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International Correspondence Writing Month, commonly referred to as InCoWriMo, is a challenge to write 28 letters in 28 days (or 29 on a leap year). That’s one letter, postcard, greeting card, or note every day for the month of February!

It’s not a simple task but it is a very rewarding one, and to help motivate you and keep you from getting overwhelmed, we’ve put together a two part mini series.

In this first post, I introduce you to InCoWriMo and share some tips for a successful month of letter writing as well as a list of people to whom you can write! In part two, we will cover letter writing itself as well as a list of prompts to help get you going.

Check out part two in this series here: InCoWriMo: Writing Tips and Prompts.

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Stationery by Sonia Cavallini

Air Mail Stickers by Azmari

So, How Did InCoWriMo Begin?

Based on my research, InCoWriMo is the brainchild of Fountain Pen Geeks, an online forum for pen enthusiasts, who officially launched the InCoWriMo blog back in 2014.

Since then, thousands of people from all over the world have been participating each year. You can check out their participant map and add yourself to it as well!

When asked why they chose February of all months, the InCoWriMo blog said “it’s the shortest month of the year. We’re committed, not crazy”.

As a Canadian, I also think it’s the perfect time of year for an indoor activities like letter writing because it’s absolutely freezing outside. Win, win!

Take The InCoWriMo Pledge

The first step once you have decided to take on the challenge is to recite the official InCoWriMo pledge, which is basically a promise to yourself that you will stick with it.

I, [insert your name], clearly see the benefits of InCoWriMo participation, not only to me personally, but also to those who will receive my correspondence. InCoWriMo is a beneficial endeavor and worthy of my full attention. I hereby pledge to hand-write and mail/deliver one letter, card, note or postcard every day during the month of February.

I encourage you to write 28 letters by hand if you can but of course everyone’s circumstances are different. InCoWriMo should be a challenge, not a chore, and accessible to everyone.

The ultimate objective, at least in my opinion, is to write and connect.

If 28 letters is truly too much, why not send all postcards, write every other day (14 total), or twice a week (8 total). If you need to type and print out your letters or fill your friends’ digital mailboxes instead, that works too. E-mail is better than no-mail, in my opinion!

Whatever challenge you set though commit yourself to making it work.

And who knows, you may also receive some letters in reply!

Prep For Success

Writing 28 letters in 28 days is not an easy challenge, in fact it can be very difficult to make time every day to write and many people either skip days or give up altogether. A little preparation can help a lot toward success!

Make a list of 28 people.

Making a plan of action will help to keep you on track. In this case, you are making a mailing list of all the people you will be corresponding with throughout the month.

Double check you have current and correct addresses for each person.

It’s also totally cool if you write to the same person more than once. Heck, you can write to the same person all month if that’s what you want!

Not sure who to write to? Here are some ideas:

Penpals, of course! February 14th is Valentine’s Day, spread the love with some happy mail. Grandparents love hearing from us, let them know what you have been up to. Any thank you letters you should be sending? Better late than never! Here are some tips to help you say thanks. Children absolutely love getting mail and who can blame them? Leave notes in your children’s lunch bags, send off a few postcards to your grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or other kids in your life. February 4th is Mail Carrier Appreciation Day. Show your appreciation with a little letter of thanks. Leave a hidden note in your favourite book at the library or book store. Surprise a family member or housemate with a hand delivered card. Someone you admire. Maybe an author, vlogger, bloggers, teacher, activists, community member? Let them know how they have impacted you. Look for a mailing address online or email them to ask. Postcrossing cards count! Any family or friends celebrating a birthday in February? There is actually a list you can use to find strangers who have submitted their names and addresses because they would love to hear from you! Check it out here:

InCoWriMo 2020 Address Book

Tip: There are a lot of names on these lists. Well over a thousand. Try searching for someone with your same name in the browser’s ‘Find’ function and sending that person a letter, after all, you already have something in common! Or perhaps try searching for a country you have always wanted to visit.

Octopost Stamp by Letter Writer’s Alliance

Send More Love Postcards by Rifle Paper Co.

Letterings Addressing Templates

Stationery by Sonia Cavallini

Gather Your Supplies

Picking out stationery that you love and will be excited to use each day of your challenge will help keep you on track!

I recommend putting together a little letter box of your supplies so that everything you will need for the month is on hand:

Postage Stamps. Buying your stamps now helps avoid any unnecessary delays in sending your letters! (The post office clerk will also be able to help if you’re unsure of what the postage rate will be for your letters)

Envelopes. If you are into mail art, start making envelopes now. Again, this will help you avoid any unnecessary delays if they are already decorated and ready to go!

Letter Paper, Cards, and Postcards. Pick out some stationery that makes you want to write and grab a few fun folded cards or postcards that remind you of your friends. Here is a list 10 places to find postcards if you’re not sure where to look.

Pens. I like to go with my trusty fountain pen (the creators of InCoWriMo would be pleased) but really, whatever pen you use, it just needs to be comfortable. You’re going to be using it a lot!

Your InCoWriMo Mailing List.Don’t want to lose that! Again, make sure you have everyone’s up to date address.

Optional (for you to use or to send): tea bags, stickers, labels, rubber stamps and an ink pad, twine, and washi tape.

Check out our list of little things you can send you penpal for more ideas.

Make It Happen

Some days will be much harder to write than others, it is a challenge after all.

Think ahead and work it into your daily schedule. When time is tight, try to squeeze in some writing on your lunch break, on the subway or train, or at the kitchen table while dinner cooks.

And remember, your letters do not have to be long, some of the best letters I have ever read were only a few well written sentences!

Make sure you have a nice inviting and clear place to sit. If you are anything like me, your desk is often in chaos and that is not conducive to letter writing. Sometimes it’s nice to get a change of scenery too so try the library, or, a personal favourite of mine, a café.

It’s not always going to be convenient but it is worth it.

For some extra fun, check out this awesome #LetterMo BINGO game you can play throughout the month!

Not sure what to write? Head over to our next post in the InCoWriMo mini series, letter writing tips and prompts.

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Best, Taylor