Here at the topics most chatted about on the boards of late, boys and girls:

"I'm writing a novel set in a specific time period, and I'm the thick of the research stage. I'd love feedback from anyone who has done/would like to do this: How much research do you do before digging in? To what extent do you immerse yourself in that era before getting going?"

"I have a query on the topic of intentional childlessness I've been trying to sell forever now. Pitched it to quite a few women's mags, and some cultural ones to no avail. Is anyone aware of other outlets that might be receptive to this idea?"

Freelancers...What are you deducting for taxes?

What can you tell me about working for Gannett?

"Has anyone pitched or written for Mother Jones?"

"Have any copy editors out there ever had to deal with a major depression while working at a job that takes such serious concentration? How have you managed?"