FaithWriters November 2015
"I will forgive their iniquity, I will remember their sin no more.” Jer 31:34b
"News & Information for the Write Brained Christian" Devotional & Newest Member E-books Included
|
| | | A Hearty Congratulations to these FaithWriters Members!
Congratulations to the Teri Wilson on her novel, Unleashing Mr. Darcy, being turned into a Hallmark movie in early 2016.
Congratulations Dixie Lynn Phillips on Your 2015 Dove Award for the Southern Gospel Song of the Year.
Congratulations and thank you for the inspiration! |
| | | Be a Better Christian Writer Money Back Guarantee
We want you to be the best writer you can be for Jesus. We are convinced that our New Challenge Rating Reports will dramatically improve your writing. Therefore, we are offering a money back guarantee to Platinum members who will follow a simple plan of action we have set up. Go HERE |
| | | | BIG NEWS FOR WRITERS SERIOUS ABOUT WRITING FOR JESUS! Direct Private Feedback on Challenge Entries From the Judges
"This report is like gold to me. I can't thank you enough for the time and careful consideration spent on helping me. God bless everyone involved." 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. Let's read an excerpt from an article written by Deb Porter on the subject.
"Wielding the “holy inspiration” weapon against critique may protect a sensitive heart, but it does nothing to honor our creative and perfect God. Yes, He does often inspire His writers, but even when that happens, we are all imperfect clay vessels who need to hone and craft that inspiration so it shines for His glory and communicates His message in a clear and engaging way. That’s where critique comes in. In other words, instead of seeing critique and red ink as the enemy, see it (and the one offering the critique) as a blessing straight from the heart of God.
We often make the mistake of thinking that encouragement is only found in good, “positive” feedback. However, encouragement is wasted when a person thinks they already have it all together. Encouragement is a gift of truth, wrapped in love, and tied with grace. It is a shining beacon to help a person find their way when they wander off track (or were never on the track to begin with).
So instead of fighting against that helpful hand, or hiding with fingers in ears until the big, bad critique-giver goes away, step out with fearless confidence and receive the precious gift they are offering. (You can always exchange it later if it doesn’t fit.)" Deb Porter, Read this article entitled "Who's Afraid of Big Bad Critique" in full HERE.
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. |
| | NEVER MISS THAT PERFECT CHALLENGE TOPIC AGAIN. GO HERE and sign up in the right hand column for a weekly topic and posted results reminder by email. |
| | The Writing Challenge Will Improve Your Writing!
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Music (03/08/07)
TITLE: My peace
By Melanie Kerr
03/15/07
I will not call him
I will not speak out his name
And summon him to my side
I will not take the peace he offers
His lyre is in my hands now
I will play his songs
My fingers will pick out his melodies
But, elusive, I cannot hold them
This lyre sings for him
Why does it groan in my hand?
Soft notes sigh for him
For me they jangle and jar
His melodies usher in peace
He opens to door to stillness
His music comforts me
And my soul is restored
Without him
Anguish steals though the door
Comfort is absent
And distress overpowers me
Continue reading HERE.
Melanie Kerr, a local high school teacher, lives with her husband live in Inverness, Scotland. Find more of her writing and contact here HERE. |
| | 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
How to be Transformed Into His ImageMichael Edwards
As Christians we desire to be more like Jesus, but as we look in the mirror we behold our failures in the flesh. We struggle and battle unsuccessfully, attempting to produce the attributes we see in Jesus. We try to love our neighbor, be patient, stop sin, be peaceful like Jesus and we often fail. Unfortunately, if our way does work for a season, it often leads us into pride and the judgement of others who we now view as less Christ like. These struggles require no faith, just flesh.
God’s ways are not our ways; His way to be transformed is NOT FOUND in the works of the flesh, IT IS ONLY FOUND in Jesus Himself. "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." 2 Cor 3:18 NASB
We know Jesus is Holy (Heb 10:10), Perfect & Sanctified (Heb 10:14), Righteous (Rom 4:5). But did you know, these referenced verses and many more are specifically talking about who we are in Christ. This is what we are to behold, to see and believe by faith.
Transformation can only come when we look into that mirror and behold ourselves complete in the perfection of Christ as the Father see’s us, as the Bible teaches. “in Him you have been made complete” Col 2:10a NASB. And “as He is, so also are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17b NASB.
Look away from yourself, stop struggling in the flesh and beholding your sin. Humbly place yourself in the finished work of Jesus. By faith beholding: His Holiness, His Perfection, His Righteousness and His Glory as the reflection of your true identity. You are at this very moment, a new creation in Christ.
Stop walking in the flesh and stop sin by walking in the spirit HERE.
Our devotional is now on over 22,000 websites/blogs plus 15,000 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. |
| | NOW WITH THE JUDGES! Results posted by 12-1-15.
Ninth Annual Page Turner Contest
Winner to be Published!
2015 – CHRISTIAN FICTION
One Winner:
1. A fabulous cash prize of $500 (US);
2. The offer of traditional publication of their winning manuscript by Breath of Fresh Air Press;
3. Final editing of their manuscript (through Breath of Fresh Air Press);
4. Free publicity and marketing of their book on all FaithWriters' sites for twelve months following publication;
5. A special Page Turner Champion award plaque.
Two Page Turner runners-up will each receive:
1. A cash prize of $50 (US);
2. A special Page Turner award plaque; and
3. Consideration for future publication by Breath of Fresh Air Press
For more information on this opportunity go 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. More details soon. |
| | 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--BE A BETTER READER
Postby glorybee » Sat Aug 29, 2015 10:24 am
I’ve been rendered speechless a few times over my several years here at FaithWriters when I’ve read different people on the forums say something along the line of “I don’t read for enjoyment,” or even worse, “I don’t read much at all.” What would you think if you heard a would-be chef say, “I don’t care much for food, and I never taste new things. Peanut butter and jelly is just fine for me.” Or if an aspiring artist said, “I’ve never been to an art museum, and I don’t want to look at other artists’ work. I’m just going to keep putting paint on canvas the way that someone once told me was pretty.” Or what if a promising musician said, “I don’t listen to music very often, but when I do, I only listen to harmonica music. It’s the only kind of music I enjoy.”
These are all absurd examples—but all of those ridiculous people want to achieve in fields that, like writing, require a blend of natural talent, creativity, and training of specific skills. You can learn those skills in several ways: a class, a mentor, a critique group—but one of the best ways is to read. To read a lot. To read many different kinds of writing. To read writing by the best writers. And to read like a writer.
So let me elaborate on each of those points a bit.
1. People who want to be good writers should read a lot of books.
Recent polls have shown that the average American only reads six books a year (sorry, non-Americans—I don’t know about you). That’s not nearly enough reading! This article gives 10 advantages to reading; the ones that should particularly interest writers are knowledge, vocabulary expansion, and improved writing skills. Read the article for more on those points.
This article expands on that list: check out the explanations for #4, 8, 10, and 16.
I won’t attempt to re-write those very excellent articles, but I strongly advise that you read at least one of them.
2. People who want to be good writers should read many different kinds of writing.
Let me expand on one of the examples I gave in the first paragraph. An aspiring chef becomes better as she is exposed to more and more cooking styles and international cuisines. Similarly, the aspiring writer will get better as she reads more diverse writing styles and genres.
Some on this site have said they only read Christian books. That irks me a bit—they are limiting themselves by not reading the great diversity of literature available to them. I totally understand that some people are bothered by certain content, and I won’t ask people to do something that makes them uncomfortable. However, there are good books—even great books—without objectionable content, in every genre. And if you’re a person who can read edgier material, you’re missing out on some fantastic voyages if you limit yourself to only one genre or to only Christian writing.
There’s nothing wrong with having a favorite genre—I just urge you to read outside of your comfort zone every now and then. You may find something new that really appeals to you. You may read a new writing style or voice that stretches you or inspires you to try something new.
|
| | | 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.
Wider Than The Corners of This World
Melanie Kerr
This book of poetry has its roots in a vibrant faith in a living God. Neither remote nor reserved, God is intimate and involved in all aspects of life.
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 82 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
Exceptional Worth: Understand Your Worth In Christ
kathy dockett
Your Price: $2.99
Execptional Worth is a reminder of how Christ views us. His love is enough to satisfy every heart to repentance. Upon accepting Him, you will take on a whole new identity. Never let anyone tell you are less when you are more than you've ever dreamed of.
from Amazon.com!
Non-Fiction
Come Walk With The Father
Joseph LaValley
Your Price: $4.99
God wants us to know Him as a "good Father". We don't need to beg, or pry open His clenched fist to receive from Him. With His open hand of grace, He is freely offering to His children all that He has made available in and through Christ. h Come for a walk with the Father....
Login to Buy!
Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
Soldier With a Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneously
Linda Wattley
Your Price: $5.99
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the hidden love killer, is instrumental in creating a world of alienation in the human experience. It is written to form a silent unity of hope and understanding for individuals experiencing or knowing someone with PTSD and to reveal a needed truth about it.
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!
|
| |
