| FaithWriters News & Information for the Write Brained Christian"
August 2017 Make it your goal to be a better writer for Jesus! Devotional & Newest Member E-books Included |
| | See Challenge Schedule Change HERE |
| | | You Are Just One Comment Away From Being a Great Blessing
We all know how blessed we feel when other writers take the time to comment on our articles. Keeping this in mind, we are asking all members to commit to be a blessing by commenting on at least one Challenge entry per week? It just takes a few minutes and there are some great entries to read every week.
Be a blessing today by clicking the links below and leaving at least one comment on an entry.
Thank you to all our members who do leave comments on a regular basis. |
| | The Challenge WILL Improve Your Writing!
NEVER MISS THAT PERFECT CHALLENGE TOPIC AGAIN. GO HERE and sign up in the right hand column for a weekly topic email. |
| | | | The Challenge Will Improve Your Writing! Best of the Best 2nd Place 2017
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN (04/13/17)
TITLE: More Beautiful
By Jan Ackerson
04/19/17
It took many hours for the kiln to cool sufficiently for LinSu to remove the pottery she'd fired. She spent that time pacing, picking up small items and putting them down again. This particular firing was more than important--not only did it contain the items for Princess Kana's dowry, but they were the final test of LinSu's apprenticeship. If they passed her master's critical eye, she could leave her years of unpaid labor behind (LinSu did not consider the master's provision of one bowl of soup each evening and the occasional heel of bread a salary, nor did she much appreciate her narrow cot) and open her own establishment.
Finally, taking a deep breath, she reached inside and carefully withdrew each item. Dishes, cups, bowls--each one was perfectly lovely, with the decorative touches LinSu had developed during her apprenticeship, marking the work as her own. She pulled out the vase last of all, hardly daring to look, steadying her hands lest their trembling cause her to drop her masterwork.
It, too, was perfect.
Not trusting the servant girl to carry the items back for glazing, she made several trips, cradling the pieces to her chest in twos and threes, wrapped in soft cloth.
And now the process began anew--the delicate glazing of each item, in LinSu's distinctive patterns, under the master's silent eye. He had never spoken a word to her, instructing her for three years by means of gestures, demonstrations, and facial expressions—mostly of disapproval.
Once again, LinSu's talent paid off. The collection was stunning--perfect for the Princess Kana--and the pieces were transported carefully to the palace, where LinSu displayed them on a table draped with a silk cloth.
She had turned her back to the table for one second--perhaps two--when she heard the skittering of tiny rodent's feet and a feline hiss. She whirled about just in time to see a cat leap for the scampering mouse, snagging a claw on the silk and sending LinSu's exquisite vase to the floor. The sound of the vase hitting marble was the exact same sound as that of LinSu's breaking heart.
Shoulders slumped, she took the shattered pieces of the vase back to her workroom, looking dully around for anything she could use to mend it. Shrugging, she took up a pot of lacquer and some gold flakes and started to reassemble the vase. When she finished, it was covered with irregular rivers of gold, one stream along each crack.
The next day, Princess Kana was to marry the heir to the throne. They had never met, of course--that would come as the climax to a day of ceremony and ritual. Accompanied by trumpets, the king walked the length of the great hall, examining the dowry gifts. LinSu's ceramics were near the front, where the veiled princess waited. The king stopped mid-stride and examined the gold-mended vase, wearing an inscrutable expression. Then he set it down and took one step toward the princess. With a quick flip of his hand, he lifted her veil.
Her face was pitted and scarred--
Finish reading this entry and leave a comment for Jan HERE.
Jan is one of our best writers and has been with FaithWriters for several years. She oversees her writing lessons in the forums and has always been a tremendous asset to FaithWriters. Read more of her work HERE. |
| | | | NOW OPEN - THE ELEVENTH ANNUAL PAGE TURNER WRITING CONTEST2017 - CHRISTIAN FICTION AND NON-FICTION
1. A fabulous cash prize of $400 (US);
2. The offer of traditional publication of their winning manuscript by Breath of Fresh Air Press (which includes editing of the manuscript, if published by Breath of Fresh Air Press);
3. Free publicity and marketing of their book on all FaithWriters' sites for twelve months following publication.
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Devotionals submitted from members publish on thousands of websites worldwide!
Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional Receive it by email or place it on your website HERE
Behind the Scenes – Susan Ferguson
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)
One of the New Testament’s most influential men was Barnabas, a first-century church leader, who mentored Saul of Tarsus (Paul) and John Mark. A missionary and gifted teacher in his own right, Barnabas encouraged others and worked a lot behind the scenes.
Barnabas was a discerning man who saw potential in others. After Saul (Paul) had become a Christian, he tried to join the disciples in Jerusalem, but they did not accept him, for he had been a ruthless persecutor of Christ. But Barnabas came to Saul’s defense and convinced them he was a genuine believer. Barnabas took a chance on the risky convert, who became Christianity’s greatest missionary, and who wrote thirteen epistles in the New Testament.
Barnabas and Saul (Paul) teamed up for their first missionary journey and brought the young John Mark along as a helper. But for unknown reasons, John Mark deserted them and returned to Jerusalem. On the second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted John Mark to join them again, but Paul adamantly refused, and so they parted ways. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus, and Paul teamed with Silas and headed to Syria and Cilicia. Once again, Barnabas took another man under his wing, who would later prove helpful to Paul’s ministry, and who wrote the Gospel of Mark.
Behind every great achiever is someone like Barnabas. Never underestimate the significance of those who work behind the scenes or who mentor and encourage others, for they are valuable in God’s sight.
Father, help us to follow Barnabas’ example and be an encouragement to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Susan is a freelance writer who lives with her husband in Madison, MS, USA. Contact
Help us spread the good news of Jesus around the world. The FaithWriters devotional is on thousands of websites HERE , plus thousands go out by email and Twitter daily. They are also published about 90 days after FaithWriters on IDisciple HERE . Members are encouraged to submit an edited devotional for publication HERE. Submissions are a maximum of 300 words, helping you learn to write to topic and word count. You never know how your writing may inspire a brother or sister in Christ or impact a lost soul.
Watch this short video that will show you a few of the unique websites the devotional is currently on. Sites like the Church of Scotland and the Los Angeles police wives association. |
| | Recent Release!
Mixed Blessings—Genre-lly Speaking
There is something for every reader in a Mixed Blessings book, and this volume is no exception. Mixed Blessings—Genre-lly Speaking is filled to the brim with fun, encouragement, food for thought, and inspiration. You may find yourself chuckling one moment, and shedding a tear the next. In fact, it is the perfect mix of blessings for your daily reading enjoyment.
Keep this book with you wherever you go for a variety-packed pick-me-up in the midst of your busy day, but be warned. Reading a Mixed Blessings book is like eating peanuts. You just can’t stop at one.
AVAILABLE FOR SALE - Breath of Fresh Air Press - Learn more HERE. |
| | | | | | Jan's Lessons Are Now Indexed so You Can Easily Find What You Need
We love Jan's courses. "I absolutely must add to these comments my own deep appreciation for the hard work you put in for us week by week. You enable people to grow and find true expression for their faith in the will of God. I've learnt so much already in such a short time, and that's because of your great advice and loving direction. Trace P. |
| | Another Great Way to Improve The Critique CircleFellow Members Need Your Help.
Providing comments and critiques for fellow members is of great encouragement to them. It is also the perfect way to improve your own writing skill.
Tips on Giving Critiques
Critiquing the work of others requires balance. Being too nice will not help your fellow writers develop their work; being too harsh can crush a writer’s ego (particularly new writers, who tend to be shy about sharing their work). How can you achieve the right balance? Here are some tips:
Take care to point out both what works, and what doesn’t. If you’re new to critiquing, a good hint would be to point out one thing you like (a phrase, a description, an idea) for each thing that bothered you.
Whenever possible, be specific when pointing out things that you didn’t like (don’t just say “I didn’t like this part” or “I’d cut that,” say “I didn’t like this part because…” or “I’d cut that because…”).
Try to offer suggestions when you think a change is needed. Suggestions, even to the point of an offered rewording, can be very helpful; even if the suggestion isn’t exactly right for the author to use, he or she may get a good idea from it, or at least a better understanding of the point you are trying to make.
Be honest and direct, but in a polite and caring way. Holding back your feelings about a piece because you’re afraid to share your thoughts isn’t going to help anyone. Just be mindful of how you share your opinions!
We Also Need Your Article to Critique!
Members and paid editors provide the critiques in the circle. We just added two more paid editors to the Critique Circle and they are telling us they need more submissions. You can even submit your judged Challenge entries to the circle.
"I have a few, very few, trusted friends who will edit me with a scowl. Most people want you to feel good so they give you compliments about your writing, and these don’t help at all (except emotionally). Really, you need some grouches to edit your work." Philip Yancey in a FaithWriters interview.
This is a real chance to help others and receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing.
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| | Spread the Gospel in Writing
Many Christians have a hard time sharing the gospel one on one. The good news is that as writers we can make a difference by sharing the good news with the world through our writing. FaithWriters receives visitors from over 230 countries. So share your testimony and other articles in writing, post them on the site and let God use them to seek and save the lost.
God cannot use our writing unless we write. So let us write! |
| | Support Fellow Christian Authors
Read Great Christian Books for Free in Exchange for a Review Many already have multiple five star reviews on Amazon.
Sustainable Spirituality: Maintaining Faith in the Face of Adversity
Rich Nelson
In this book you will:
•Learn the 3 critical areas of preparation.
•Discover the 3 pillars of spiritual sustainability.
•Realize the difference between religion and spirituality.
•Learn the 5 keys to develop personal sustainability practices.
•Examine 8 spiritual sustainability goals.
And much more.
Find today's book HERE. Learn how the program works HERE.
We have some great books for you to read for free!
This is just one example of over 40 books you can read for free in exchange for a review. Many others have multiple five star reviews too. One book is running just below five stars with over 180 reviews online and it is listed in the top ten books of its two categories on Amazon. Another with over 30 reviews is running close to five stars and was honored as the book of the year by a major theological website. Another has over 20 reviews and is running almost five stars. Read one of these or one that has just joined the program and desperately needs reviews.
These are all free to read for you while others pay full price on Amazon. Plus you receive the bonus of helping a fellow believer and FaithWriters member. It takes reviews to sell books these days and other members really appreciate your help.
Go HERE to find other great books to read for FREE for a REVIEW.
Hurry and choose one while they are still free to read! The authors can take their books out of this program at any moment.
Have you written a book and need reviews? Learn about submitting your book to this program HERE. |
| | Platinum Member Books Now Appear in Over 100 Site Ads
Promote your Christian book on FaithWriters and you will helping to support our mission to grow Christian writers and spread the gospel in over 230 countries online. You will not find more exposure for your Christian book anywhere at this price.
Watch this short video HERE. |
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Support FaithWriters Spread of the Gospel!
Fishers of Men in Over 230 Countries Together We Spread the Gospel on The Net
There is only one unforgivable sin, the sin of unbelief. Those who believe will trust God and are led to the safety of Jesus. Those who do not believe will be like those who did not enter the Ark and were lost.
The enemy is alive and rampant online with a word of unbelief. A message of hate for Christianity and Jesus. A message that is leading countless children to embrace unbelief. (Free book HERE you can review with your kids on the objective evidence for Christianity.)The number of atheist sites and organizations posting online is increasing rapidly. If you go no further in this message, at least go HERE and see for yourself the growing number of purveyors of unbelief online. Here is a short video we would like you to watch also.
Not all of us can go around the world as missionaries in person, but we can reach the world online. We can even reach many places missionaries cannot go in person. The world needs sites like FaithWriters, prepared Christian authors and as many Christian articles and books that point to Jesus as possible. The web especially needs your Bible studies, apologetic articles, calls to salvation, nonfiction and fiction articles and books leading people to Jesus. Together we attract lost people from all over the world who need Jesus along with believers who need their minds renewed and encouraged. God has given us a great opportunity to reach many people who may have never heard about Jesus. The image above marks the location of our visitors.
Numerous people from around the world have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior directly through FaithWriters. We contact every person who leaves an email address, and provide them with more information. Sometimes we correspond with them several times. We even offer to place them in contact with another believer (FaithWriters member) in their country. Consider how much time people --- especially kids --- spend on the internet these days. Watch this two minute video from Kimberly on how she found God on the internet.
A few unedited emails from people who have accepted Jesus on the site.
1) Type of prayer : first time prayer
Country : Algeria - Please leave a comment. : I JESUS PRAY TODAY MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER I USED TO BE THIEF CRIMINAL IDENTITY SCAM BUT NOW LIFE IS BETTER UNDER JESUS CHRIST MY LORD SAVIOR.
Your work occupation : Other Religious background : Muslim
2) Hi my name is Collin I live in Utah heber I know that we are n the last days and I want to be saved so please I need help I've been going to site to site I'm tired of going home from school a sinner I'm stressed with all my homework I cry more than ever sometimes I need Jesus. (This message was obviously from a young boy)
3) I felt the the holyspirit lead me to you and that God's message of love drew me here.
4) I want Jesus to be the number in my life.
5) I'm saved from sin and I've rededicated my life to HIM who owns me. I'm now free from lies, exam malpractice etc. Pray for me to believe that indeed "It is finished "
6) I accepted Jesus as Lord and Need A Bible. (We sent Roger a Bible.)
7) I have accepted Jesus and prayer not continue to commit sin any more. Matthew
8) Recently had a deputy police chief from a major city accept Jesus on the site. He is responsible for over 1,500 officers and staff and could be a big influence for Jesus. Please pray for J. Ramar.
For quite some time now, FaithWriters has been experiencing increasing expenses and declining income. The current trend is not good. The vast majority (99%) of our members are free members, even though our membership is only pennies per day. Our main ongoing expenses come from administering the Challenge, other tools that help writers improve and site maintenance. We have regular and growing expenses including a hefty current expense to convert our large site to a mobile responsive site.
We need your help by upgrading! Go Gold at $5.95 or Platinum at $10.95 per month and help support the spread of the gospel and the growth of Christian writers on FaithWriters. As followers of Jesus, we are making a difference by publishing the truth of Jesus. Men and women from over 230 countries (View Countries Here) are drawn to the FaithWriters by the various articles on the end of our virtual fishing pole. Often our visitors are from closed countries to the message of Christ and they have no other way to learn about Jesus. They are able to learn from our evangelism site and the sister-sites to which we have provided links, including sites with in-depth information in their native language.
You can also upgrade and designate it as a payment to sponsor new writers. We have many people from around the world who do not have the funds to upgrade. In some countries, even if they do have the funds, no payment processor will handle online payments due to online corruption in their country.
Upgrade or sponsor a person HERE. Just click on Gold or Platinum. As a current member you just need to do the PayPal portion. You do not need to do a new profile. When we see your PayPal come through, we will credit your account. If you wish to sponsor a member, email us after you do the PayPal and tell us your payment was for this purpose. We need to keep telling people about Jesus! Will you help us?
We wish you many blessings in Christ and thank you for your support! Michael & Bea Edwards and everyone at FaithWriters
In supporting FaithWriters you gain access to more tools to improve your writing, foster the growth of new Christian writers and spread the gospel in over 230 countries online. All for pennies per day.
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| | | Easily Increase the Readership of Your Articles
We are asking you to increase your readership, spread the good news and help FaithWriters by using the FaceBook share button when you publish articles. It is very easy to do, just watch this short video.
Tweeting your articles and liking them on FaceBook will help too. |
| | Trials and Triumphs II Rooted and Grounded in Love
The Powerful and Personal Testimonies of Fifty FaithWriters Members
Support fellow members by getting a copy of this inspiring book, which contains Fifty unique true stories from members around the world. These testimonies are powerful and encouraging. Makes a great book to leave on your coffee table for a conversation starter. Check it out HERE!
The first Trials and Triumphs can be found HERE. |
| | We Always Respond to Emails
If you do not receive a timely response to an email, we did not receive your email or you did not receive our reply. We are constantly battling overwhelming amounts of spam and sometimes emails we shouldreceive end up in our spam by accident.
You should check your spam and make sure that writer-support@faithwriters.com, bea@faithwriters.com and michael@faithwriters.com are on your email providers approved list.
If you have tried more than once and get no reply, click on a contact link at the bottom of most FaithWriters pages and send us a message telling us of the issue. We will try and email you from another email provider. |
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Be a blessing to someone today by letting others pray for you or by praying for them! |
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Don't Skimp on the Editing Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!
Jan Ackerson is one of several editors offering editing services.
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| | This MonthsFaithWriters Great Reads Selection
We have some excellent writers and many topics to choose from at FaithWriters. Bless your fellow members by reading one or more of their books occasionally. Just imagine how you would feel if they did the same for you. Many of these books have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon.
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Recently added books as described by each author.
Turning Faith into Power
Rich Nelson
Your Price: $0.99
Jesus says in Matthew 17:19-20, "For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." As believing Christians there is substantial power available to us.
from Amazon.com!
Biblical studies
Do We Know WHY We Believe WHAT We Believe?
james rondinone
Your Price: $0.00
This book will give the readers insight to know the reasons WHY behind WHAT they believe concerning the biblical topics of tithing, eternal security, and prayer tongues. They will learn what causes differences in church teachings on the same biblical topics. Hopefully, this will provide clarity as to the approach which should be taken in formulating a view on any biblical topic.
from Amazon.com!
Children
Heart Scar
Sarah Fehr
Your Price: $3.99
In this simple yet moving book, written from a heart child's perspective, the author explores an explanation for the greatest question arising during times of suffering—“Why?”
from Amazon.com!
Endtimes
Silent Holocaust: The Global Covert Control and Assassination of Private Citizens
Bridget Howe
Your Price: $7.55
Silent Holocaust details the silent, global, covert, systematic destruction of private citizens. This silent war against innocent civilians is sponsored by the victims' respective governments via secret societies. The criminal justice systems is deliberately ignoring and denying this crime.
Login to Buy!
Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
Free Reads For Reviews
Sustainable Spirituality: Mantaining Faith in the Face of Adversity
Rich Nelson
Your Price: $3.99
In this book you will:
•Learn the 3 critical areas of preparation.
•Discover the 3 pillars of spiritual sustainability.
•Realize the difference between religion and spirituality.
•Learn the 5 keys to develop personal sustainability practices.
•Examine 8 spiritual sustainability goals.
And much more.
from Amazon.com!
ABC's Of God's Kingdom
Deborah Mayers
Your Price: $4.95
It is my desire to create a book that will give children, a tool for absorbing and meditating on God's word. This book has also been used by God, to introduce the light of His word to children, leading them to seek more knowledge of Him.
Login to Buy!
Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
Through His Eyes
Deborah Mayers
Your Price: $4.95
Someone Loved Me
No one could have ever convinced me that the hole in my soul would someday be healed as a result of being filled with the love of Christ. I just assumed my inner pain, shame, self-hatred, loss of dignity and self-respect would be a permanent part of my life—until the very end. Furt
from Amazon.com!
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