Last month, we began our new series which  will take us, step-by-step, from absolute beginner to published author. The topic of the previous issue: Why Do You Want to Write for Children?  If you missed it, you can read it here:  http://write4kids.com/update91008.html

The picture above shows your humble editor last Saturday, as I received my black belt in Shaolin Kempo.  It took four years of training and a grueling eight hour test, and it was worth every drop of sweat.

Now, I doubt anyone will ever confuse me with Bruce Lee, and I don't see a career as an action movie hero ahead of me.  I will never make the cover of Black Belt magazine, nor will I likely ever have the title of Grandmaster before my name.  Some of the much younger folks with whom I tested may accomplish these things, but that's not my journey.  For me, finishing the test and getting the belt was my victory.

I bring this up to get you thinking about your own journey as a writer of children's literature.  We may all daydream about becoming the next J.K. Rowling, about having throngs of kids line up at midnight to gobble up our new book, of gaining all the fame, fortune, love and respect that seemingly come with mega-stardom.

And, for all I know, at least one of you out there will achieve that.  But, realistically, each of our writing victories will be far more modest.  An article here, a contract with a small press there, perhaps enough income to pay for a nice vacation.  

But, I would ask you, are these things any less of an accomplishment than heading the best-seller list?  Is charming a classroom of 30 kids with your story really less satisfying than charming 30,000 children?

Let's try a little quiz.  For each of the possible outcomes of becoming a children's writer, pick a number from 1-10 on how much satisfaction you would derive.  If something would be not at all satisfying, mark it a 1, if it would be ultimately satisfying, that's a 10.

____  Seeing a book you've written on a bookstore shelf

____  Getting a letter from a child raving about your book

____  Getting a six-figure advance

____  Reading a glowing review of your book in a major newspaper

____  Getting a standing ovation from a classroom full of 3rd graders

____  Being complimented on your book by a writer that you've always respected 

____  Being featured in People magazine

____  Hearing "your book changed my child's life" from a grateful parent

____ Having an article you've written appear in a magazine you've always loved, such as Highlights

Of the nine possible outcomes I just listed, at least seven of them are eminently available to every one of you.  How did you rate these?  Were they every bit as satisfying -- or perhaps even more satisfying -- that the "hit the jackpot and become a famous writer" outcomes?  

Has the idea of what it means to "make it" as a children's writer just changed a little bit?  

So, I ask you, aspiring children's writer:

How Do You Now Define Success?

Next issue:  Who are you writing for?

Want to discuss your definition of success, and your children's writing journey?  Visit our message board at http://write4kids.com/wwwboard and chat with other writers.  I've created a special section just for Updaters to share their thoughts about this article.  Registration to use the forum is free and takes just a few seconds. 

From time to time, we'll take a look at quality publishers that accept unsolicited submissions.  In this issue, we highlight Peachtree Publishers of Atlanta, Georgia.

Peachtree is a 30 year old independent press that publishes picture and chapter books,  young adult fiction and nonfiction,  self-help titles covering education, parenting, psychology, and health, and guides to the American South, including books about hiking, fishing, and walking.  They publish approximately 20 titles a year, so it's definitely a competitive market.

Some recent titles include Trick or Treat on Monster Street (written by Danny Schnitzlein, illustrated by Matt Faulkner), Martina the Beautiful Cockroach (written by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael Austin) and Fabulous Fishes (written and illustrated by Susan Stockdale).

To receive a copy of their current catalog, send a self-addressed 10 x 12-1/2” envelope stamped with $2.12 postage to Peachtree Publishers, Ltd., 1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112.  To view their guidelines, visit http://peachtree-online.com/inner/ManuscriptGuide.aspx

Their home page is http://peachtree-online.com/Default.aspx

Looking to connect with other children's writers and illustrators?  Here are a few of my favorite friendly haunts:

Children's Writers Today Yahoo Group:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/childrenswriterstoday/

Children's Writers Yahoo Group:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/childrens-writers/

Verla Kay's Children's Writers & Illustrators Message Board: http://www.verlakay.com/boards/index.php

Absolute Write Water Cooler: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/index.php

Write4Kids Yellow Board:  http://write4kids.com/wwwboard

In the past couple of years, there's been an explosion in wonderful blogs about children's books and the writing process.  Now, in each issue of the Update, we'll profile a unique and helpful blog.

This issue, we highlight Gottawrite Girl, the blog of author Susan Gray.  It's an entertaining mix of author interviews, publishing news, writing thoughts, inspiration and clever everyday observations.  You're certain to find something that hits you the right way on this eclectic and fun blog. 

Here's the link: http://www.gottawritegirl.com/

PS:  If you have or know of a blog that should be featured in the Update, drop Jon a line at jon@write4kids.com   Also, if you happen to come across a children's writing blog or site that doesn't list the Children's Writing Update, The Children's Writing Web Journal (http://write4kids.com/blog) or Write4Kids.com among its links or resources, why not send a friendly note telling them about us?  We'd really appreciate it!

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is a campaign designed to bring attention to the importance of early education. By encouraging hundreds of thousands of children and adults to read the same book on the same day, Jumpstart aims to break a world record and to make early education a national priority.

Children and adults will read together at events nationwide on October 2, in schools, libraries, stores, hotels, playgrounds, offices, and homes.  This year's book is Corduroy, by Don Freeman.

Proceeds from the sales of the book will benefit Jumpstart, a mentoring program that helps at-risk preschool children build vital literacy, social, and emotional skills. Jumpstart delivers a research-based, best practice curriculum to nearly 13,000 preschoolers in close to 70 communities across 20 states in America.

Learn more at http://www.readfortherecord.org