Need advice on how to text a guy?

[confusedafme]

This guy doesn't live in my city. So it's just casual texting
The thing is, I need advice on how to keep him engaged, given that I'm not meeting him anytime soon.
Some helpful advice would be on:
-Do you like it when girls text you first? Or does it make you lose interest?
-How long should I wait to reply? (If I should in the first place)
-If he leaves me on read, but had texted me first, is it okay to start a new conversation... say, the day after?
Any additional advice would be highly appreciated.
Clarification: He's not THAT communicative. He sends me memes, things we are both into, articles, etc, but doesn't do the constant "what's up" "wyd now" "how are you" kind of texting. (He's never asked me any of those questions, by the way)
He does ask questions (meaningful ones), but once he has the answer, he doesn't really try to keep the conversation going.

[6Its1Me9]

Guys aren't like girls. If he's interested in you, texting him first isn't gunna make him un interested lol. But just dont over do it and become annoying of course. And dont wait to reply. Just reply whenever you see it. If he leaves you on read wait a few hours or till the next day to text him again. If he doesn't tell you why he left you on read then he might be losing interest

[scott-3500]

It is always ok to initiate. I have never understood the point of playing hard-to-get and acting like you're not interested, it's annoying and overly - complicated. If a girl texts me first and replies fairly quickly, that would be enough to keep me interested and engaged.

[GD360]

Find out what he enjoys doing and make it the subject of the conversation

[strapped75]

Ask him what kind of relationship are you seeking