TASK DEFINITION: You will be given a trivia clue, and the category it belongs to. You should answer with the best answer that belongs in the category and is described by the clue. For simplicity, answers should be in all lower cased letters.
PROBLEM: Category: WRITERS' PRIVATE LIVES 
Clue: During WWII this Tarzan creator worked as a correspondent for the L.A. Times

SOLUTION: edgar rice burroughs

PROBLEM: Category: & NEVER THE TWAINS SHALL MEET 
Clue: Shania's self-titled debut went gold in 1996; in 1873 Mark's first novel had this "golden"-sounding title

SOLUTION: the gilded age

PROBLEM: Category: NAME THAT 1990s YEAR 
Clue: Bob Dole loses the presidential election

SOLUTION:
\'96