This is the first time

[Mikio91]

Hi,

I'm writing to my penpal. I'm trying to say: "This is the first time I'm writing you in Japanese".
→ <友達の名前>に日本語ではじめててがみを送っている 。

Is the above correct?

Thanks.

 

[Toritoribe]

That's understandable, but （今）<友達の名前>に初めて日本語で手紙を書いている 。 sounds more natural.

 

[Mikio91]

thanks, the word order made me confused

 

[Toritoribe]

There're no strict rules about it. That's just the problem of naturalness.