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:

• Canada's authors struggle to make ends meet, says study [CBC]
• Crucial "catch-up" round of contract talks underway at CBC [CWA Canada]
• How The Discourse is reinventing the local newspaper to fight polarization [J-Source]
• Non-fiction book panel recap [PWAC Toronto]
• A guide to Canadian literary magazines and journals open to submissions [CBC]

From The U.S. and beyond:

• 9 tips to make working from home work for you [Working Not Working]
• I found the best burger place in America. And then I killed it [Thrillist]
• The freelancer's guide to handling the holidays with grace [Freelancers Union]
• Top five qualities clients look for in a freelance writer [Freelance Writing Jobs]
• It’s Time to Nominate the Best Writing Websites for 2019 [The Write Life]

Recently on Story Board:

• Working from home during personal chaos: How can you keep your freelance career on track during times of change? Here are some ways to cope when the boundaries between your professional workspace and personal life become blurred...
• November media mixer in Toronto: Toronto-area freelancers, media workers and students, it’s getting darker and chillier out there, but CWA Canada is holding a social event that will brighten up your November...

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.