Emails are being sent out!

Dear Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Members,
I am sorry for the delay in getting out the emails.  Everyone is happily matched and the emails are going out.  I should be finished by this evening, so please check your emails and make contact with your new Winter 2019 Pen Friend!

Yours,
Lady Pamela

A Few Changes for the Winter 2019 Pen Friend Exchange

 Thank You For Your Patience!

Hello fellow Austenites!  Are you ready to chase the winter blues away with a new Pen Friend?  One who "gets you"?  And one who,...randomly quotes Jane Austen...who routinely has Jane Austen movie marathons...who has that wistful look on her face when finishing the book Pride and Prejudice for the umpteenth time?  Well then, lets do this! Thank you for your patience as I have been "getting my life in order" over the last year.

I must ask a huge favor of you.  If you have sent me an email  since the last pen friend exchange--last January-- I really need you to resubmit a NEW Pen Friend Application.  I have recently updated the form to include a place for  prior JALWS members to list previous pen friends.  This will help me tremendously  in updating my records and so you will not be matched with a previous member.  If you have sent me an email over the last year, I will do  my best to reply to you and direct you to the new form.

Applications accepted:  Now (12/28) through  (1/11/2019)

Pen Friend match ups should be completed approximately :  01/19/19  Emails will start going out to participants by that date.

Basic Requirements:  

1. Basic command of the English language.

2. You must have read at least one of Jane Austen's novels.  This is a Literary Society and a Letter Writing Society.

3. You must be at least 18 years of age.  

• Important:  if you have been a member of the Society in the past, you must still sign up each exchange you want to be a participant.  

Directions:  1. Fill out  the application form (at the top of the page, menu bar) by cutting and pasting it into an email, 2.Send the completed email form to :  JALWSociety@gmail.com  The deadline for applications are:  Friday, 01/11/19.

I will be checking my email box: JALWsociety@gmail.com  and begin processing your applications.    You might not get a response from me immediately, but you will be notified of your pen friend  by email after the deadline, sometime around Friday, 01/19/19.  It usually takes me about 4-5  days to get it all worked out.  :-)

I would ask that you only join the pen friend exchange if you truly will follow through on your commitment .  This means that you will write your pen friend, and usually this involves several letters over the course of  2-3 months.  Try to aim for at least one letter every 4 weeks.

One final note.  I want you to know that the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society's mission is to promote thoughtful, meaningful communication through the handwritten letter .  Although I enjoy and admire the elegant aspect of letter writing,it is never my intention to discourage people who do not have access to stationery or other writing implements.  The emphasis should always be on the content of the letter.  So, if you possess the ability to write a good letter, you are more than welcome!  And if you feel like you are a bit rusty with your letter writing skills, by all means consider joining the society to help improve your skills!

Any questions?  Please leave your comments below or email me directly at JALWSociety@gmail.com.

I look forward to a new Pen Friend Exchange!

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Kit

Outgoing Austen Mail!

I've Been Busy....

Here is some of my recent Outgoing Austen Mail.  I am very behind on my letter writing, but I am slowly getting caught up.  Once I get started, I can hardly stop, it is so much fun!  I love every aspect of it, from the reading of YOUR letter , from  selecting/or making my stationery, penning a response, to making a lovely envelope...I love it all.

I even decided, during our snow storm, to burn the midnight oil.  It was so cozy sitting at my desk while snow was falling softly outside.  I love this desk, it is one of 5 that we have in our home.  But this is my favorite one.  Writing by candlelight is one of the most relaxing activities one can do.  Give it a try.

Here is a long overdue letter to Lady Anna.  She has been so patient and is such  a lovely correspondent.
It is going across  the pond to the great UK!

Tied with twine, sealed with wax.    I put these letters into clear cello bags.

This letter has a page from Pride and Prejudice...Nina, see if you can figure WHY I chose this particular scene out of P&P for you!  (Think of it as a bit of a riddle, but it is based on something you revealed to me in your last letter...about a Mr. Darcy!)

Lady Anna, Lady Alaina, Lady Nina, and Lady Virginia....these are on their way to your mail boxes.

If you have written me, I will be working on a response to you as well.

Write Letter ,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Making Mail Monday

Let's make some MAIL!

Here is a new envelope that I just made using some pages from Pride and Prejudice and my rubber stamps.  Oh this is a good page...dialogue with Elizabeth and devious Wickham...be careful Elizabeth....don't fall for it!!!   Seriously, in my home we often categorize  people according to literary figures.  Have you ever done that? Dickens is GREAT for this as well as Jane Austen.  I think they both had keen insights into human nature.  So we have had our encounters with "Wickhams" trying to get to our daughters-- (I have 6 beautiful daughters, that we , my husband and I , protect fiercely!).  We have met good natured, generous , "Mr. Bingly's",  and it goes on.

Here is a little project that I did to add to my letters as little "tuck-ins".    Tea and Jane Austen...what could be better?

Here are  a few orders that went out recently with Jane Austen Kits!  You can purchase yours at my Etsy Store.  All my letter writing kits are ON SALE right now... perfect for holiday giving!

Here are some Jane Austen necessities that I have in my Etsy Store !   Top left:  The Complete Jane Austen Letter Writing Kit, which includes a wax seal, and a stick of wax! Top Right:  Variety of Jane Austen Stickers.  Bottom Left:  My very popular Jane Austen Mini Kit! and Bottom Right:  a pack of 4 Jane Austen "mail tag cards".  

The Jane Austen Letter Writing Society....a place for kindred spirits!

Have A GREAT DAY,

Write Letters,

Write often!

Lady Pamela

Jane Austen Mail!

Lovely Letters...to Lovely People!

Here is a a batch of letter that just went out today to members of the JALWsociety.  I hope they will overlook my up hilly-down-hilly writing with my dipping pen.  I know.  I need to get  some lined paper to put under my paper.... And I did have a few cross through(s), and  a ink blot or two...but I had such a wonderful time putting the mail together.  I will do a post on some of the contents of these letters...little peeks .  But for now, I hope you enjoy seeing my envelopes all gussied up and mailed out.

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Fall Pen Friend Exchange, Signups!

Is it possible to get a pen pal  that I like?

In one short word, Yes!

It is time for the FALL  Pen Friend Exchange!  This is where I personally select a pen friend for you based on your completed application.  The application (see the menu bar at the top of this page to access the form) allows me to  match you  according to your preferences.  This is not a perfect system, but I do try my best.

Directions:  1. Fill out  the "application form" (at the top of the page, menu bar) --don't forget to take the "Which Jane Austen Heroine  Are You?" Quiz which is located in the side bar of this blog. This will help you fill out the application form, question #9.  2.Then by copy the completed application and paste it into an email. Send the completed application form to me at :  JALWSociety@gmail.com  The deadline for applications is:  September 4th, 2016.  

I will be monitoring my email box :  JALWsociety@gmail.com  and begin processing the applications.    You might not get a response from me immediately, but I hope to start working on them this week.    You will be notified of your pen friend after the September 4th deadline.  It usually takes me close to a week to get it all worked out.  :-).  I do this the old fashioned way...some day I'll have to do a blog post on this process, as I really amaze myself that it all works out so well.  Try to be as specific about yourself as possible in the application...this allows me to better match you, but also remember that we all must be flexible too.  Many of you want international pen friends, but sometimes I run short of those applicants.  If I run into a real problem, I will usually notify you per email.

IMPORTANT!!!!

I would ask that you only join the pen friend exchange if you will follow through on your commitment .  This means that you will write your pen friend, and usually this involves several letters over the course of 3 months.  It is very disappointing to those fulfilling their commitments  when their partner does not respond in kind.  

One final note.  I want you to know that the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society's mission is to promote thoughtful, meaningful communication through the handwritten letter .  Although I promote the elegant aspect of letter writing (I love vintage items connected to letter writing) , it is to by no means eliminate people who do not have access to stationery or other writing implements.  The emphasis should always be on the content of the letter.  So, if you possess the ability to write a good letter, you are more than welcome!  If you feel like you are a bit rusty with your letter writing skills,  still consider  joining the society, to help improve your skills!

Any questions?  Please leave your comments below or email me directly at JALWSociety@gmail.com.

Visit my Etsy Store for  my Jane Austen themed letter Writing kits, and other Jane Austen themed snail mail supplies!

I look forward to a new Pen Friend Exchange!

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

March Musings of a Jane Austen Fan...

March Musings

The month of March was a strange one for central VA.  We had this little bit of snow, which I snapped from my front parlor window, then we had temperatures as high as 85 degrees!  The snow made me long to sit at my desk and pen some letters and try to create some lovely mail.

This lovely card came from Lady Carolyn who is a member of our Letter Writing Society and has been making all sorts of beautiful mail!  I received this lovely "thank you " card from her.  

She used some of the supplies  from my Jane Austen Letter Writing Kit.  (Smile)  I have several items for sale in my Etsy store which will help you send beautiful Austen themed mail!  

Here I have assembled some items that just beg me to create something beautiful to mail out.  If you have sent or received any lovely letters and you want to share them here, please take a picture of the letter and  forward it to me at :  JALWSociety@gmail.com and I will gladly post it!

We are now in April and  surprisingly we have SNOW again  in our forecast!  Good.  It will draw me back to my desk!

Write letters,

Write often!

Lady Pamela

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society First GIVE AWAY!!!!

It's Time For A Give AWAY!

Hello dear lovers of all things Jane Austen!  It has been quite a while since this blog has been up and running...and yet without a give away.  So let me amend this problem, post haste!

Of course , I consulted with Jane herself.  She approved of my selection.

I'm sure if you are a pursuer of Etsy  for Jane Austen  accessories , you have encountered "The Scottish Rebel "  Miss Esther does astonishing work with literary themes.  Of course I have favorited all of her Jane Austen necklaces.  They are gorgeous. I have selected one of her necklaces , "Jane Fan" to offer as my first give away.  

I had no idea of the amazing quality until I received the necklace.  The chain is thick and sturdy.  The charms are beautiful...this one features an open book with a crystal.  The actual square picture has a raised glass edge, to give it a dimensional feel.  I just know that you will love this!  How can you win this gorgeous necklace?  It is simple:  1.) follow me, and  2.)leave a comment of why you enjoy Jane Austen.

This give away will end Next Friday:  April 1st...this is NO joke!  Have FUN everyone!

Regards,

Lady Pamela

Incoming Snail mail...Jane Austen Style!

Look at this elegant card!

Carolyn has been a member of the Jane Austen Letter Writing Society, and purchased two of my letter writing kits from my Etsy Store: LostArtRevived .  Isn't is gorgeous?  I love the simplicity of the card--so delicate.  Thank you for sharing your creativity with me Carolyn!  

 Currently all my letter writing kits are on sale through my Etsy Store: LostArtRevived!

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Kit

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society Mini Kit

Write Letters,

Write Often!

Lady Pamela

Snow Day Letter Writing, Jane Austen Style

Getting Caught Up

I was snowed in at the middle of the month of January. I had time on my hands for 5 days being snowed in which gave me time to get out supplies and get to work on some letter writing.

Oh England!  Home of ...yes...tea pot, and tea cup sticky notes.  Love, love, love.

I am sure I will be using these in some of my future letters.  So cute.

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Incoming January Jane Austen Mail...

Lady Alyssa

I want to share with you this lovely letter from Lady Alyssa.  

She wrote on nice thick paper, I just loved the texture of it.  The paper had a cotton fiber feel.   And doesn't she have a lovely script?  She used a dipping pen and ink.  Beautiful.  She included some very pretty stamped and cut little card tuck ins to include in my future winter mail.

Clever idea!  She used one of these cards as a seal on the back of her envelope! I enjoyed her letter very much and had an equal amount of pleasure responding to her very thoughtful letter.

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

How To Craft A Jane Austen Styled Letter

Creating Mail

Lady Alyssa sent me a most charming letter , but my delay in responding was  inexcusable.  The Holidays really did take its toll on me, and my letter writing and "creating mail" had to take a back seat temporarily.  The term "creating mail" is referring to the creative process of the crafting of a letter...taking the time to put thought and consideration into who I am writing to  and what I want to create for them.  The actual letter also takes a bit of time as I  must select my paper, pen, ink, nib.etc. I also always try to have the person's letter whom I am writing to, in front of me, so that I may refer to any questions they had for me, and for me to make comments on the contents of their letter.  Some times my entire letter is commenting on what they had written!  But usually it is about half and half. Comments on their letters, and what is going on in my little world.

This letter is dressed and ready for a wax seal to finish it off.

I enjoy this seal enormously.  It is the pigeon delivering a letter.  So quaint and charming!

Because of the doily on the outside of this letter, I have placed this envelope inside of a cello bag to protect it, as it journeys through the sorting machines of the USPS.  I put another stamp on the outside of the Cello Bag.  And now it has plunged into the mysterious seas of its postal pilgrimage as it winds its way to  Lady Alyssa.

What about you?  Have you crafted any lovely letters lately?  I welcome any letters that you would like to write, and promise to return the favor.  If you do send me a letter,  it may featured on this blog,  so that others may be inspired.

Write Letters,

Write Often!  

Lady Pamela

Christmas Tea with Jane Austen

Merry Christmas!

I enjoyed some tea time with Jane Austen this week.  I haven't read the commemorative book on Pride and Prejudice yet, but  had fun flipping through it and reading bits and pieces while sipping on Chocolate spicy chai tea!

This month has been busy with two  lovely tea parties.  I was able to take my Jane Austen tea sandwiches to  both occasions and was pleased with the results each time.  The cookie cutter can be purchased at Austentation.com  

For those of you involved in the Nov./ Dec. Pen Friend exchange, I hope you have had at least one letter exchange and hopefully a second one in the mail soon.    I need to get my second letters in the mail this week.

Have a blessed and happy day,

Write Letters,

Write Often.

Lady Pamela

Tea With Jane, Books, and Letters!

The Making Of Pride And Prejudice...

We have had several days here in Central Virginia of heavy rains and very cool temperatures.  Today called for a hearty mug, not a delicate tea cup to take my tea . A cup of robust Chai and a nibble on one of these dense muffins of every sort of grain, or seed imaginable, and I am set! 

 I have been re-reading The Making of Pride And Prejudice, I think this is my third read  through.     The book is, of course, photo rich, and full of so many details  of the actual film making.   Just the fact that  the film project was on the back burner for oh, lets say, 11 years before production began is hard to imagine.  The book also chronicles all of the deadlines,  searches for the perfect houses,  procuring the period musicians (on period instruments), etc. etc  All of the dance scenes (Meryton assembly, and the Netherfield ball where musicians are shown , they  showed up and just played the music, absolutely NO practice beforehand.  The only exception to this was the fortepiano key board player.  He got a running start, receiving the score 2 days prior to filming!  It is such a delightful read, I highly recommend the book.

Do I have everyone settled for the  Nov. / Dec. Pen Friend Exchange?  Please let me know if you have not made contact with your pen friend.  I plan to get my letter out  by tomorrow.   Please feel free to leave comments below about how you plan to approach this round of letters.  Do you have any special topics of discussion?  Do you have any creative ideas to share?  Anyone doing the ghost writing challenge?   I am going to begin with an introduction letter, and go from there.  I have a special idea for December that I will be sharing later this month.  

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

Last Call for Pen Friend Sign Ups!

Tomorrow  is the last day to sign up...

"Which of all my important nothings shall I tell you first?"

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is the last day to sign up for the November/December Pen Friend Exchange.  All the details can be found here .

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at:  JALWSociety@gmail.com

Write Letters,

Write Often,

Lady Pamela

November/December Pen Friend Exchange Sign Ups Commence!

Now Receiving Pen Friend Applications for the 

Jane Austen Letter Writing Society

How To Secure A Pen Friend: 

It is time to sign up for the next Jane Austen a Letter Writing Society Pen Friend exchange beginning November 1- December 31 2015.  The process is simple.  Click  on the tab at the top of this page that says"Pen Friend Application".  Cut and paste the form into  the body of an email and answer the questions.  Then mail the completed form to me, Lady Pamela,  at JALWSociety@gmail.com .  November 1st I will send you your Pen Friend  match.  At that point you need to make email contact with your partner and then send a Jane Austen styled letter to your partner within 5 days of receiving your Pen Friend match.  This round will last a full two months, so you should be able to get at least two  letters to your partner (if international) and more for domestic match ups.  Sign up deadline for the Nov./Dec. exchange is October 30th.


Try some of these basic letter writing ideas for your Jane Austen letter:

• Write your letter on paper that looks period, perhaps some parchment if you have any.
• Try using a dipping pen, if you are adventurous, give a try at using a quill pen.
• Perhaps spend some of your letter discussing how you became interested in the Jane Austen novels, and discuss your favorite novel and why it is your favorite.
• Did you know that you can use the Jane Austen Thesaurus to make sure that the words you use are words that Jane herself used. I have a button on the right column of this site that will take you to  the Jane Austen Thesaurus. (Personally, I have used the thesaurus for small projects, but haven't used it yet for letter writing.)  Ha, this could be a challenge all in its own!
• Relax and have fun, these ideas are NOT mandatory, they are just suggestions for those who are new to letter writing and  the Society.

Janeite Letter Writing Challenge:  (Optional)

Jane Austen Challenge for November/December  was suggested by a participant from the last round.  I am sorry that I have lost  the email that revealed who brought this challenge to my attention.  (Please email me to let me know so that I can give you the proper credit for this challenge.)
The Challenge is to be a "ghost writer" of sorts.  You select a character (major or minor) from any of Jane Austen's novels and assume that character as you write the letter.  You may add to that character, giving more depth to the character by way of carrying his or her story into more detail.

If you are wanting to do this "ghost writing", please let your partner know when you email them.  I think that would be a proper thing to do.  You could also make the character writing just a part of your letter, or the whole  letter.  That would be up to you.  Sounds wonderfully  creative, and interesting.

Thank you , dear readers, for your input and suggestions.  As always, I am here to help you navigate this Society.  If you run into any problems, please let me know as quickly as possible.

Affectionately yours,

Lady Pamela

Why Yes, Long Bow Archery Can Be A Letter Writing Trait

  Who Are They?

For the history and discussion of this most interesting letter pictured, see:  1885 Letter

A Few Interesting Facts

After a rather long and exacting  night of matching requests to connect participants in the first Jane Austen Letter Writing Society's Pen Friend Exchange and a few errors made on my part (many apologies for the name typos from cutting and pasting wrong information into emails), the deed is done.  

After the match up, I decided to compile some data that would give a little glimpse at  who was participating.  Not surprisingly, we are a diverse lot!  

Numbers,numbers,numbers!

In total we had 24 participants sign up for the first Pen Friend Exchange.  That is a lovely number to begin with.  Thank you one and all for the interest and the excitement generated.

Where in the world?

17  USA

3    Spain

1    Mexico

1    Canada

1   Australia

1   Netherlands

Lizzy, Jane, Emma?

The question of what Jane Austen character do you most relate to was asked of  each Pen Friend applicant.  Here are the results.

Elizabeth Bennet  7

Emma Woodhouse  5

Anne Elliot  3

Jane Bennet  2

Elinor Dashwood  2

James Morland  1

Fanny/Emma   1

Emma/Elinor  1

Undecided  2

Diversity Has It!

Each participant was asked to list a few hobbies or interests.  I was completely amazed with the diverse talents and interests.  What a fabulous group of Pen Friends!

Letter Writing                                                     
Martial Arts

Knitting                                                               
Knitting Lace

Crochet                                                               
Travel

Reading                                                            
Swimming

Bird watching                                                
Calligraphy                                                  

Gardening                                                        
 Painting

Sewing                                                              
Blogging

Music                                                                
Singing

Photography                                                      
Acting

Crafting                                                            
Concerts

Bicycling                                                          
Badminton

Nature Walks                                                  
Making Postcards

Long Bow Archery                                          
Journaling

Playing Ukulele                                                
Tea Drinking

Playing Piano                                                    
Hiking

Ballroom Dancing                                            
Opera

Antiques                                                          
 Ballet

Japanese Culture                                              
Fountain Pens

Paper                                                                
Ink

Playing the Fiddle

Just a note to all who are participating.  There are really no rules, this exchange exists to promote thoughtful, meaningful communication.  Write letters and send letters to your Pen Friend partner, it's really that simple. 

I am taking Pen Friend Applications for a WAITING LIST.  Please email me at: JALWSociety@gmail.com if interested.

The next Pen Friend Sign up will be begin on October 15th for the November/December Exchange.

Write Letters

Write Often

Lady Pamela

"A person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill."

~~Jane Austen