I am a huge fan of everything old school, when it comes to stationery.
I love diaries and note books and beautiful thick cream note-paper. I love handwritten letters, and good pens. A good pen can make such a difference in your script and in the enjoyment you take when writing, I find.
Perhaps it’s a little weird, but I get such immense pleasure from the first page of a new notebook – so much so that I always make sure to use my favourite pen and use my best handwriting so as not to “spoil” that first beautiful page.
It seems I am not alone. Yesterday on twitter, a whole group of us discussed our love of good old fashioned pen and paper. It may be unusual to write letters, rather than send emails, or to use a Filofax rather than your google calendar, but thank goodness it’s not dying out completely. In fact, two hugely respected writers, Dorothy Koomson and Jill Mansell both hand write their novels – a fact that both surprised and impressed me in equal measures.
@DorothyKoomson @Love_London I do! With a fountain pen! I'm an actual dinosaur…
— Jill Mansell ✍🏼 (@JillMansell) May 16, 2013
So. Today I have a competition that will hopefully appeal to those of you who, like me, enjoy taking the time to write letters, and notes, and would very much like to do so with a beautiful pen that can be truly treasured.
This Little Lady has teamed up with Cross Pens to offer our readers the chance to win one of their gorgeous new Cross Classic Century designs in Medalist (as seen below). This beautiful fountain pen is slender and delicate and writes like an absolute dream. I know, because it’s my pen of choice. It’s beautiful and I love it!
I have always believed that owning a “special” pen is a little bit luxurious. Much better than writing with a chewed up biro, or stubby pencil, don’t you think?
To win this beautiful writing instrument, simply comment in the box below, letting us know who you’d like to hand write a letter to, and why. It could be someone in your family, or a friend, someone famous or someone you admire. They can be living, or dead. It’s up to you!
There are also some additional ways to gain bonus entries. Once you’ve commented, complete one if the steps below (if you wish) for additional chances to win this fabulous prize.
This is one of my favourite prizes we’ve ever given away, as I can just imagine the winner sitting at their desk, writing something wonderful and doing so with added flair. That’s what I love about Cross fountain pens – they help you release your ideas and be creative every day!
More about The Cross Classic Century collection
With a heritage of 160 years, Cross writing instruments have become icons of the writing world and the embodiment of quality, innovation and style. The Classic Century collection is instantly recognisable by it’s slender profile and sophisticated design. The innovative design includes a twist off cap that can be secured attached at the base of the pen, as well as a slim-line barrel for optimum comfort and a smooth writing experience. As with all Cross writing instruments, the Cross Classic Century collection comes with a lifetime mechanical guarantee.
This competition will close at midnight on 23rd of May 2013 and the winners name will be posted here shortly afterwards.







I’d write a letter to my Nana, who has dementia, explaining everything about myself (between the ages of 18 to now). Reason? It’ll always be on paper when I’m not there and she can ask me questions when I am. 🙂
Beautiful answer Phee x
I’d love to start writing letters instead of emailing or phoning, and to have a beautiful writing pen would be fantastic!!
It looks very stylish.
I have allsorts of pens lying around the house not no nice ones tho just ball point pens my kids use ..I would love to win to own my very own beautiful pen to do letters and entry forms to school disco’s swimming lessons ect x
I would love to hand write a letter to Elvis, as I would like to discuss the possibility of a joint birthday party!
I’d write to my mother. I’m the first in our family to go to medical school and it unfortunately happens to be on the other side of the country. My mom certainly worries about me all the time, especially since I’m the 2nd youngest of 6 children. She worries when I walk home from the library at midnight, when I still haven’t eaten lunch well into the late afternoon, and that my loans aren’t going to cover expenses for the month. I try to call once in a while to reassure her, but too often I do not have that opportunity. I’d write to her letting her know everything is fine and that she doesn’t have to worry so much. And if she does start to worry, tries to call and I can’t answer because I’m in a lecture, or studying, or at the hospital, I want her to be able to pick up one of my letters, remember that everything is fine, and feel at ease.
I would write a letter to my Father who died when I was a child! Would love to have known him better…
My mum to explain that I love her even though we always fight.
I would write letters for my children (6&3) about us as we are now, to put away for when the’re older, so they will know some the things they can’t rememeber.
i would write a letter to terry pratchett to thank him for all the times his books have actually made me snort with laughter 🙂
My children to tell them how much they mean to me. I tell them everyday but reading the written word is so much more powerful because it is a moment in time that has been captured forever.
This is a gorgeous pen. I don’t have any decent pens left at home as my son seems to break them, use them, or decide to take them to school! I would write a letter to my father in law who passed away when my husband was 6 years old and tell him about his beautiful grandson. x
To my mummy! To thank her for being so great!
As much as I would like it for myself I would love it for my cousin who is hopefully starting Uni later this year. She could write all her notes down with it 🙂 xoxo
Cross pens have been classics for years. This prize is a beautiful example of craftsmanship that invites the lucky owner to put ink to paper in an equally beautiful calligraphic style.
Sorry, this entry won’t count. You’re welcome to re-enter…but please answer the question in full!
Because its beautiful & I only have bic pens
We had to use a fountain pen and ink when I was at school. It brings back great memories. I love to take the time to write something by hand with a lovely pen.
Sorry Heather, this entry won’t count 🙁 You’re welcome to re-enter…but please answer the question in full!
Beautiful for lovely, long letters
Sorry Julia, this entry won’t count. You’re welcome to re-enter…but please answer the question in full!
I would like to win this for my husband – he still writes letters by hand and would just love this pen!
My father.
I moved a few years back. I make a point of writing my gran a letter at least once every two weeks. 1 because she appreciates it as she knows how much i use emails. 2 because when she misses me she rereads them to make her feel closer again
I would like to use this beautiful pen to write to all of the authors that have shaped my reading (and myself) over the years, letting them know just how important their books are to me.
because that is one stylish pen and I love writing poetry, a good pen helps your writing to look a lot better I think that would be one pen that I would love to own
I’d love to own this gorgeous pen
So writing would be pleasure.
From signing cheques to birthday cards
Each written word I’d treasure.
To win this classic pen by Cross,
I’d certainly not grouse.
As in my hand I’d know…
The pen is mightier than the mouse!
The written word means so much more than the typed word …
I would write to Monsier Bion a Frenchmen who was the creator of the oldest fountain pen dated 1702 and is in existance today. I would write to show what his pen amongst other later patents. had become and describe their functions. Above all I would thank him for a wonderful invention.I am sure that his writing was probably much more beautiful than mine.
The written word means so much more than the typed word … so I’d write to the one I love …
Being a lady of a certain age my first letter would be a Thank You to ‘This Little Lady’ for sending me such a beautiful pen …
I would love to win this pen as it’s beautiful and I would give it to my partner as I have been ill lately and he has taken care of me, plus I know he would like it as much as I do 🙂
I would love to win this pen so I could write beautiful letters to my family in Canada 🙂
to be quite honest I use a pen everyday but just an ordinary run of the mill pen nothing as nice as this ,would love to try it ,it may even improve my writing
As a teacher I am writing all the time. I would use this pen to write positive comments to my pupils.
I’d write a letter to The Queen with it!
i’d like to win & use the pen to write to joe dever to thank him for his awesome series of lone wolf books
I would like to write a letter to my younger self, to tell myself that life will get better eventually.
I would write to my children and let them know how much I love them
To my sister because I haven’t been in contact in ages.
My dad absolutely loves pens, and it’s his birthday coming it. I’d love to win so I could give him this and he could carry it around in his jacket 🙂
My best friend! We met at uni and would always write letters back then and I know she would love the treat of a handwritten letter!
I’d write to my sister who was killed in a RTC last year. I would let her know how her children are and how much we all miss her.
I’d write a letter to my Mum – she died suddenly aged 51 in 1988- I’d ask her how on earth did she manage to bring up 4 of us on little money. Did she feel that she lost out in life not having time or opportunity to have a partner.
I’d also tell her how much I regret driving past the turn off to go home and visit her earlier on the day she died.
my grandmother to let her know every piece of advice she gave me and I ignored, I should have listened to and now I give that same advice to my granddaughter and she ignores and so the cycle continues
I actually wrote letters to my children when they were born, unfortunately the eldest is now 18 and wants to read them, It seemed like such a good idea at the time – and of course I used a fountain pen
I would write a letter to my Mum because I know she hates Facebook messages! 🙂
I would write a letter to my dad. he passed away but I would let him know how much i adored and loved him.
I would handwrite a letter to my penfriend in Germany. She has become a real part of our family, even attending our family weddings. She loves to receive a handwritten letter, especially when my young son has tried to write her a message too.
I would like to write a letter to my grandchildren to read after I die
I’d write to mountaineer George Mallory, who whilst attempting to become one of the first men to reach the summit of Everest, died whilst on the journey. I’d like to know if he reached the summit and how it made him feel to stand on top of the world in 1924.
I would handwrite a letter to my daughter all about the rollercoaster journey we have been on as we have received good news and bad relating to her genetic condition, so that when she is older and thinking about having kids of her own she’ll have an insight into what she might expect in the early years.
That is a beautiful pen, would love it to pass to her in the future.
I have always written poetry as I find it to be therapeutic. I am now nineteen years old and I know that there is a long future ahead of me of writing and so a luxury, sturdy and beautiful pen is exactly what I am in need of! xx
I would love to win this for my mum she deserves a nice treat
because its elegant and feminine
I would write a letter to my niece, she died when she was only a month old when I was 13, and she never left the hospital. I would love to be able to tell her how 14 years later I still think about her every day, and everything I wish i’d had the chance to do with her, like singing her to sleep like I do the rest of my nieces and nephews.
i’d love to win in for my mum who is a teacher
Hubby and MIL love a fine writer so perfect pressie for either
I would love to handwrite a letter to my Daddy who is in Heaven. I would like to tell him, how proud I am to be his daughter and how wonderful of a father he was to me….How much I miss him and wish I could have just a few minutes with him again…
I would write to my 2 sons letting them know how much I love them and apologise for things that have happened in our lives I feel guilty about. I would also tell them about all the special memories I have and how proud I am of them.
This pen would inspire me to re-discover the art of letter writing. I think we fail to remember it wasn’t too long ago it was a major part of our communication. Plus it would make m feel all ladylike and sophisticated!
I would pen a new poem to my wife letting her know just how much I still love and value her.
Tom GOURDIE MY EX-ART TEACHER NOT ONLY A GREAT CALLIGRAPHER BUT AN ENTHUSIAST FOR THE ART
I would pen a note to Sappho a Greek poet and ask her to write me back with sweeping verses filled with sapphic love so that I could put pen to paper and woo a paramour of my own …
I would like to write a letter to Santa thanking him for such a wonderful pen after all these years
I’d love to have a nicer pen to write with, as I do lots of writing with a biro!
Santa, because he is real and I have been a good boy this (half) year
its beautiful and would be a lovely gift for my daughter who is going off too university this year and she will use it to write her dissertation x
sorry i realise i didnt answer your question. i would write a lovely letter to my grandma (whos passed) we used to write to each other all the time a long time ago, i would love to tell her how well her grandchildren are doing at school and that i am fine and have met the most loveliest man since my divorce.
I would write a letter to my grandma, to let her know how much I love her and how much I am sorry that I was not there when she passed
really nice prize
I would write to some of my old friends in Devon who I haven’t seen four Ten years.
I would teach my daughter to write with it. She could write down all her wonderful imaginative stories and her jokes so we never or get them. She’s only 6. Beautiful penmanship is not something you see much of anymore.
I would write to my beloved Nan, who died in 2009, thanking her for everything she did for me and for all the wisdom she gave me that shaped me into the person I am today.
I’m a comedy writer, I write for 2 topical stage shows. I get ideas all the time & have to jot them down, I then later (when my 3 year old son is asleep) look at the notes & write sketches etc from the ideas Ive had during the day. There is something very special about writing & I’m just about to start on trying to write a script so owning a lovely pen such as this one might just give me the inspiration I need to make it as a writer.
Competition Answer
I would write a letter to myself, telling myself to keep up the writing & to believe in myself more as a comedy writer.
My partner as I used to love getting post from him!
I like writing and prefer to write notes and letters rather than typing. Of all the pens I have (as a bit of a collector of pens I have quite a few) I don’t have anything as beautiful as that pen and I haven’t used a fountain pen since I was at school. I’d love to own this pen
id like to win this for my stepdad. he is obsessed with fountain pens and collects them everywhere he goes. he has pens from around 13 countries now. and i know he would love this. its his birthday in june and i always find it hard shopping for him cause hes not into a lot of things you normally get for guys. doesn’t like ties, aftershave, golf! lol this would help me out a lot and get me major brownie points.
I would write to my mum who would actually like the surprise
My boyfriend. He is in Afghanistan 🙁
what a beautiful exquisitte pen,,i would jus use it for everyday writting and feel very honoured to do so
My 10 year old daughter and I write lots of letters, and love receiving them, I would love to share the joy of a beautiful pen with her and write letters to all those fantastic people in our lives who deserve more than bills and junk mail through the post. I would especially write to my grandfather who died before she was born and make him proud.
What a beautiful pen, perfect for writing my little grandsons letter to Santa
I’d write a letter to my grandfather who passed away 10 years ago. He raised me when I was younger and I do miss him
I would write a letter to my mother (RIP). Too many things were left unsaid……
I’d write to Jane Austen to let her know how much of an inspiration she is, and how popular her books remain.
I would write to my late nan and let her know how precious she is to me. I would like to opportunity to tell her all the things I took for granted whilst she was here. Tell her how much I love and respect her and how I aspire to be just like her.
I would love to hand write a letter to Rihanna, as I would like to discuss the possibility of a joint birthday party!
I would love a proper pen so I can finally feel like a grown up lady
I hand-write letters to my 4 children every month since they were born, marking milestones and documenting how loved they are….next month I have a very special one to write for my daughters 18th x
The art of calligraphy is a hobby of mine and i try to write whenever i can. a little note is so much nicer than an email
If I won this most fabulous prize the first letter I should write would be a ‘thank you’ letter to This Little Lady. I should treasure such a lovely gift forever.
I have not used a fountain pen since i was in school. I would love this for writing my wedding invitations
I would use it for special occasions; christmas letters to family, memoirs etc 🙂
I would write a letter to my distance friend who lives in New York who I haven’t spoken to in some time so it would be nice to write her a letter to catch up on time gone past.
I would write a letter to my nephew, he doesn’t get proper letters through the post, so he would be very excited to get one.
I’d love to have a nice pen to write with for a change.
I would love to write a letter to Margaret Mitchell to ask her if Scarlett ever did get Rhett back? x
I’d write to the Hummingbird bakery to see if I could be a cake-taster for them.
I love writing letters. I would use it to write to my sister in the U.S. I have not seen her for twenty or so years but every couple of months we send each other long letters detailing our lives and thoughts . Only through physical letters can you do this properly , thoughts that pop into your head are put straight down on paper, much more human than and edited and re-edited e-mail.. Plus I like having something physical from her too. Something that can be held and cherished
To my niece to tell her how proud I am of her. How much I love her. How much she has to look forward to.
I would write a letter to my Dad who died 10 years ago to let him know im doing fine
So much has happened to me since my Dad died 7 years ago. There’s not a day that goes by that I dont miss him and I’d love to write to him to tell him my story so far. As his handwriting was terrible, I’d make an immense effort to use my best handwriting which has, like his, declined since using computers on a regular basis.
I would write to myself when I was 21, to tell myself it works out okay in the end, but stay away from real ale and false friends.
I would write a letter to each of my three children, telling them how much they’re loved and to follow their dreams even though there will be times they find hard and testing, as god gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.
I have just signed up for a Calligraphy course and this pen would be perfect for me to practise with when writing birthday/christmas cards etc.
To my Dad, he and I both have Cross pens and love them. Nothing beats a fountain pen and hand written letter!
when my father was around he always used to write with a cross pen. I would love to give this to my Mother so that she can remember him when she write.
I would love to hand write a letter to my lovely uncle in New Zealand because due to distance I haven’t seen him for quite a few years now, and although we keep in touch a little on facebook I know he appreciates a ‘proper’ letter 🙂 x
would love to win this for my dad for fathers day as he would appreciate such a fine gift :O)
I’d write a letter to David Attenborough, to thank him for working so hard to educate us about the marvels of the natural world and for being generally awesome.
I’d like to write to Shakespeare,
He was an icon of his age,
His plays and sonnets are a joy,
He was an amazing sage.
If only I could write like him,
But I am at a loss,
Though maybe inspiration will come,
If I can write with a “CROSS”.
I’d write a letter to my parents to tell them things I unfortunately didn’t say before they both passed away. Now it’s too late.
I would write to my friend who doesn’t live close to me and is always telling me he loves my handwriting lol, so this would be the perfect excuse for me to write a letter to him using a beautiful pen, it can only make my handwriting look better and he would love it too, think i would make his day! He is always asking me to be creative so this would be the perfect opportunity 😀
I’d write a letter to my daughter who is struggling to cope with my cancer explaining that whilst I am not always at home I always love her – once she is older she will hopefully understand better that I gave every treatment my best shot – because I love her.
I would love to wrote a letter Ernesto “Che” Guevara to ask him what he thinks of the world now compared to when he was involved in the Cuban and Bolivian revolutions. It would be great to receive a reply as most peoples image of him is the iconic picture on t shirts etc but they know little of what he believed in.
I am sure he would appreciate a hand written letter as he felt that it was important that everybody be taught to read and write in order that they would never be enslaved again.
To those of the future I would write of all things past and present to remind them to remember a time before machines
I’d love to win so I can write postcards and greetings cards with a touch of class. I always used a fountain pen at school and would love to again.
Stunning… i would look so professional at work with this xxx
Iv started a new business with a candy cart and would love to look professional using this pen
I would write to my niece. She loves receiving letters and only seeing her every few months now it would be nice to send her more letters.
I’d love to write a letter with this lovely pen to my cousin and her children who live overseas away from most of the family. They love to receive a communication from family and I know they would love handwritten letters and cards.
I would write to Andrea Bocelli thanking him for all the pleasure his beautiful voice has given me.
Maybe a beautiful pen would give me beautiful handwriting
I would help my Daughters write to their Aunty in Australia, With modern technology today old fashion letters are a thing of the past and it would be nice for their Aunty to have sometime handwritten.
My parents who sadly both died young within 5 months of one another, letting them know how well their grandaughter is doing and how they would have continued to be so so proud of her. To also thank them for helping me make her the girl she is today.
It’s a beautiful pen. I’d enjoy writing to my hubby with this as he’s far away overseas
I’d write a letter to my friend Samantha. We met at Uni almost 10 years ago and when she moved back to London we used to write to each other every month but life has got in the way in the past few years and the letters have stopped.
I;d like to write a letter to my Mum, she died a few years ago and I miss her with every day that comes. We were close and got on well, but there’s so many things I wish I had the chance to say to her, so I’d say all those things I never got to say to her face.
I would love it to improve my handwriting but would also be good to keep in touch with my nan who hates technology!
I would write a letter to my children, so that they will have something they can always keep to remind them how much I love them.
I would write a letter to my nan to tell her all the things I’d never got to say…
I would write a letter to my daughter telling her how proud I am of her that, despite various problems over the years, she has now qualified as a nurse and is well thought of at work and now living on her own and becoming more domesticated, learning to cook, bake, and the newest hobby is gardening. So very proud of her perseverance and courage.
I would love to win this gorgeous pen, to write a letter to my best friend! She lives on the other side of the world so I never get to see her! Although we chat online, nothing beats a hand-written letter! 🙂
I would love to win this pen because finding a pen at work is a nifghtmare and my own special pen would be a god send
I’d write a letter to my dad who passed away 2 years ago, alot of things remained unsaid and would like to write to him
The art of writing a letter in these modern times is falling by the wayside. I’d write my fiance a love letter, something I’ve not done since we first started dating.
‘Cos Handwriting Is So Effortlessly Lasting AND Most Of Us Enjoy.
That’s Chisel and Mouse.
I’d love to handwrite a letter for my 4 year old daughter to open on her 21st birthday
I would love to write to Jane Austin and invite her to visit in the 21st century. i would love to find out what she would make of today’s way of life!
I’d write a letter to my friend in America and enclose the pen as a gift for she is an artist and a pen collector and would really love to have a pen like this in her collection.
I’m hoping to get married next year and this beautiful pen would be perfect for writing out my wedding invitations!
Id love to win this pen, because its absolutely gorgeous, and would be the perfect in my hand bag!
i would love this to write my wedding vows with. my nanna always said real vows need to be hand written and from the heart.
id write a letter to my brother who is currently serving in afganistan. I think he’d be amused that Im actually hand writing a letter rather than sending an ebluey!
I’d write to my grandad. He died when i was 7 and i still miss him to this day
I would write a letter to Queen Victoria. I admire how strong willed she was and there would be so many questions I would ask her. She is an inspiration to me and shows woman power to the greatest!
I’d write to Barry who taught me to drive over twenty years ago. I’d say thank you for his patience and for not letting me give up the lessons no matter how many other drivers tooted their horns at me.
I would write a letter to my daughter, Iona, to let her know about her life when she was a baby – she is curently 10 weeks old.
wow totally beautiful
I’d write a love letter to my fella, for him to cherish forever
This would encourage me to write and show my children how nice my writing can be. I often have to resort to using their crayons as I do not have a pen to hand. If I won this I would keep it safe and use it to impress.
I would hand write my Letter of Wishes to go with my will for whoever reads it. I will put down all my most personal requests and thank all the people who have been really kind to me.
To my mum and husband who have both passed away, to let them know what I’m doing and how much they are missed
I’d write a letter to my son in copperplate handwriting. Hopefully it would catch his attention and help to improve his handwriting!!