Writers’ Roundup: Nov. 12

It’s a lot more difficult to get through my Google Reader now that I have a full-time (and part-time) job. And I’m certainly not spending as much time browsing interesting links on Twitter as I used to. But I still think it’s important to keep up with what’s happening in the writing, travel and social media circles. So here’s what I’ve got for you this week!

• Writer Abroad suggests several paying markets for personal essays. I’d love to do an even more comprehensive post on this at some point, since it’s something I think a lot of us would benefit from. Anybody have other markets to suggest?

• Literary agent extraordinaire Rachelle Gardner (okay, maybe I’m biased) explains some of the provisions agents negotiate in book contracts. Hopefully I’ll need this knowledge very, very soon.

• Enjoyed this post from Mary Morris about figuring out where home is. I love love LOVE Mary’s writing style, the way she strings sentences together, how she divulges details that help us get to know her, and this post is just as beautiful as always.

• At The Art of Non-Conformity, Chris Guillebeau tells us what he’d do if he were starting a new project, how he’d succeed online. Solid ideas. I feel inspired and just generally psyched about life every time I read his blog.

• Post in The Atlantic from journalist Marc Ambinder about what journalism loses from new-age branding. I’m generally pro-branding for journalists, but I also respect and agree with what he has to say here, and I think it’s something we should keep in mind as the industry changes.

• Advice and tutorials on using Hootsuite, created by Hootsuite users but compiled by Hootsuite itself. If you’ve been considering making the move to this Twitter application, now’s your chance. I’m a fan.

• Tripbase offers a list of their 100 favorite travel writers. It’s great for several reasons: 1. Helps us connect with other travel writers 2. I’m on it! and 3. It’s an excellent marketing ploy. Lists always go over well in the blogosphere, and by including people who will share it with their networks partly because they made the list, Tripbase gets free advertising. Copy this technique. Use it to your advantage. It’s smart.

Have a great weekend! And come back Monday for a useful and fun Q&A.