)
My disability is due to lupus, and its myriad complications. I have now been in self-isolation for just over 1 year. Even as an introvert who super comfortable with solitude, I've really struggled this year with loneliness. The only human contact/touch I've had has been clinical, with my doctors at the hospital.
I would love to meet a few more penpals. I would be down with exchanging letters, postcards, a recipe exchange, or any book-related possibilities. With hope, we share in several areas of interest - but, being very driven by curiosity means I love learning about people's interests, and cheering on the enthusiasms of others.
Hi! I'm in my 50s, with 2 teen daughters, in LA, CA. I love reading (almost anything but hard sci fi), writing, TV, book arts (and paper arts), and travel (especially in the former USSR countries) and am looking for a penpal near my age who wants to trade tea (LOL in the drinking sense, not gossip)/postcards/art postcards (I am definitely an amateur)/washi tape samples or chat about books, art, birds, and being an old (sigh, I'm just feeling my age today). you can DM me at @lorisambolbrody on twitter, will keep my DMs open.
Hey there! My name is Clare, I'm 20 years old, and I'm currently studying aerospace engineering for my undergrad. Born and raised in Chicago but residing in nippy, frozen hell Minnesota. My hobbies include biking, listening to podcasts, baking my nerves away, and doing deep dives into Wikipedia articles! Unfortunately my penpal has yet to respond, so I'm looking for a new pal to pen; no particular preference, but I'd love some long letters and some juicy gossip/sage wisdom as I am currently in need of both. My email is grane047@umn.edu , feel free to reach out!
Oh I've thought of something else! I am always interested in finding new things to cook or bake so if anyone has some deep desire to send me their favorite recipe or food with their letters that would be delightful but completely optional.
Hello! My name is Ariel and I'd love to have a pen pal from Japan. I'm a big anime fan who is really interested n learning more about Japanese culture and would love nothing more than to make a connection with someone from Japan! I'm a 25 year old female from the east coast of the US, and love talking about cooking, entertainment, and sending little gifts to my penpal :)
Thanks so much for starting this pen pal exchange! It's really brightened my year. I would love to have another international (non-U.S.) pen pal to learn from and exchange ideas with. I speak a little Spanish and Czech (and food in Italian and German!), and will use a translate app for anything I can't understand. I really want to learn! I love family, travel, national parks, genealogy, history, books!, movie/tv set in other time periods, and learning something new every day. Looking forward to expanding my world. Robin travelmaven@gmail.com
Hello everyone! I'm Stephanie, a 43 year old History professor teaching at a small liberal arts college in the rural south (U.S.). I have a few great penpals and would love to write even more! I'm interested in travel, nature (and nature photography), national parks, reading biographies of women, tea (and tea exchanges), recipes (and recipe exchanges), block printing, letterpresses, embroidery, the southwest/borderlands, and all things Latin America. Happy to do postcards and/or letters. My twitter is @steph_opp and email is oaxacarama@gmail.com.
My name is Sasha and I am a Torontonian who has been living in Munich for nearly a decade. I'm currently in Venice, Italy, until August, where I am doing a postdoctoral fellowship. I'm a writer and cultural historian who mainly focuses on food and contemporary art, but I also love fashion and film (and fashion in film) and am presently trying to watch my way through the Criterion Collection. If you want mail from Venice or want to write me about your all-time favourite road movie, get in touch! lsashagora@gmail.com
Hi my name is Maria, I’m 26 years old, and live in Denmark.
I am sort of new to the whole penpal thing, and still working on building a nice stationary hoard.
Personally I enjoy doing embroidery, walks (preferably forests/beaches etc). I also play a few video games and I am a relatively new D&D player. I collect fridgemagnets from various places and stickers of all kinds.
I am a tea and hot cocoa drinker, would definitely be up for a swap of that if interested.
What I look for in a penpal is someone interested in sharing the wonders around them. Whether it’s an odd stamp collection, or knitting tips and tricks. I don’t have particularly much in regards to that. Open to any and all.
Thanks Penpalooza organizers for putting this together. I'm Sabrina, a Gen-Xer and an American ex-pat, mixed Asian person who lives in Germany. I'd love to hear from anyone who enjoys writing about the mundane/everyday (like a change in the weather or a new coffee bean/tea you sipped or a sentence you read in a book that you can't forget), but also people who are into any kind of fashion, film (classics to today), music (all genres), a good Netflix/Amazon series, travel, cooking/baking, writing, biking in cities, photography, art, crafts like sewing and crocheting, pop culture and discovering fascinating lesser-known histories. Of course, literature and books. I'm also queer friendly and embrace an activist spirit. If you're also an ex-pat living in Europe, I'm especially interested in hearing from you. My DMs are open on Twitter: @scooper212.
Hi everyone! My name is Gabriela, I live in Rio and I'm turning 23 in 5 days (Feb 19th!!). I'm a Publishing student who loves books, movies, languages and cultural exchanges. I would love to talk to you about all those thing and also love to hear about people (so feel free to write me pages of your friendship drama). I speak Portuguese, English and French, but would love to learn other languages. I'm not looking for anything in particular, but I would love if you included postcards on your letters because I collect them. My email is gabenevides@gmail.com if you want to be penpals or only exchange postcards. Ps. I would also love to have a Greek penpal so if you're Greek please reach out :) Xx, Gabriela.
Hello friends! I'm Katherine, and I'm based (for now) in southern Virginia. I'd love to exchange letters about the best contemporary literary fiction/nonfiction that you've read, movies and TV that you adore, and any insights you've stumbled upon during quarantine. Also would love to have a queer pen pal, feeling pretty lonely without a community locked in my house! I'm open to writing letters anywhere, you can find me on Twitter @k_marie_smith <3 also if you have great music taste, send me recs
Hey I am not on twitter but I am queer and a noted watcher of things if you're interested in connecting. I listed my instagram and email in my comment but if you're interested in writing let me know.
I came with the same goal ^^ I'd be interested in connecting with you both, if you'd like another queer penpal. Twitter: @jklightside Instagram: @j.k.paints -JK
I’m writing on behalf of my 19 year old daughter who would love a similar-aged overseas pen pal. She’s an avid traveler, and loves Paris and fashion and cats.
I'd love to find penpals from anywhere in the world! I live in Italy and am aware that the mail can be slow but I'm so fascinated by other cultures that I think it's worth the wait.
I'd love to do postcards exchanges, little notes and drawings and maybe even a 'book club' (although I'm a reallyyy slow reader). I'm into arts and illustration and getting a little bit into Buddhism too after listening to Stuart Murdoch from Belle and Sebastian's meditations.
My name is Chris,I'm in my sixties and I live near Manchester England.It would be great to hear from other animal lovers(I have three cats),and anyone interested in crafts,history, nature and wildlife. I'm a mum of 3, grandma to 3 grandsons. I also like to explore new places, you might guess this from my email address chrislovesgoingplaces@gmail.com I would love to exchange letters with people from all over.
Hi there! My name is Jaclyn and I live in Brooklyn. I love traveling, baking, hiking, reading, and singing. I had two ideas I thought would be fun:
1. A recipe exchange for baking (or cooking, though I’m not very good at that/I’m a vegetarian). We could each make the recipe the other sends and report back!
2. I miss traveling a lot, so I thought it’d be fun to write letters about trips we’ve taken or would like to take. We could include photos of places we’ve been or inspiration.
If anyone is into either one of these, feel free to reply or dm me on twitter at @jaclynrachelpr!
Hi Jaclyn, recipe exchange and travel chats sound great! I'm a vegetarian in Portland, OR with similar interests. I don't have Twitter but you can email me: xtine3513@gmail.com
Hi Jacklyn! I'm also in Brooklyn and would love to exchange letters about recipes and pre-COVID travels. I just followed you on Twitter—my handle is @mod_austen.
A recipe swap/travel story sharing sounds like a great idea (if you're not thinking your list is already too big--I just followed you on twitter (I'm @granolasusan)
Glad to see your recipe swap idea is getting good traction! I'd love to be in on this as well, if you have time, loving both recipes and travel stories. My twitter is @steph_opp.
Hi Jaclyn, I really like your recipe exchange and travel letter ideas! I couldn't message you on Twitter, you should be able to find me there, @fishgunk
Hey there! I have been a vegetarian since I was 5. I would love to exchange recipes with you. I couldn't dm you on twitter but my dm's are open. I am @kyliehicks_mpa. Hope to hear from you!
Hello! My name is Allison. I live in Colorado. I work as a therapist. My main pastimes are watching trashy tv, reading, baking, and trying to find the motivation to workout. Right now I have the winter blues and feeling lonely. I don’t have an ideal pen pal but would love to join or start a book club and tea club. Paper to paper contact is a great way to connect. I’ve met so many wonderful people already through penpalooza. If you are looking for someone to gossip with or need an inky shoulder to lean on don’t hesitate to reach out! My email is allisony96@gmail.com. Looking forward to meeting y’all!
Hi there! My name is Cheri. I am 53 years young and live in Southern California! I am a Mediator for a large hospital. I love tennis, long bike rides, travel, gardening, cooking, adventures of any kind, reading (esp. current events, literature, non-fiction), SNL and great comedy. I'd love a penpal from anywhere that wants to share long or short letters! You can find me at cherih67@gmail.com
Hi, I'm Danielle, I'm based in the UK - rural Kent, but happy to correspond with anyone as long as in English, I don't think my French could stand up to letter writing!!! I'm a fashion editor by day, and love to garden, I have my first vegetable and cut flower garden in the works - so anyone interested in gardens, flower arranging would be lovely. I also love baking, finding new recipes to try - so anyone fancy sharing recipes I would love that as well. I also have a dog and a cat - so if you like cute animal pictures I'm happy to share.
I'm happy to do long letters or postcards - I just love writing.
Hi friends! I am Jen. I am a 40 year old single boy mom from Chicago. My interests include reading, cooking, watching far too much Netflix and Hulu, exploring the outdoors or new towns near and far and trying new places to eat. I am open to snailmail pals of any age and location really. I work in education and would love to connect with other teachers but love meeting people from all walks of life. Email me at jenniferleeross513@gmail.com! Can’t wait to hear from ya!
Hello! I’m Rebecca from England, UK. I’m a mid twenties theatre graduate who loves reading, writing, cooking, learning about history and mythology, and obsessing over other people’s pets! I have lots of penpals already but there are some very specific types of correspondence I would be SO excited to find a penpal for:
1. I love historical romance and would love to have a sort of penpal book club. We could pick a book to read and then write to each other about it, swoon over the best parts or share our disappointment at things that missed the mark!
2. I love poetry and would love to exchange letters discussing poems that we’ve found, what we’ve found interesting about them, how they make us feel. I like modern and classical poetry but have loads to explore with both.
3. Are you writing a novel? Have you been “writing” a novel for years yet somehow have 0 words on paper (like me)? Let’s buddy up, write to each other about how our writing’s going, keep each other motivated and hold each other accountable. I have both fantasy novels, historical romance novels and even a new adult thriller idea sitting in my head, and I’m determined 2021 is the year I’ll finally write one.
4. Lastly, I’d really love to write to someone who just enjoys the experience of writing letters and would like to use it as a creative exercise. We could set each other with a prompt or theme and then we respond writing on that prompt/subject/theme, whether that’s describing our morning coffee in immense detail or sharing a story about that time you nearly drowned in the wave pool when you were a kid (true story!).
These are all quite specific but I know I’d personally find them really exciting/fulfilling! If you’d like to be penpals in light of any of the above, please DM me on @RCsnailmail or e-mail at rebeccaechapman@outlook.com. I’m happy to write to international or UK people, though international replies take a bit longer due to stamp costs. Hope to hear from some of you soon!
Hi, I’m Taki & I’m a 53 year old mum of a tween, a young teen, and an orange cat. I’m American, but I’ve lived in London (UK) for almost 25+ years.
I love socialising and a good story around the table; I used to write loads of real letters to friends and family, but I have gotten out of practice with that and being an American (even though I still have my US passport and visit often).
I’d love to exchange letters with someone North American based, any age. I am interested in most things (though Bitcoin is a stretch for me ;))) and read loads (fiction, non-fiction, substack, New York mag, London Review of Books, Week Jr, etc) and love a good podcast (The High Low, Fortunately, true crime, Guardian Daily).
I’d also be interested in recipe exchange too, and I’m a bit of an Instagram obsessive, but these interests are not musts.
If you want to connect, please contact me on takitha@hotmail.com. Maybe put “penpal” in the subject line please as - being a newsletter reader - I get tons of email. Thank you!
Hello, I'm Bryony (32) and I live in the seaside city of Brighton, England (just south of London). I'm a content writer in the travel industry but have been studying journalism throughout the many lockdowns here.
I like podcasts about weird stories, travelling, cooking/baking and unsuccessful attempts at making jam/flavoured alcohol (recipe swap anyone?), the outdoors (camping/kayaking, etc) and art/crafts.
I'm looking for any penpals who live further away than southeast England (especially international). I love languages and would also like to find a penpal who speaks French, or Russian, Spanish or Mandarin (although I'm not very good at these 3).
Hi! I’m Lisa. I’m a writer, astrologer, weaver, and knitter living on the east coast of the US. I’m into Haruki Murakami, British period dramas, Scandi-noir, Afrofuturism, textile art, fashion, and languages. I’d love a 45+ European pen pal who’s into writing long letters. Lsm.here@gmail.com
Hi! I'm 26, based in upstate NY, willing to write to anywhere. I can only write in English or maybe French (I used to be fluent but it's been many years, if any French-speakers would like to try a language exchange thing, like half English/half French letters definitely let me know!). I like reading, embroidery, the outdoors, music. My letters tend to veer into the abstract/philosophical since there's really not too much going on in my day-to-day, & I love to hear people's thoughts on whatever makes them excited or whatever they spend a lot of time thinking about. You can email me at eleanorcgrams@gmail.com :)
I'm Elizabeth, I'm 34 and a librarian in a teeny Midwestern town. I love gardening, birds, tea, and dabble in textile art. I also really enjoy off-beat comedy, music (heavy on 80s and folk), romance novels and mysteries featuring lady detectives.
I have found some really great penfriends through Penpalooza, so I don't want to be greedy (but I also have a bunch of stickers and stamps and pent-up energy).
I'm forever up for more penpals but I'm also keeping an eye out for postcard-heavy penpals (I just bought a bunch and I think the bite-sized glimpse into someone's day is charming).
Also, this is awfully specific, but are there any Penpalooza folks from Austria? My husband's family is from there - as was my childhood penpal!
Also, also, if anyone out there has kids who would like to dip their toes into penpal-ing, I have a nearly 9 y.o. girl and nearly 12 y.o. boy who sometimes like to write as well.
Hi! I'm another fellow Midwesterner who thinks the idea of postcards is charming. Normally I write longer letters, but I love this idea. You can email me at jenstastny2029@gmail.com.
Hi Elizabeth, I'm a fellow Midwesterner (actually dying to know what teeny Midwestern town is yours!) and a library enthusiast. If you're interested in another correspondent, please reach out to mfox928 at gmail!
Hi Elizabeth! I love the idea of a postcard exchange. I'm also currently in school part time to get my master's in library science, so it would be great to talk to you about your experience as a librarian. If you're interested in becoming pen pals, you can email me at magblah@gmail.com.
Hi, I'm Ali! I have a ton of pen pals tbh but I'm always open to more. I'm a pretty chill pen pal - a medium length letter every month or two, with maybe a postcard here and there. I like to make magazine collages on my letters, and I've recently dipped my toe/brush into watercolor painting.
I'm 28, I live in Minneapolis with my partner and our pet bunny. I work for a certain cookie selling girl power non-profit if you want to hear all about that :) I'm into the internet, tv, arts and crafts, bar trivia, and socialism. I have a weekly newsletter at alicheddar.substack.com if you want to get a sense of what I'm into and a feel for if we'd be friends. Please email me at allison.abel61@gmail.com if you want to be pen pals!
Hello, I’d love to find a few new pen pals, either in the US or abroad. (Although English is the only language I speak, I could attempt translation through Google.)
My name is Emily, and I live in Tipp City, Ohio. I’m a pediatric radiographer at a local children’s hospital by day, and a blogger/author by night. I’m LGBTQI friendly, love animals and homesteading on my urban farm. I also love to read, to be out in nature, and honestly have a variety of interests.
I would love to receive written letters or postcards.
Please reach out to me via email at erbrowning937@gmail.com with Penpalooza in the subject line, if you are interested in connecting!
Hi, I’m Katri! I’m in my late 20s and currently living in Texas. I would love a pen pal from anywhere really, but any one from a Nordic or Scandinavian country would be amazing as I’m Finnish. My interests are baking & cooking, reading, gardening, and anything related to classical studies (I used to be a latin teacher). I love to hike/ski when I can and I also just recently got into cross stitch. I’m into both postcards and writing and receiving long letters about literally anything. Tell me about your day or your favorite dessert (and maybe the recipe), or the cute dog you saw on your walk. Whatever you’re interested in, I want to hear! I also send along funky stickers I find. If you’re interested, you can email me at kniemi4@gmail.com.
Hi! My name's Trish, living in Austin TX but have grown up in different parts of the world (Alaska, Vermont, Vienna, Osaka, Vancouver). I've had to put my work as a music booker/promoter on hold but have been doing some writing in the meantime, mainly interviews with filmmakers and musicians as well as album/film reviews. Cooking/baking, (film) photography, a stack of books and the Criterion Channel have been keeping me busy since the start of the pandemic. I'm open to writing pen-pals from around the globe, perhaps someone with similar interests or that wants to exchange film/Polaroid photos or recommendations of whatever kind of art they're consuming these days, or even a music/cassette tape exchange. I can be found on Twitter at @thenothingsong or on Instagram at @trish.r.connelly -- looking forward to hearing from you!
Hi! My name is Heather & I live in Connecticut. I am 40, wife, Mamala, and have a 2.5 yo pup. I love reading, cross stitching, crafting, jigsaw puzzles, simplifying/minimizing life, intentional living, improving my family’s quality of life, Hygge, and listening to podcasts.
Hello! I'm Clémence, I'm French but I have lived in London, UK for the last five years (via New York, Toronto, and Beirut!).
I work in Culture and am passionate about literature, feminism, and theatre. I am also a writer so would love to find someone to exchange writing prompts with!
Hi Clémence! I also love literature, feminism, and theatre and would love to exchange writing prompts! My friends and I started doing video writing sessions at the start of quarantine where we'd give each other prompts. Doing it through letters sounds so fun! My email is decol@umich.edu
I would love to exchange writing prompts! I used to do this with blogging, but always wanted to try it the old-fashioned way! darknessdisgrace@gmail.com
I'm looking for penpals who would like to exchange poems! (Not self written, but published poems we read that resonate with us).
megansalters@gmail.com
This is an awesome idea! Would ones written or fixed onto postcards fit the bill?
Absolutely! 💖
What a fun idea!
Hello!! I'm Nisha and I'm a student in the United States (California, to be exact!) I like poetry, television, linguistics, and crochet, and I also love when people info-dump on me. Give me an entire lecture on your niche interest! I love to hear about people's tiny passions.
I'm looking for someone to exchange long letters with! When I write letters they usually end up being pages and pages of like, what I did that week, a pretty bird I saw, how I ate the most perfect sun-dried tomato, a poem I read that reminded me of an idea I used to have in elementary school, and don't you think it's interesting how etc, etc, etc— So if that interests you please let me know! You can find me on twitter @nishafisha.
Stay safe! Have a wonderful week.
I'm going to DM you on twitter! :)
Hello! So I’ve been thinking—some of my favorite penpalooza exchanges have been when a penpal and I discuss a book we both just happen to have read. I’d love to intentionally recreate this, if anyone wants to start a small book-letter-discussion-exchange thing. I mostly read classics, but I also like nonfiction about zany topics, new releases (after I’ve suffered a long wait on the new york public library hold list), and books about unhinged and fabulous women (real and fictional)! Some books that I’m hoping to get to soon are Maurice by EM Forester, Passing by Nella Larsen, and North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. War and Peace is also staring at me from my bookshelf…but I am intimidated. This is just a small list: I am also, always, always, down to buy more books.
As a bit about me: my name is Madison, I’m in my 20s, and I live in New York. I work in science, soon to be a PhD student, doing research on evolutionary processes. I love victorian and edwardian history, am obsessed with ballet (watching it, though I wish I was talented enough to do it), love old and new movies, and spend a lot of time thinking about how much I wish I could wallpaper my apartment. If you’re thinking, I don’t want to talk about books, but I do want to talk about ballet or where to find the best knitting patterns for edwardian sweaters or which movies have the most beautiful wallpaper (surprising answer: the 2011 movie Drive) or science! please do reach out ;)
I don’t post on twitter, but I do lurk about, so if you want to, you can dm me there: @mlichak394
Hello! I would love a book-discussion pen pal. I'm in my late twenties, live in Connecticut, and work as a consultant and help research libraries and museums create strategic plans (among other things). I mostly read contemporary fiction with some nonfiction sprinkled in, and rarely read classics (but would like to get into them). This winter I've been watching a lot of movies, and sewing and knitting (nothing Edwardian...yet). I don't have Twitter—any other way I can connect with you?
You might have the most interesting job in the world!
Hi! Your job sounds really interesting, I think we would have a ton to talk about! You can email me at mlichak394@gmail.com :)
Hello, and thanks for starting Penpalooza! I’d love to find postcard pen pals, in the U.S. or beyond.
My name is Holly, and I live in Boston, Massachusetts, where I’ve been a book editor for 20+ years. My interests include travel (oh how I miss it!), books (of course), art, cities, and queer culture. I also write fiction, make weird collages, and love long walks.
I don’t tweet much, but if you’d like to reach out—and maybe exchange a postcard!—you can find me on Twitter @holhartman
Cheers! ~and~ Thanks!
Hello! I love the idea of a postcard exchange. I'm Jen, and I teach English (and live) in Omaha, Nebraska. This is my 23rd year teaching. I don't use Twitter much, but you can reach me there @jen_stastny or at jenstastny2029@gmail.com
Hi Holly! I love postcard exchanges...just followed you on twitter (i'm @granolasusan) but can't DM you there yet (maybe you need to follow me back?). I also love travel and queer culture and books and long walks.
Hello Holly -- I am great at sending postcards, terrible at messaging on twitter. If you are better at it, lol, hit me up at @alhoff2000 :)
Hi, Al Hoff! I’ve followed you on Twitter, so you can DM me there if you’d like! (I can’t seem to DM you at this point.)
hopefully accomplished! (I'm always hitting the wrong button and putting my business on my feed, haha)
Hi Holly, I'd be up for exchanging postcards from Malta with you! I've followed you on Twitter, so DM me if you like :-)
A late reply if still open I’d love to exchange postcards. You can reach me at frankasesthlm@gmail.com
I sent you an Instagram message!
deborakareeem@gmail.com so that i can tell you
more about me ok
Waiting to hear from you.
Thanking you for your time.
Debora
Hello! My name is Courtney and I currently live in central New York about forty-five minutes east of Syracuse. I have worked in higher education for over twenty years (how did that happen?). I'm an Army brat and began exchanging letters with friends as a kid when my family moved overseas. That fostered my love for stationery and the post office. I enjoy sports with baseball being my first love. I also enjoy shopping, wearing dresses with pockets, baking, the beach, museums, and a good laugh. I'm on Twitter @librarycourtney and email librarycourtney at gmail dot com.
Hey Courtney, I'm Ruthie. I'm interested in exchanging letters. I sent you an email with some information about myself.
Hi Courtney! Would love to exchange letters. I’m in the UK. No idea about baseball, but I do love a dress with pockets, so that’s a start I guess! My Twitter account is private but you can email me at emmakite@hotmail.co.uk if you like and we can go from there 😊
Hi Courtney! I messaged you on Twitter
Hi, I’m Becky, newly 40 from the northwest of England, I like travel, reading, movies and walking my dog.
I work in a very boring job but my dream job as a child was either librarian or something in radio, still love to do either of these if I won the lottery.
Love to meet people from all over the world and find out more
Please feel free to contact via Instagram becky_vs_world or on Twitter @becky_vs_world (yes there’s a theme)
Have a great week
I would love to match up with someone who wants to write in Italian. Many moons ago, my Italian was fluent bits it’s gotten rusty. I’m a former journalist, current full-time mom of three, U.S. based right now, but in my heart, I’m always traveling. Love books (fiction and non-fiction), food and cookbooks, politics/history, the movies, the outdoors and dogs (we have five) but I’m happy to correspond about anything and love to learn about anything new. Twitter is @c18913 DM and we can exchange addresses.
Hello! My name is Nancy and I live in Chicago, IL (U.S.A.). I would love to have additional penpals. I enjoy writing, and since the pandemic, I've started to make stationery and envelopes out of recycled paper and magazines. I send the stationery to my penpals - I hope they like it! The themes of the stationery are mainly related to the fashion industry since the topic is a huge passion of mine, and my career. In addition to anything fashion, style, and beauty, I enjoy discussing about fabrics, quilting and anything handmade. If you have a passion in any of these areas, and would like to reach out, please direct message me on Instagram @finethreads. I don't tweet much, but if that's easier my twitter handle is @Nplumm. Looking forward to writing to new connections. Thanks Penpalooza!
Hello! I have failed to figure out how to DM you at Twitter or IG, sorry. It would be cool to connect as penpals. I enjoy making things though I confess that fashion is an art that has always alluded me. I garden and dabble in many different kinds of craft and art. If you would like to connect, I am @jklightside on Twitter. - Jackie
Love to connect Jackie. Send me an email nancy@finethreadschicago.com
Hi! My name is Layla and I am a PhD student in the US (east coast) studying music history. Beyond music, my interests include reading (I am a constant reader of any kind of book), sewing, and cooking. I also love to travel and speak/write in okay-ish German. Would love to find pen pals from anywhere who share some similar interests! My email is laylabutler@gmail.com.
Hi! My name is Averill, age 30 and currently based in Virginia, but I have bounced around in Asia and Europe in past lives. I love writing long letters and sometimes include knickknacks, recipes, etc. I want to hear your stories and hear about the things that are occupying you and bringing you joy during this pandemic. I'd also love to correspond with people who have lived much longer than myself. I speak a few languages but prefer to write in English. Shoot me an email at averillp@me.com.
‘Have lived much longer...’ such a nice way to not call us old. 😊💜
Hello! I'm Sarah, from New York. I'm a student in my mid twenties, open to correspondence domestic and abroad. Before the pandemic I was an avid traveler, and I would love to learn about the places you love and perhaps trade recipes - I love food! I watch tons of movies, with a special love for classics (I'm on a Marlene Dietrich kick right now). Like a lot of you here, I love to read as well, although I've mostly been reading for school instead of pleasure lately. I'd be delighted to swap postcards or letters, I'm open! sarah.schaeffer94@gmail.com / instagram DM: @velvet.minivan
Hi Sarah - I sent you an email!
Hi Sarah, I’ve emailed you! Angela x
Hi! My name is Emilia, I'm a freelance copywriter/drifter in her mid-twenties who lives in Brooklyn, NY. I love 20th century history, 90s music, creative non-fiction, contemporary art, etc... I want to try to spend less time looking at a screen since I do so much of it for work so I would love to exchange handwritten letters/postcards/trinkets with someone in English and/or Spanish—preferably from overseas but would obviously be happy to chat with anyone interesting and creative, which I'm sure you all are!! I'm on twitter and insta both @emiliacopes :~)
also my email is ecopelandtitus@gmail.com !
Hi there! Im Rafaella. Live in Ireland, a full time mom and a full time psychology student. I would love to chat about anything and everything. It eould be very nice to get to know other people and really exchange some really nice long letters). I like tv shows, books, crochet (still a beginner), cooking. I also have bible study and would be nice to chat about that ;) if anyone is interested, send me an email.. rafagagliardi@hotmail.com.
Hey Rafaella, I'm Ruthie. I'm interested in exchanging long letters. I sent you an email with some information about myself.
Hey friends!
My name is Julia, I’m a third culture kid living in Germany. I work in the wine industry and my interests include art, history, travel, languages, and food.
A recipe exchange sounds like tons of fun and I’m desperately in need of inspiration in the kitchen lately. If anyone wants to write in Spanish, German, French, Italian, or Portuguese, I can always use some practice!
If any of this speaks to you, DM me on Twitter @juuliapod or email me at petersen.julia20@gmail.com
Hi! I'm looking for a penpal for my Granny, she's in her 70's she's always asking me about the letters I'm getting and I think she'd love to have someone to write to too. My Grandpa died recently so she has more time to fill than she ever has. She's slightly fussy with her requirements 'no young folk, someone who's lived a bit' (I'd say 60+ then) and 'no men!' (she said she's had one lovely gentleman in her life, she doesn't need another - bless). She's an avid traveller (pre-covid at least) and has been to far more places than I have, she's a fan of opera (especially Gilbert and Sullivan), puzzles, books and I'm sure far more than I know. We're in the UK so someone from there would be best but I'm sure she'd also love notes from further afield. If anyone would like to match with her - or knows someone who might - please DM me on twitter @harrrriet_
Hi Harriet I live in California, am 65 an RN still working 1 day a week, also an avid traveler when not COVID-19 restricted, I read a lot love music and would like to be a Penpalpalooza with your Granny..I don’t Twitter but can be reached at legahenni@gmail.com. Leighann
Hi, Harriet. Have you been overwhelmed with potential penpals for your Gran? I believe my mum's best friend - also in her 70s - would love a penpal, but before I mention it to her, thought it best to check with you first to see a) if you have room for one more possibilty, and b) if a Canadian penpal would be of interest. I am on Twitter @Booktrovert if you'd like to DM me. I tried to send you a DM, but wasn't allowed. :D
this is so sweet!
Hello! My name is Bridgitte, 28, located East Coast, US, looking for any pen pal at all, short or long letters. I am an avid reader (87 books in 2020 - thanks in part to the pandemic, https://www.goodreads.com/bribrid), I am a new-ish knitter starting on my fourth blanket, I love board games and the outdoors, and I'd love to learn from anyone and speak to anyone on any topic at all. Can reach me on Goodreads or Instagram DM @bri_bird - thank you!
I should also add I work in tech, but studied Sociology at university, so I mean it when I sY any topic!
I’ll be reaching out via Instagram!
Hi! I'm Kelsey. I just relocated from Washington, DC to Kentucky. I'd love to exchange letters, cards, or postcards. I'm open to penpals across the globe. My interests include: reading (fiction, essays, biography, true crime, romance, & fantasy), writing (cnf, romance, & fantasy), cryptids & other supernatural happenings, true crime documentaries & podcasts, and cooking. Feel free to reach out via Twitter @thoughts_nsense.
Hi Kelsey! I’m also in DC and have thoughts on the book Once and Future Witches fantasy novel that I would love to share. I’m not on Twitter but you can email me at madeline.koewler@gmail.com.
Hi! I’m Jess, and I’m in Philadelphia (PA, USA). I’ve lived in the UK and France, studied theatre and playwriting, and speak better French than Spanish, but I’m always looking forward to brushing up on both.
I’m looking for a penpal who also has interests in writing and literature, in English (though French or Spanish could also be wonderful, if you can be patient). I’m not too particular, but would love to hear from people outside the US, maybe from New Zealand or something? The wanderlust is getting extreme! I just bought great postcards, but also love to write a good long letter, maybe with a poem in it or something.
You can DM me on Twitter @heyjessmullen
Thanks!
Hello!
Penpalooza has been such a delight - I am deeply appreciative for its creation, and to those helping run it all. Thank you!
My name is Jennifer. I am a Canadian Gen Xer, and an very proud aunty. While I am not currently working, I am a writer and editor.
My areas of strong interests include: books (fiction, nonfiction, classics, poetry); dogs; LGBTQ+ ally; tea, streaming TV and movies; music; baking & cooking; and being outdoors. I am fascinated by medicine & science, and medical ethics (really, ethics in general). Big fan of libraries and bookshops, museums, galleries, ballet, and theatre. Curiosity over passion. Very socially progressive and very left-leaning. I am disabled. INFJ, but not shy. Quirky human. 🤣
I have a new bicycle arriving soon, and I am silly with excitement. I used to ride everywhere and often, but have been away from it for a while. (Leisure city bike, not a long-distance or competitive rider.)
My disability is due to lupus, and its myriad complications. I have now been in self-isolation for just over 1 year. Even as an introvert who super comfortable with solitude, I've really struggled this year with loneliness. The only human contact/touch I've had has been clinical, with my doctors at the hospital.
I would love to meet a few more penpals. I would be down with exchanging letters, postcards, a recipe exchange, or any book-related possibilities. With hope, we share in several areas of interest - but, being very driven by curiosity means I love learning about people's interests, and cheering on the enthusiasms of others.
Please DM me on Twitter @Booktrovert to connect:
https://twitter.com/Booktrovert
Looking forward to meeting some new, lovely friends.
Hi Jennifer, I don't have twitter but I'd love to exchange letters. You can email me at smjjfamily@comcast.net
My name is Sue and I live in New England and some similar things to you! Thanks!
(I hope you will forgive any typos, LOL! Sometimes the brain moves faster than the typing fingers can keep up with.)
Hi! I'm in my 50s, with 2 teen daughters, in LA, CA. I love reading (almost anything but hard sci fi), writing, TV, book arts (and paper arts), and travel (especially in the former USSR countries) and am looking for a penpal near my age who wants to trade tea (LOL in the drinking sense, not gossip)/postcards/art postcards (I am definitely an amateur)/washi tape samples or chat about books, art, birds, and being an old (sigh, I'm just feeling my age today). you can DM me at @lorisambolbrody on twitter, will keep my DMs open.
Just DM’d you
Hey there! My name is Clare, I'm 20 years old, and I'm currently studying aerospace engineering for my undergrad. Born and raised in Chicago but residing in nippy, frozen hell Minnesota. My hobbies include biking, listening to podcasts, baking my nerves away, and doing deep dives into Wikipedia articles! Unfortunately my penpal has yet to respond, so I'm looking for a new pal to pen; no particular preference, but I'd love some long letters and some juicy gossip/sage wisdom as I am currently in need of both. My email is grane047@umn.edu , feel free to reach out!
Oh I've thought of something else! I am always interested in finding new things to cook or bake so if anyone has some deep desire to send me their favorite recipe or food with their letters that would be delightful but completely optional.
I’ll be emailing you, Clare!
Hello! My name is Ariel and I'd love to have a pen pal from Japan. I'm a big anime fan who is really interested n learning more about Japanese culture and would love nothing more than to make a connection with someone from Japan! I'm a 25 year old female from the east coast of the US, and love talking about cooking, entertainment, and sending little gifts to my penpal :)
I can be reached on twitter at @ArielHorn10, or via email at arielhorn17@gmail.com.
Thanks so much for starting this pen pal exchange! It's really brightened my year. I would love to have another international (non-U.S.) pen pal to learn from and exchange ideas with. I speak a little Spanish and Czech (and food in Italian and German!), and will use a translate app for anything I can't understand. I really want to learn! I love family, travel, national parks, genealogy, history, books!, movie/tv set in other time periods, and learning something new every day. Looking forward to expanding my world. Robin travelmaven@gmail.com
Hello everyone! I'm Stephanie, a 43 year old History professor teaching at a small liberal arts college in the rural south (U.S.). I have a few great penpals and would love to write even more! I'm interested in travel, nature (and nature photography), national parks, reading biographies of women, tea (and tea exchanges), recipes (and recipe exchanges), block printing, letterpresses, embroidery, the southwest/borderlands, and all things Latin America. Happy to do postcards and/or letters. My twitter is @steph_opp and email is oaxacarama@gmail.com.
Hi Stephanie -- emailing you!
Hello!
My name is Sasha and I am a Torontonian who has been living in Munich for nearly a decade. I'm currently in Venice, Italy, until August, where I am doing a postdoctoral fellowship. I'm a writer and cultural historian who mainly focuses on food and contemporary art, but I also love fashion and film (and fashion in film) and am presently trying to watch my way through the Criterion Collection. If you want mail from Venice or want to write me about your all-time favourite road movie, get in touch! lsashagora@gmail.com
Hi Sasha, I’ve emailed you :-) Angela
Hi my name is Maria, I’m 26 years old, and live in Denmark.
I am sort of new to the whole penpal thing, and still working on building a nice stationary hoard.
Personally I enjoy doing embroidery, walks (preferably forests/beaches etc). I also play a few video games and I am a relatively new D&D player. I collect fridgemagnets from various places and stickers of all kinds.
I am a tea and hot cocoa drinker, would definitely be up for a swap of that if interested.
What I look for in a penpal is someone interested in sharing the wonders around them. Whether it’s an odd stamp collection, or knitting tips and tricks. I don’t have particularly much in regards to that. Open to any and all.
You can reach me through here:
Twitter: Maria_Jensn
Instagram: mariajensn
Email: mariajensn@gmail.com
Please note the jensn is on purpose 🤣
Thanks Penpalooza organizers for putting this together. I'm Sabrina, a Gen-Xer and an American ex-pat, mixed Asian person who lives in Germany. I'd love to hear from anyone who enjoys writing about the mundane/everyday (like a change in the weather or a new coffee bean/tea you sipped or a sentence you read in a book that you can't forget), but also people who are into any kind of fashion, film (classics to today), music (all genres), a good Netflix/Amazon series, travel, cooking/baking, writing, biking in cities, photography, art, crafts like sewing and crocheting, pop culture and discovering fascinating lesser-known histories. Of course, literature and books. I'm also queer friendly and embrace an activist spirit. If you're also an ex-pat living in Europe, I'm especially interested in hearing from you. My DMs are open on Twitter: @scooper212.
Hi Sabrina! I would love to exchange letters if you are still looking for new pen pals, but I don't have Twitter. Email perhaps?
Hi Taylor! Yes, let’s exchange letters. scooper@gmail.com
Hi everyone! My name is Gabriela, I live in Rio and I'm turning 23 in 5 days (Feb 19th!!). I'm a Publishing student who loves books, movies, languages and cultural exchanges. I would love to talk to you about all those thing and also love to hear about people (so feel free to write me pages of your friendship drama). I speak Portuguese, English and French, but would love to learn other languages. I'm not looking for anything in particular, but I would love if you included postcards on your letters because I collect them. My email is gabenevides@gmail.com if you want to be penpals or only exchange postcards. Ps. I would also love to have a Greek penpal so if you're Greek please reach out :) Xx, Gabriela.
Hello friends! I'm Katherine, and I'm based (for now) in southern Virginia. I'd love to exchange letters about the best contemporary literary fiction/nonfiction that you've read, movies and TV that you adore, and any insights you've stumbled upon during quarantine. Also would love to have a queer pen pal, feeling pretty lonely without a community locked in my house! I'm open to writing letters anywhere, you can find me on Twitter @k_marie_smith <3 also if you have great music taste, send me recs
Hey I am not on twitter but I am queer and a noted watcher of things if you're interested in connecting. I listed my instagram and email in my comment but if you're interested in writing let me know.
I came with the same goal ^^ I'd be interested in connecting with you both, if you'd like another queer penpal. Twitter: @jklightside Instagram: @j.k.paints -JK
I’m writing on behalf of my 19 year old daughter who would love a similar-aged overseas pen pal. She’s an avid traveler, and loves Paris and fashion and cats.
jspicer5@verizon.net
Hey everyone! What an amazing project!
I'd love to find penpals from anywhere in the world! I live in Italy and am aware that the mail can be slow but I'm so fascinated by other cultures that I think it's worth the wait.
I'd love to do postcards exchanges, little notes and drawings and maybe even a 'book club' (although I'm a reallyyy slow reader). I'm into arts and illustration and getting a little bit into Buddhism too after listening to Stuart Murdoch from Belle and Sebastian's meditations.
You can contact me via instagram: @abicidi_studio
Looking forward to connecting :)
Adi
My name is Chris,I'm in my sixties and I live near Manchester England.It would be great to hear from other animal lovers(I have three cats),and anyone interested in crafts,history, nature and wildlife. I'm a mum of 3, grandma to 3 grandsons. I also like to explore new places, you might guess this from my email address chrislovesgoingplaces@gmail.com I would love to exchange letters with people from all over.
Hi!
I already have lovely pen pals, and I love it, but am wondering if anyone wants to write/practice writing in Japanese?
I’m an almost 38 year old Japanese zine maker based in Brooklyn, NY. (planning to move to west coast soon)
I’m interested into Art, culture, languages.
You can find me on Twitter @yukoweiner
こんばんは、
りなです！アリゾナ出身のハーフで日本語の練習したいます。 I followed you on twitter but your dms aren’t open! Let’s connect ,I’m @rinahime29 😇
I wish I could! Will follow you on twitter tho, maybe one day I'll learn enough Japanese!
Hi there! My name is Jaclyn and I live in Brooklyn. I love traveling, baking, hiking, reading, and singing. I had two ideas I thought would be fun:
1. A recipe exchange for baking (or cooking, though I’m not very good at that/I’m a vegetarian). We could each make the recipe the other sends and report back!
2. I miss traveling a lot, so I thought it’d be fun to write letters about trips we’ve taken or would like to take. We could include photos of places we’ve been or inspiration.
If anyone is into either one of these, feel free to reply or dm me on twitter at @jaclynrachelpr!
Hi! I love these ideas and would be well up for swapping recipes and travel stories. I’m on Twitter @joan_parsons.
That sounds great! I just followed you so will dm now
Hey Jaclyn,
I would love to swap recipes! I couldn’t message you on Twitter but my handle is @allisonyoelin.
sorry about that! just followed so i think if you follow back we can dm!
Hi Jaclyn, recipe exchange and travel chats sound great! I'm a vegetarian in Portland, OR with similar interests. I don't have Twitter but you can email me: xtine3513@gmail.com
hi there! that sounds great!
Hi Jacklyn! I'm also in Brooklyn and would love to exchange letters about recipes and pre-COVID travels. I just followed you on Twitter—my handle is @mod_austen.
Hey Jaclyn, I've just added you on Twitter, if you follow back I'll DM you :)
A recipe swap/travel story sharing sounds like a great idea (if you're not thinking your list is already too big--I just followed you on twitter (I'm @granolasusan)
Thanks Susan, I just dm'd you :)
Glad to see your recipe swap idea is getting good traction! I'd love to be in on this as well, if you have time, loving both recipes and travel stories. My twitter is @steph_opp.
Would love to! I just followed you on twitter
Hi Jaclyn, I really like your recipe exchange and travel letter ideas! I couldn't message you on Twitter, you should be able to find me there, @fishgunk
sorry about that! just followed so i'll send now!
Hey there! I have been a vegetarian since I was 5. I would love to exchange recipes with you. I couldn't dm you on twitter but my dm's are open. I am @kyliehicks_mpa. Hope to hear from you!
Sorry about that! I'm following you on Twitter and I'll dm you!
Hello! My name is Allison. I live in Colorado. I work as a therapist. My main pastimes are watching trashy tv, reading, baking, and trying to find the motivation to workout. Right now I have the winter blues and feeling lonely. I don’t have an ideal pen pal but would love to join or start a book club and tea club. Paper to paper contact is a great way to connect. I’ve met so many wonderful people already through penpalooza. If you are looking for someone to gossip with or need an inky shoulder to lean on don’t hesitate to reach out! My email is allisony96@gmail.com. Looking forward to meeting y’all!
"inky shoulder". Classic!!
Thanks!
Hi there! My name is Cheri. I am 53 years young and live in Southern California! I am a Mediator for a large hospital. I love tennis, long bike rides, travel, gardening, cooking, adventures of any kind, reading (esp. current events, literature, non-fiction), SNL and great comedy. I'd love a penpal from anywhere that wants to share long or short letters! You can find me at cherih67@gmail.com
Hi, I'm Danielle, I'm based in the UK - rural Kent, but happy to correspond with anyone as long as in English, I don't think my French could stand up to letter writing!!! I'm a fashion editor by day, and love to garden, I have my first vegetable and cut flower garden in the works - so anyone interested in gardens, flower arranging would be lovely. I also love baking, finding new recipes to try - so anyone fancy sharing recipes I would love that as well. I also have a dog and a cat - so if you like cute animal pictures I'm happy to share.
I'm happy to do long letters or postcards - I just love writing.
Fancy writing - drop me an email hello@itsadaniellelife.com or DM me on Twitter @ADanielleLife.
Hi friends! I am Jen. I am a 40 year old single boy mom from Chicago. My interests include reading, cooking, watching far too much Netflix and Hulu, exploring the outdoors or new towns near and far and trying new places to eat. I am open to snailmail pals of any age and location really. I work in education and would love to connect with other teachers but love meeting people from all walks of life. Email me at jenniferleeross513@gmail.com! Can’t wait to hear from ya!
Hi, I am going to email you! Would love another boy mom to commiserate with :)
I’ll be emailing you!
Hello! I’m Rebecca from England, UK. I’m a mid twenties theatre graduate who loves reading, writing, cooking, learning about history and mythology, and obsessing over other people’s pets! I have lots of penpals already but there are some very specific types of correspondence I would be SO excited to find a penpal for:
1. I love historical romance and would love to have a sort of penpal book club. We could pick a book to read and then write to each other about it, swoon over the best parts or share our disappointment at things that missed the mark!
2. I love poetry and would love to exchange letters discussing poems that we’ve found, what we’ve found interesting about them, how they make us feel. I like modern and classical poetry but have loads to explore with both.
3. Are you writing a novel? Have you been “writing” a novel for years yet somehow have 0 words on paper (like me)? Let’s buddy up, write to each other about how our writing’s going, keep each other motivated and hold each other accountable. I have both fantasy novels, historical romance novels and even a new adult thriller idea sitting in my head, and I’m determined 2021 is the year I’ll finally write one.
4. Lastly, I’d really love to write to someone who just enjoys the experience of writing letters and would like to use it as a creative exercise. We could set each other with a prompt or theme and then we respond writing on that prompt/subject/theme, whether that’s describing our morning coffee in immense detail or sharing a story about that time you nearly drowned in the wave pool when you were a kid (true story!).
These are all quite specific but I know I’d personally find them really exciting/fulfilling! If you’d like to be penpals in light of any of the above, please DM me on @RCsnailmail or e-mail at rebeccaechapman@outlook.com. I’m happy to write to international or UK people, though international replies take a bit longer due to stamp costs. Hope to hear from some of you soon!
Rebecca C x
I'm going to DM you, very interested in #2 and #4 😊
I love historical romance -- emailing you :)
Hi, I’m Taki & I’m a 53 year old mum of a tween, a young teen, and an orange cat. I’m American, but I’ve lived in London (UK) for almost 25+ years.
I love socialising and a good story around the table; I used to write loads of real letters to friends and family, but I have gotten out of practice with that and being an American (even though I still have my US passport and visit often).
I’d love to exchange letters with someone North American based, any age. I am interested in most things (though Bitcoin is a stretch for me ;))) and read loads (fiction, non-fiction, substack, New York mag, London Review of Books, Week Jr, etc) and love a good podcast (The High Low, Fortunately, true crime, Guardian Daily).
I’d also be interested in recipe exchange too, and I’m a bit of an Instagram obsessive, but these interests are not musts.
If you want to connect, please contact me on takitha@hotmail.com. Maybe put “penpal” in the subject line please as - being a newsletter reader - I get tons of email. Thank you!
Ps. Open to letters or postcards.
Hello, I'm Bryony (32) and I live in the seaside city of Brighton, England (just south of London). I'm a content writer in the travel industry but have been studying journalism throughout the many lockdowns here.
I like podcasts about weird stories, travelling, cooking/baking and unsuccessful attempts at making jam/flavoured alcohol (recipe swap anyone?), the outdoors (camping/kayaking, etc) and art/crafts.
I'm looking for any penpals who live further away than southeast England (especially international). I love languages and would also like to find a penpal who speaks French, or Russian, Spanish or Mandarin (although I'm not very good at these 3).
Twitter: @bryac Email: citizenofsomewhere@gmail.com - forgot this bit!
Hi! I’m Lisa. I’m a writer, astrologer, weaver, and knitter living on the east coast of the US. I’m into Haruki Murakami, British period dramas, Scandi-noir, Afrofuturism, textile art, fashion, and languages. I’d love a 45+ European pen pal who’s into writing long letters. Lsm.here@gmail.com
Hi! I'm 26, based in upstate NY, willing to write to anywhere. I can only write in English or maybe French (I used to be fluent but it's been many years, if any French-speakers would like to try a language exchange thing, like half English/half French letters definitely let me know!). I like reading, embroidery, the outdoors, music. My letters tend to veer into the abstract/philosophical since there's really not too much going on in my day-to-day, & I love to hear people's thoughts on whatever makes them excited or whatever they spend a lot of time thinking about. You can email me at eleanorcgrams@gmail.com :)
Hi all!
I'm Elizabeth, I'm 34 and a librarian in a teeny Midwestern town. I love gardening, birds, tea, and dabble in textile art. I also really enjoy off-beat comedy, music (heavy on 80s and folk), romance novels and mysteries featuring lady detectives.
I have found some really great penfriends through Penpalooza, so I don't want to be greedy (but I also have a bunch of stickers and stamps and pent-up energy).
I'm forever up for more penpals but I'm also keeping an eye out for postcard-heavy penpals (I just bought a bunch and I think the bite-sized glimpse into someone's day is charming).
Also, this is awfully specific, but are there any Penpalooza folks from Austria? My husband's family is from there - as was my childhood penpal!
Also, also, if anyone out there has kids who would like to dip their toes into penpal-ing, I have a nearly 9 y.o. girl and nearly 12 y.o. boy who sometimes like to write as well.
Hi Elizabeth, I am from Austria (Graz) but I moved to Canada about 15 years ago. Does that still count?
My email is juni1030@yahoo.de .
Hi! I'm another fellow Midwesterner who thinks the idea of postcards is charming. Normally I write longer letters, but I love this idea. You can email me at jenstastny2029@gmail.com.
Hi Elizabeth, I'm a fellow Midwesterner (actually dying to know what teeny Midwestern town is yours!) and a library enthusiast. If you're interested in another correspondent, please reach out to mfox928 at gmail!
Hi Elizabeth if you fancy adding someone from the UK to your writing list - reach out on Twitter @ADanielleLife
Followed you, if you'd like to follow back I can DM you. :)
Hi, Elizabeth. I’d love to exchange postcard missives. I’m on Twitter and Insta at @jkbeitz and my email is jankbeitz at gmail
Hi Elizabeth! I'd love to be your postcard penpal. You can reach me at bryce dot esch at gmail.
Hi Elizabeth! I love the idea of a postcard exchange. I'm also currently in school part time to get my master's in library science, so it would be great to talk to you about your experience as a librarian. If you're interested in becoming pen pals, you can email me at magblah@gmail.com.
Hi Elizabeth. I would be interested in a postcard heavy penpal exchange.
I also have a (nearly) 10 yo daughter who is interested in having more people to write to.
Shoot me an email at tornadogrrrl@gmail.com?
Hi, I'm Ali! I have a ton of pen pals tbh but I'm always open to more. I'm a pretty chill pen pal - a medium length letter every month or two, with maybe a postcard here and there. I like to make magazine collages on my letters, and I've recently dipped my toe/brush into watercolor painting.
I'm 28, I live in Minneapolis with my partner and our pet bunny. I work for a certain cookie selling girl power non-profit if you want to hear all about that :) I'm into the internet, tv, arts and crafts, bar trivia, and socialism. I have a weekly newsletter at alicheddar.substack.com if you want to get a sense of what I'm into and a feel for if we'd be friends. Please email me at allison.abel61@gmail.com if you want to be pen pals!
Hi! I highly relate to your newsletter, I'll email you my info!
Hello, I’d love to find a few new pen pals, either in the US or abroad. (Although English is the only language I speak, I could attempt translation through Google.)
My name is Emily, and I live in Tipp City, Ohio. I’m a pediatric radiographer at a local children’s hospital by day, and a blogger/author by night. I’m LGBTQI friendly, love animals and homesteading on my urban farm. I also love to read, to be out in nature, and honestly have a variety of interests.
I would love to receive written letters or postcards.
Please reach out to me via email at erbrowning937@gmail.com with Penpalooza in the subject line, if you are interested in connecting!
Hi, I’m Katri! I’m in my late 20s and currently living in Texas. I would love a pen pal from anywhere really, but any one from a Nordic or Scandinavian country would be amazing as I’m Finnish. My interests are baking & cooking, reading, gardening, and anything related to classical studies (I used to be a latin teacher). I love to hike/ski when I can and I also just recently got into cross stitch. I’m into both postcards and writing and receiving long letters about literally anything. Tell me about your day or your favorite dessert (and maybe the recipe), or the cute dog you saw on your walk. Whatever you’re interested in, I want to hear! I also send along funky stickers I find. If you’re interested, you can email me at kniemi4@gmail.com.
Hi! My name's Trish, living in Austin TX but have grown up in different parts of the world (Alaska, Vermont, Vienna, Osaka, Vancouver). I've had to put my work as a music booker/promoter on hold but have been doing some writing in the meantime, mainly interviews with filmmakers and musicians as well as album/film reviews. Cooking/baking, (film) photography, a stack of books and the Criterion Channel have been keeping me busy since the start of the pandemic. I'm open to writing pen-pals from around the globe, perhaps someone with similar interests or that wants to exchange film/Polaroid photos or recommendations of whatever kind of art they're consuming these days, or even a music/cassette tape exchange. I can be found on Twitter at @thenothingsong or on Instagram at @trish.r.connelly -- looking forward to hearing from you!
Hi Trish! I sent you a DM on twitter.
Hi! My name is Heather & I live in Connecticut. I am 40, wife, Mamala, and have a 2.5 yo pup. I love reading, cross stitching, crafting, jigsaw puzzles, simplifying/minimizing life, intentional living, improving my family’s quality of life, Hygge, and listening to podcasts.
I am up for letter writing, postcards, etc.
Questions? Ask away!
You can reach me at heathnunes@gmail.com.
Hello! I'm Clémence, I'm French but I have lived in London, UK for the last five years (via New York, Toronto, and Beirut!).
I work in Culture and am passionate about literature, feminism, and theatre. I am also a writer so would love to find someone to exchange writing prompts with!
Right to me if you want to get going :)
Hi Clémence! I also love literature, feminism, and theatre and would love to exchange writing prompts! My friends and I started doing video writing sessions at the start of quarantine where we'd give each other prompts. Doing it through letters sounds so fun! My email is decol@umich.edu
I would love to exchange writing prompts! I used to do this with blogging, but always wanted to try it the old-fashioned way! darknessdisgrace@gmail.com