What do you say in an email to a half brother you never met?

[mfhy2000]

His daughter contacted me and we've exchanged emails on facebook but I have not had contact with my half brother or sister. How do I start the first email? Hi, I'm your brother doesn't seem to cut it.

[♫ Kuku Kajoob]

Whenever Im in an awkward situation, I find it the easiest if I merely bring it right out into the open. Its a great conversation starter.

Say something like..
This is an awkward yet exciting situation, as
I sit here starting to type.
Im not sure how to begin, so I will begin by saying
Hello !
I guess we begin like you would the first day of school.
My name is ____
Im ___ years old.
I go to school or work at ___
A few of the things Im interested in are ___ ___
( elaborate just a tiny bit ..you want to have something to talk about later)
Im looking forward to getting to know you
Best Regards