JPay

You can still write regular letters. However, some inmates might prefer jpay (if that's available to them) as it's cheaper, especially if you're overseas. 

Where is your pen pal? Some states offer JPay tablets and/or kiosks so they can email daily if they/you want.

We are both in Ohio

Depending on the facility they may have access to tablets and/or kiosks. My pen pal in Ohio only corresponds via JPay and doesn't want letters or anything else sent in. Very odd... and not really what I had in mind as I find it superficial.

I'm just unsure of how the whole JPay thing is set up or works

It's really easy. First you look up the inmate by last name and prison number. Then from there you create an account. Depending on the state and prison jpay offers different options (send electronic messages, videograms, video visits, buy music, send money). If you just want to send electronic messages, you have to buy jpay stamps. The price can be different per state. Usually you have to initiate the first contact (but I've heard of someone receiving a message from an inmate that they'd put on their list but never sent anything to). 

Thanks for the info.