1 | Cathy C. Hall Writes

Yes, it’s that time of year when I dutifully try to win the Highlights Contest. I seriously think that one of these years, the Highlights folks will give me a special award. Something like “Most Entries into Highlights Contest Without Winning.” Or maybe the “Seriously? You Again Award.”

But this year is going to be different. The 2011 theme is embarrassing moments. I can come up with a few ideas without even racking my brain. I mean, my middle name in grade school was “Embarrassment.” And so now, I can use the Highlights Fiction Contest as a sort of cathartic exercise.

Not to worry, though. The names of the innocent will be changed. Or will they?

(Entries due by January 31st, no fee, up to 750 words. Get more details here.)

I’m a BIG believer in the To Do List. In fact, I make a To Do list every day. I don’t always accomplish every single thing on the list, but it’s a great motivator for me–I LOVE ticking off points on a list. Somehow, it makes me feel smart and successful.

Come New Year’s, I make the Grandaddy of all To Do Lists. Seriously, it’s a work of art. But before I make my new list, I check the old list. Did I achieve my goals? Were some of my goals totally unrealistic? Or perhaps a goal was too vague? Sometimes, I make goals that really just aren’t that important. So, it’s a fine-tuning process every year, with the hope that each new year, I’ll get closer to reaching my writing dreams.

Jan Fields’ article, “Wishing Up Good Goals” from the latest ICL newsletter, really emphasizes the importance of making “good” goals. It’s worth a read before you start your 2011 list.

And you know what else is worth a read? The ICL newsletter. I gained so much from the class I took several years ago, and I got in the habit of reading the newsletter back then. I still read it every week because I always find a useful article or tip. Plus, it’s free, and I love a good deal.

So, you might want to add “Read the ICL newsletter” to your To Do List for 2011. It’s a goal worth keeping–and you’ll get to tick off something every week. Now, don’t you feel smarter already?