Letter Writer of the Month - Marissa

by Jennifer Bishop February 16, 2026

The London Letters Pen Pal Club began its life in 2019 with the hope of bringing together letter writing enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate the joy of receiving letters and the power of the written word.

Over the years we've grown slowly but surely in numbers each week, and we're so proud to now be a 1700+ community of snail mailers! We have members from different countries, ages, religions, sexualities, political views, careers, disabilities, and genders - and whilst our differences vary dramatically, we are all united by a love of letters.

'Letter Writer of the Month' is a monthly journal entry where we invite one member from the club to give us an insight into their journey with letters. Some have always been letter writers from a young age, others only began when they signed up to the club. Our members all have a unique story to tell, and we hope you'll love getting to hear it.

Our Letter Writer of the Month for February is Member No.1201 - Marissa.

London Letters - Letter Writer of the Month - Marissa

"Recently a friend overseas went through something very hard. Her birthday was a little while after that so as I always do I sent her a birthday card and she reached out and said how much it meant to her. She doesn't have a big community yet where she lives and I know the small piece of connection in the mail gave her comfort. Knowing words matter like that means so much."

Name: Marissa
Age: 33
Job Title: Writer
Location: California, USA
Member since: October 2025

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became interested in letter writing?

My name is Marissa and for as long as I can remember I have been a fan of the handwritten note. For friends' birthdays, special events, or random occasions I love to write cards to them. I am a writer and hand write all of my ideas and outlines before typing up a script. It is incredibly inconvenient, but what can I say, I love the feeling of colorful pen to paper. I feel like handwriting letters is a beautiful way to connect to people, and meeting new people this way is lovely!

What is it about letters that you think makes them special?

I feel like writing letters gives time for reflection. We live in such a fast-paced world and taking time to write letters, reflect on ourselves and how we feel is so special.

What type of things do you write in letters compared to digital communications?

Some miscellaneous things I like to include in letters are stickers, sealing with washi tape, and having a fun stamp. I think adding some fun whimsy makes a letter unique to both the writer and the recipient. But I feel like a letter lets me truly say what I feel, more so than in a digital format.

Do you have a favourite letter, either famous or one you have received personally?

I don't have a favorite letter, but I keep all of the cards I receive from friends. I love both the content of the card and seeing the actual card the person has chosen, it feels like a reflection on our relationship.

Do you feel any positive benefits to your mental health when you write?

Absolutely! I get a hit of serotonin writing letters. Even while answering these questions I remembered I get to write a friend's birthday card this weekend and I'm excited to share it with her. Recently a friend overseas went through something very hard. Her birthday was a little while after that so as I always do I sent her a birthday card and she reached out and said how much it meant to her. She doesn't have a big community yet where she lives and I know the small piece of connection in the mail gave her comfort. Knowing words matter like that means so much.

Describe your letter writing set up. Do you have a favourite pen or paper? Where are you when you're writing?

Oh boy, well I have a small collection of cards (my usual format), I could probably open a store by my collection alone. I always collect cards when I see one that I like or fits someone perfectly. I also have a stationery obsession, including an entire box of journals and many many many pens I love. My favorite pens are Le Pens, but I also love a Pilot G7 0.7. But I am also a girl of the late 90s/early 00s and really love a gel pen. I mainly write my cards while sitting on my green velvet couch, a candle lit, listening to my playlist called "Poppy Fun Times."

What made you sign up to our pen pal club and take a leap of faith by writing to a stranger?

I really love connecting with people and am curious about the world around me. It all probably stems from my love of "The Holiday" and dreaming of an Iris/Amanda swap situation.

Do you believe letters still have a place in modern society?

I very much do and feel an immediate connection to people who feel the same!

What role do you think letters will play in the future?

In this world of AI (which I am opposed to), there is less and less individuality happening. But I do think there will be a swing soon, because people will yearn for that specific human connection AI can never give us. So my hope is that the analog nature of letters plays into that.

What would you say to someone to encourage them to give letter writing a try?

Take a moment in your day to pick someone in your life and write to them. It doesn't have to be profound, it can just ask them a question, or even telling them you were thinking about them. You'd be surprised how meaningful it can be to feel thought of.

A huge thank you to our Marissa for her time, and we hope you enjoyed getting to know her! Why not take that leap of faith and join our pen pal club too? We're always open to new members, and you can learn more about the club here.

Letter Writer of the Month - Marissa

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