Pen Pal Letter Length -

Just what is the perfect definition of letter writing, in terms of letter size, to you?

Wyn, FL - I think letters should be at least 3 or 4 pages. I can write up to 10 pages sometimes. I have some pals that write on short pieces of stationary and write maybe 1 1/2 pages of that. To me that is a waste of a stamp.

Elinor, WA - In my opinion the right side of a letter depends on who you are writing to and why. If I am writing a reply to a card or letter, I try to reciprocate in kind. If I am writing a round robin letter, I try to make it newsy and concise. I have one robin here that has a 50-page letter. That robin will be the last one I answer. During the Holiday season and after special occasions like my birthday when I receive multiple letters and cards, I try to acknowledge each with at least a postcard, or print copies of a computer letter to send to several people or groups, with personal notes added. One kind of letter that deserves special attention is "fan mail" like letters responding to articles I write I try to send a card or a letter especially to answer any question readers may ask.

Bonnie, OR - I'm a heavy volume letter writer for penpals. I go through about a book of stamps per month just on letters here in the states. The right size for a letter mailed in the states is 3 to 4 pages. Typed or handwritten it doesn't matter but one page says absolutely nothing about a person in a letter. Many of my penpals write a lot about nothing and say very little but still manage to make it a couple of pages! I prefer longer letters. I would say one page is a short letter. Notecards and postcards are a waste of postage. My definition of a letter: A letter has a beginning, a middle and an end. You are trying to convey a part of your life in a short story form. The letter should tell the reader something interesting so they will want to write back.

Evelyn, MI - I usually write a three page letter typed on the printer that are full pages and that is a long letter to me. I do not like to receive real long letters that are like someone wrote a book. I get bored before I finish. I like to receive two page letters handwritten. Also sometimes notes and postcards if someone cannot find time to sit down and write a long letter. It is just good to hear from them. What I do like is a letter written legibly so that I can read it easily. That is most important to me. I like to receive mail. I enjoy pen pals and I do think that it is not really how long the letter is but the content of it. Some short letters are very interesting. It is not important to me whether they are written on a computer or handwritten. It used to be that I received all handwritten letters before the computer but that really is not important to me. It is hearing from the person.

Marge, KS - Letters, like people, come in all sizes and shapes. The best size for a letter is what feels right to you and to the person who receives it. The best letters keep the reader in mind and come full of news and information. I can write a message on a postcard when I have to. I can write a bit more on a note card if I must. But I prefer letters that are 4-6 typed pages in length. Some people would say that is a long letter. When called upon for certain round robins, I can rise to the challenge and build up to 50 pages. The perfect size for a letter is one that fits into your mailbox on a day when you want to hear from someone you care about.

Phyllis, Texas -I enjoy long letters, which I would say are two or three (or more if the person is someone I really enjoy reading), notebook or typing page size. I don't like one or two note pad pages with big writing to try to fill up space. I'm interested in people who talk about what they did, where they went, what happened over the week end, etc. If they ask me questions, all the better...sometimes it is really hard to answer a letter when the person has no apparent interest in how you think or what you did....

Colleen, Australia -A LETTER Should be no shorter then half a page and as long as you like. I enjoy at least a page but as long as it is more then half a page. i am happy to hear from my friends.

Wanda, NC -I enjoy a well written letter anywhere from 6-plus pages or if it is typed a 4 page letter can be considered a long letter to me. I really enjoy my pals that write 10-12 page letters. I like conversational letters that allows us to get to know each other and become fast friends and not just pals.

So, what do YOU think? I'd love to post your two cents here.. please write me below!

Thanks! Wendy