FaithWriters December 2015
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
"News & Information for the Write Brained Christian" Devotional & Newest Member E-books Included
|
| | | JUST RELEASED - Mixed Blessings: Classically Inspired
Inside this book, you’ll find one hundred perfectly bite-sized stories, articles, devotions, and poems written by members of FaithWriters for the Challenge. All titles are inspired by one of these ten classics:
• This Side of Paradise
• Crime and Punishment
• Much Ado About Nothing
• War and Peace
• The Importance of Being Earnest
• The Comedy of Errors
• Great Expectations
• Persuasion
• Where Angels Fear to Tread
• Our Mutual Friend
There is something for every reader in a Mixed Blessings book, and this volume is no exception. Mixed Blessings—Classically Inspired 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.
Great for a Christmas gift. Purchase your copy HERE. |
| |  |
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2015 WINNERS! Ninth Annual Page Turner Contest
After almost 12 months of excitement and nail-biting suspense, it is time to announce the winners of the ninth annual FaithWriters.com/Breath of Fresh Air Press Page Turner Contest.
The 2015 Page Turner Writing Contest began during the first week of January, with the focus for the year being fiction manuscripts. Entrance to the competition was open to all members of the FaithWriters Platinum 500, and 42 submissions were received before entries closed on October 31.
Entries comprised a book proposal, outlining the planned work overall, together with the first chapter of the manuscript. Judging was based on how well each entry worked in a number of key areas, including creativity, freshness, craftsmanship and, most important of all, page turning power and potential for publication.
So, it is with great pleasure we announce our 2015 Fiction Page Turner winners:
2015 PAGE TURNER CHAMPION
Twisted Ribbons by Debbie Roome
2015 PAGE TURNER RUNNERS UP
Voodoo Vanquishing Vixen by Harriett Ford
One Act of Defiance by Rachel Malcolm
The 1st place winner of the 2015 Page Turner Contest receives:
• A cash prize of $500;
• Offer of publication of their winning manuscript by Christian publisher, Breath of Fresh Air (publisher of the new line of Mixed Blessings books) • Final editing of their manuscript (through Breath of Fresh Air Press); • Free publicity and marketing of their book on all FaithWriters’ sites for twelve months following publication; and • A special Page Turner Champion award plaque.
The two Page Turner runners up each receive:
• $50 Cash prize;
• A special Page Turner award plaque; and • Consideration for future publication by Breath of Fresh Air Press.
The 2016 Page Turner Contest will be for NON-FICTION submissions and open during the first week of January.
For more information on this opportunity go HERE. |
| | | FaithWriters 2014 Page Turner Winner Just Published
Soles Defining Souls - Lori Dixon
Over 150 women from around the world responded to a survey asking if they had been hurt by
women in the church.
Using a light-hearted shoe analogy, their emotional testimonies were placed into 9 different soles:
Stella Stiletto - power shoe - leader Penny Loafer - soft sole - introvert |
| | | | Be a Better Christian Writer Money Back Guarantee
We want you to be the best writer you can be for Jesus, so we have included direct feedback from the Challenge judges with Platinum memberships. These new Challenge Rating Reports are helping Christian writers improve. We are so confident they will help you too, we are offering a money back guarantee on New Platinum memberships. Just follow our simple outlined plan and your writing will improve dramatically.
"Such valuable insights, and guidance in this feedback report. I appreciate the feedback, and will do the suggested rewriting. This report is like gold; I feel richly blessed." Judy
"Thank you so much Deborah. I am learning so much from these reports! The POV shift Info was such an eye opener for me. I had no idea. I can better understand and focus on working on my weaknesses. Thank you for providing the direct links to lessons that address how to improve my skills. God bless you and all your hard work." Francie
Read more below or go HERE. |
| | NEVER MISS THAT PERFECT CHALLENGE TOPIC AGAIN. GO HERE and sign up in the right hand column for a weekly new topic reminder by email. |
| | The Writing Challenge Will Improve Your Writing!
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters) Topic: It’s Christmas Day (in the present or living memory) (11/27/08) TITLE: Lookin' For Peas By Dianne Janak 12/02/08 It's Christmas mornin, and my litter of grandkids are ‘ bout to hear my story , so they don’t hafta spend too many years lookin for answers to life’s puzzlin dilemma. Hopin I can dazzle them with somethin pro-found, since now I’m a "pro" and finally "found" what was right in fronta me. *** It was Christmas Eve of ‘58, and I 'member my dad was fallin asleep at the midnight service. I feared he’d make a scene by passin out over the church songbook and shockin the women with fancy hats on who didn’t know what it was like to have a drunk dad. When Pastor Hayforth read the Christmas story up front, one word stood out, makin tears form behind my eyes. I’d learnt the hard way years before to hold onto tears, for fear of dad’s meaner moods, when he had his bottle- breath. When I heard about “peace on earth” .. I wondered what was that supposed to mean? Years before I’d asked Mom what was the big deal about havin “peas on earth”, since I figured peas weren’t egg- zactly a new invention. When she told me it was “peace” , I was then bent on findin it , it had such a good ring to it and all. All I got out of Mom was that it was the kind of quiet she longed for but never had it with us kids fightin and dad makin her life a misery. I asked Dad durin a rare sober moment, and he said “peace” was somethin nice people talk about but no one really gets any, at least not in this life, so I wondered if the preacher was just messin with us. I started askin around. “ What is peace?” When the angels was singin bout peace, I kinda figured they wouldn’t lie since they’re sorta special with wings and halos and all. Then I was sixteen, and some of my buddies started raisin their thumb and two fingers callin it some kinda peace sign, and I got all interested. Some movement goin on protestin the war and growin long hair, and I figured if it was about peace, I needed to figure it out. I smoked some dope, and did some protestin , but somethin in me knew that wasn’t it. This invite of “peace” had its pull on me for sure, … like an invite to a long journey, and I knew I wouldn’t stop till I found out where on earth it was, since it came to earth that night with those famous sheep people. I got married and had a famly, still lookin for it , but that wasn’t it either, no offense to my woman. It still kept runnin from me, and I guess I was lookin in the wrong places. Then one day my boss took me to a special church thing and there it was. Continue reading HERE.
Jesus is the Love of Dianne's Life, her desire is to serve and obey Him in her writing. HERE. |
| | | FaithWriters Gathering/Celebration in 2016
Keep these dates open and watch for further details on a FaithWriters Gathering. An informal conference with workshops and speakers.
July 15th to 16th 2016 at First Baptist Church, McDonough, Georgia.
|
| | Another Great Way to Improve The Critique Circle
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.
To see if you are paying attention, Michael is giving away free Critique Circle credits to all Platinum members who read this and respond. This limited offer means you do not need to provide a critique, you just get two, three or more critiques on a piece you submit. Just email Michael@FaithWriters.com and ask for a free credit. This is a real chance to receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing.
This is a real chance to receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing.
This offer available to Platinum members who have not been given a free credit in the last 90 days.
|
| |  |
Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional Receive it by email or place it on your website HERE
The Crux of the Matter
By Denise Ferrell
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 / KJV)
Crux is Latin for “cross.” In the southern hemisphere, there is a constellation known as Crux, or Southern Cross. Its name is derived from four of its brightest stars forming the shape of a cross.
We often refer to a focal point or a central idea as “the crux of the matter.” It’s the essential component – the crucial element.
The Cross of Jesus is the “crux” of our salvation. Without it, we have no salvation. Jesus Christ, our Savior, made payment for our sin on the Cross. It is the central, critical, essential, and crucial means for our deliverance from sin.
The word “excruciating” is derived from “crux.” Jesus experienced excruciating pain on the Cross that we cannot fathom. His pain was not only physical in nature but also spiritual from the weight of all mankind’s sin. Thankfully, Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient.
Lord, may all who have not yet accepted Your gift of salvation meet You at the Cross today. In Jesus name, Amen.
Denise is a Registered Nurse who resides in Alabama with her husband. She looks forward to the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Contact
View our devotional on thousands of websites HERE , plus thousands go out by email and Twitter. FaithWriters members are encouraged to submit a devotional for publication HERE. Submissions are a maximum of 300 words which teaches you to write to topic and word count. Plus you will be spreading the news of Jesus with us. |
| | BIG NEWS FOR WRITERS SERIOUS ABOUT WRITING FOR JESUS! Direct Private Feedback on Challenge Entries From the Judges
"Thank you so much Deborah. I am learning so much from these reports! The POV shift Info was such an eye opener for me. I had no idea. I can better understand and focus on working on my weaknesses. Thank you for providing the direct links to lessons that address how to improve my skills. God bless you and all your hard work." Francie
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future." Proverbs 19:20 ESV
How can you dramatically improve your writing? Face our fear of critiques from advanced writers head-on.
We all like nice encouraging comments on our writing, but to really improve we need honest critiques of our work. Sincere critiques are given with the right spirit by fellow believing writers. Critiques that may be painful at times but are so valuable when they are sincerely considered.
We have just what you need to improve greatly. In-depth private feedback of your Challenge entries from the editors who judge the Challenge itself. These sugar-free critiques cover the eight judging categories used in the Challenge. They are designed for writers who have made a real decision to dramatically improve their writing skill. They are designed for you! We want you to grow and this is the best place to put your writing out there. Let fellow believers help you in this safe and caring environment before venturing out into an often harsh and cruel world.
Starting with the October 1st Challenge you can receive direct private feedback from the judges on three Challenge entries per quarter. This feedback will be based on the eight judging categories utilized by the judges when scoring entries.
Learn more about the New Challenge Ratings Reports HERE.
Enter the Challenge HERE.
Due to the manpower involved, Challenge Rating Reports are only included with Platinum memberships. Upgrade today and support the growth of Christian writers and the spread of the gospel in over 230 countries. Take advantage of this great new growth tool and UPGRADE HERE. We are so confident you will improve, we offer a money back guarantee option. |
| | Christmas Shopping on Amazon this Year?
You can help support FaithWriters by using our shop, save, support link in the top banner of the website. You can also click HERE and shop now. We greatly appreciate your support. |
| | 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. |
| | This Months Writing Lesson Preview
Be a Better Writer--MAN VS. NATURE CONFLICT
Postby glorybee » Sat Nov 14, 2015 10:01 am
In man vs. nature conflict, one character is pitted against the forces of nature. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that all man vs. nature stories are survival stories. There are several subcategories of nature, a few of which might surprise you.
1. Weather phenomena: hurricanes, floods, blizzards and the like. Think about movies like Twister, or the Jack London short story “To Build a Fire.”
2. Geographical structures: oceans, mountains, deserts. A great example of this would be the movie Castaway, or the recent book The Martian.
3. Animals: Examples of this would be Jurassic Park or Moby Dick.
4. The physical sciences: gravity, astronomy, chemistry. Lots of sci-fi will fall into this category. Remember The Fantastic Voyage, with the crew of an ultra-miniaturized craft piloting through a human body?
5. The human body: disease, injury, aging. Great examples of this would be My Left Foot or The Miracle Worker.
Why write a man vs. nature story? A few reasons occur to me, and I’m sure some of you can think of others.
1. Stories containing this conflict can be very exciting and adventurous. If you like to write action, this may be the conflict for you.
2. You have a great opportunity with this conflict to have your main character display (or learn) qualities such as bravery, determination, resourcefulness, compassion. A common theme in man vs. nature stories is overcoming.
|
| | | Ann's Bite Sized Grammar Lessons HERE. |
| | | Support Fellow Christian Authors
Read Great Christian Books Free In Exchange For A Review Many already have multiple five star reviews on Amazon.
The Christian Faith: A Quick Guide To Understanding Its Inter-Workings
Reid Ashbaucher
A quick and concise explanation to what the Christian faith is all about and how it all works.
This is just one example of over 30 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 87 reviews and it is listed in the top five books of its two categories. 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 a great book to read for FREE.
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. |
| | New Release: 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!
Limited Offer: Read for free in exchange for a review on FaithWriters and Amazon. Email Michael@faithwriters.com and request a copy.
|
| | Support FaithWriters
We now offer Silver members the ability to pay as little as $2.00 per month for their benefits to support FaithWriters. Go HERE and look for the Bronze membership option.
Fishers of Men in Over 230 Countries Together We Spread the Gospel on The Net
Together we are working to improve the writing skills of many Christian writers who will publish an untold number of articles and books pointing the lost to Jesus. At the same time we are casting a net on the web, an extremely important field ready for harvest. The enemy knows this and he is working hard on the internet to publish false and misleading material that leads people away from Jesus. As followers of Jesus we can make a difference by publishing the true message and pointing people to our Savior. Men and women from over 230 countries (View Countries Here) are drawn to the FaithWriters site by the various articles on the end of our virtual fishing pole. Many have no other way but the internet to find out about Jesus. They are able to learn a lot from our site and the sister-sites to which we have provided links. Many click on the sites we link to that offer in-depth information on Jesus because they are able to get more information in their native language.
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 on how Kimberly found God on the internet.
Recent email we received: "I will do so and find a good Bible-believing church to worship with other believers at. Thank you for helping in my new walk with Jesus, since I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. I'm very grateful to know and have new life in Jesus to lead me on the road to recovery from my sins. I will update you every so often to share what the Lord is doing with my faith and new life." Roger P.
Thank You FaithWriters!
FaithWriters needs your financial support. In doing so you gain access to more tools to improve your writing. At the same time you are helping foster the growth of new Christian writers and spreading the gospel in over 230 countries online. If you already support FaithWriters, we greatly appreciate it. Platinum is only .37 day and Gold is .20 day. Please Upgrade Here |
| | | | | | |
Be a blessing to someone today by letting others pray for you or by praying for them! |
| |
Don't Skimp on the Editing Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!
Joanne Sher is one of several editors offering editing services.
|
| | This Months FaithWriters 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.
|
| | |  |
Books added in the last month as described by each author.
NEW BOOKS WITHIN THE PAST 30 DAYS
Non-Fiction
The Beauty of Evangelism
Isaac Omolayo
Your Price: $2.99
To Follow: Beauty of Evangelism ix a christian handbook written to reintroduce believers to the all-important but neglected heartbeat of God.
While others seek "all other things" it is very important for true christian to "seek first the kingdom of God" and promote God"s business through Evangelism.
Login to Buy!
Women's Interest
Soles Defining Souls: Walking in the Shoes of Different Church Ladies . . . and Those Who Left
Lori Dixon
Your Price: $2.99
Over 150 women from around the world responded to a survey asking if they had been hurt by women in the church.
Using a light-hearted shoe analogy, their emotional testimonies were placed into 9 different soles:
Stella Stiletto - power shoe - leader
Penny Loafer - soft sole - introvert
from Amazon.com!
Free Reads For Reviews
Abuse of Trust
james rondinone
Your Price: $6.99
This book will help you understand how a church wrongfully uses the Word of God to their own advantage for the unreasonable exercise of power and exploitation. Furthermore, you will be informed that there is a way out from under this oppressive environment.
from Amazon.com!
|
| | | | Thanks for your Membership and Support!
|
| |
