Labor Day has come and gone and it’s back to work for most of us. But, before you get into your fall routine, take a few minutes to take stock of where you have been so far and where you’d like to be at the end of 2017. What are some of your goals? For me, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve are usually devoted to wrapping up all my loose ends. That leaves me approximately three months to get things done. No pressure at all!

Here’s what’s on my “to do” list for the coming months:

Getting some good publicity for my recently released higher education book, The Ultimate Guide to College Transfer: From Surviving to Thriving

Many college students return home for the holidays feeling like their initial college choice may not have been the best one for them. I’d like to make them, and their families, aware of the various options and helpful strategies that are out there and are outlined in the book.

Continue to interview and write my “Eye on Agriculture” and “One of Us” columns

I get so inspired by the stories I hear from the farmers, immigrants, refugees, and political refugees. And I feel like all these people are such a huge part of who we are as a country that it’s an honor to share their stories.  I’ve archived them on my website if you want to take a look!

Try to find publications that would be a good fit for a few article ideas I’ve had kicking around in my head since January

You’ll have to wait and see what happens with these! I’m aiming for more national magazines or newspapers and higher pay.

Review and update my website and social media profiles as needed and try to blog weekly

I’d really like to become more active on Twitter but I’ve been saying that for some time now and can’t seem to get off that plateau… Am also feeling like I should look into Instagram but the prospect is daunting. My blog schedule is erratic to say the least.

On the bright side, my LinkedIn use has gotten even better and I continue to find it a very useful resource. My website continues to be easy to use and update regularly (thank you HLA!)

Find three 2018 writers conferences to attend that were as good as my 2017 choices

I’ll be going to the AWP conference in Tampa, Florida in March but am looking for at least two more conferences over the next few months. Suggestions welcome!

That’s a good start. I’ll let you know in December how I did!