Before you start writing a letter of recommendation for a friend, clarify the purpose of the letter itself. Is it for a job, graduate school, a volunteer position, or something else? Understanding the ...

Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on culture, society, human interest and technology. Her stories hold a mirror to society, reflecting both its malaise and its beauty.

In her new book, Syme's Letter Writer, Rachel Syme of The New Yorker explains how to write a delightful letter to a loved one. Unlike texting and email, old-fashioned letters, hand-addressed and sent ...

Every good letter starts by addressing the person the letter is to. Usually, that looks like “Dear Santa,” on the first line of the letter. It is similar to saying “hello” to someone when you meet ...