Once a week, we gather stories about the media business, journalism, writing, communications, and freelancing—with a Canadian focus—and share them in Off the Wire. Who needs a water cooler?

From Canada:

• CBC Non-fiction prize open for entries [CBC Books]
• 2018 CAJ Awards call for entries [CAJ]
• Call for entries: 2019 Digital Publishing Awards [Digital Publishing Awards]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• How to use a dry spell to your advantage [Freelancers Union]
• 10 Ways for Freelancers to Stay Organized in 2019 [Brand Vixen]
• A Load Of Successful Journalism Pitches To Help You With Yours [Journo Resources]
• Tips for journalists negotiating personal boundaries online [IJNet]
• Why mentorship matters [Freelancers Union]
• Here's how to brand yourself on Instagram [The Muse]
• 5 tips for becoming a successful digital nomad [Freelancers Union]
• The power of letting go [Freelancers Union]

Recently on Story Board:

• New Years Resolution #1 -- Take Care of Yourself First: Those with chronic illness or pain don’t have a choice: they have to try and be as healthy as possible every day. So what’s the best way to manage your health while keeping your freelance career on track?...
• The 5-Minute Freelancer Q&A #38 — Angela Mombourquette: Angela Mombourquette is a Halifax-based freelance journalist who has written for such publications as The Walrus, Halifax Magazine, and the Chronicle Herald. She is also the author of the book 25 Years of 22 Minutes: An Unauthorized Oral History of This Hour Has 22 Minutes...

Spot a story you think we should include in next week's Off the Wire? Email the link to editor@thestoryboard.ca or tweet us at @storyboard_ca.