FaithWriters October 2014
"News & Information for the Write Brained Christian" Today's Devotional and the Newest Member E-books Included
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| | Thanks to all who entered the Testimony Contest. The judges are starting to report back. We will email the winners and post them on the site as soon as we have them. |
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The 2014 Page Turner Contest Deadline is 10/31/14 Includes Publication just like our 2013 winner Theresa Santy
Calling all non-fiction writers! The eighth annual Page Turner Contest is now open for submissions! All that’s required is the first chapter of your completed or just-started non-fiction manuscript, along with a synopsis of the entire book. This could be just what you need to spur you on to fulfilling that dream of being a publishing author! You have plenty of time to enter, but now is a great time to start brainstorming, plotting, and outlining. Deadline is October 31st, 2014. Winners will be announced in December.
First Prize: $800 cash, editing of your entire manuscript, possibility of publication and more! For complete guidelines, visit the official contest page: PAGE TURNER Earns Credits Towards Xulon Raffle |
| | Big News FaithWriters!
Raffle For An Additional Xulon Press Publishing Package
Open to all Silver, Gold and Platinum members with NO manuscript submission requirements or judging.
We wanted to make the last comprehensive publishing package Xulon has graciously offered us to a wider group of members. Many who may not yet have the ability to win a writing contest but have a real vision from God. Therefore we are running an old fashioned raffle where the winner can publish any type of Christian book they desire. You must be a FaithWriters member and enter this specific drawing to be eligible. You even have the option to greatly improve your chances of winning by completing over 30 simple tasks on FaithWriters (Like us on Facebook, Tweet, post articles, comment on articles, read free books, subscribe to our devotional, write a devotional, enter the Challenge, critique articles and more). Each task has a different point value from one to ten entry credits and some can be done every day to build up entries. There is no limit to the number of entries you can earn and the more you do the greater your chances of winning. At the end of the contest the winners will be drawn randomly.
Go HERE and scroll down the page to the third publishing package contest and read the details. While you are there take a look at all of the publishing contests. Platinum members can enter all four, Gold can enter two and Silver can enter today's newly released raffle.
Xulon (zoo' lon): Greek word used by John to describe the Book of Life in Revelation. |
| | Congratulations Quarterly Challenge WINNERS!
The judges top pick from each level wins a $50 cash prize. Click on a title to read and comment.
Many members do not enter the Challenge and if that's you, you're missing out Big Time. The Challenge will challenge your thinking and writing ability each week to write an entry of 750 words or less to topic and deadline. It will make you think outside of the box, engaging your reader and keeping them to the end, exactly what every author wants. Additionally you will be able to get the kinks out of your writing with priceless feedback from fellow believers in a safe and caring atmosphere. Thousands of writers have entered the Challenge and many have worked their way from the Beginners to the Master level, having fun and improving their writing by leaps and bounds. Countless members have emailed us with heartfelt thanks for the Challenge has what it has done to improve their writing.
The Challenge starts back up on 10-2-14 from its current break. Make sure you ENTER and reap one of the greatest benefits of your FaithWriters membership.
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| | | How to Improve Your Writing Without Writing a Word By Chandra Moira Beal
Writing does not consist merely of creating words; it is the culmination of our life experiences translated through our selves. These experiences come from every corner of life and influence our writing in a myriad of ways. Although writing every day is still the best practice, there are many ways to improve your skills without really writing at all. Here are a few:
1. Read: Reading a wide variety of authors and styles is one of the best creative stimuli. Every time I read a new book I grow as a writer. I learn new words; I notice phrasing and construction; I think about what moves me as the reader. Reading someone else's words helps get the writing juices going and often inspires me.
2. Walk: Take a walk in the middle of your work day or when you feel yourself getting stuck or losing energy. Exercise will get your circulation going and deliver oxygen to your brain, clearing it of that incessant "mind chatter". Thinking too much is sometimes what kills the writing spark. As you walk, notice abstract details such as the color of a house, flowers blooming, or the shapes of clouds. You never know when a street sign, a window display, or an overheard conversation will inspire you. Some of my best ideas come when I'm walking, showering or driving. When you stop thinking about writing, ideas seem to pop up everywhere.
3. Talk: I used to think that my writing wasn't "real" until it got published. Rubbish! Your writing exists the moment you have an idea. Use every opportunity to talk about your work, including the seeds of new stories, your current projects and your frustrations. If you have access to a writers' group, utilize it. It is healthy to get your ideas and projects "out there" so your work has some tangible value and you're not creating in isolation. Activating your writing creates momentum. By sharing it, you will create a sense of legitimacy for yourself, and others will respond to your confidence.
Finish reading Chandra's article and find other articles to improve your writing HERE. |
| | | FaithWriters Great Multitude Daily Devotional Requesting Submissions
Great opportunity to build up the body of Christ while getting exposure as a writer. Devotional is now on over 13,000 websites/ blogs with an additional 15,000 going out each day by email and twitter.
The link to submission guidelines is at the bottom of THIS PAGE. |
| | | Christian Fiction Contest is Open Winner to Receive a Xulon Publishing Package Earns Credits Towards Xulon Raffle
1) PLATINUM MEMBER CONTEST – Fiction entries with a sound biblical message
If you have completed a manuscript or have an idea for a fiction book with a sound underlying Biblical message, this contest is for you. Simply submit at least the first chapter by November 30, 2014. There will be one winning entry, and the author will receive a Xulon publishing package. Click on the following link for full details:
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| | Do You Know How Much The Father Loves You? Just As Much As He Loves Jesus.
I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:23 NLT |
| | Unconditional Love
By Amber Leggette-Aldrich
What is unconditional love? The dictionary defines it as an intense feeling of tender affection and compassion, complete and guaranteed, with no conditions or limitations or provisions attached. Is it real? Yes.
I have heard the term “unconditional love” many times, but never really gave it much thought. The words “I love you” are thrown around so lightly and so often without any true purpose or real meaning, they begin to lose their effect in our lives. Too often we take our words for granted and speak them out of habit, without consideration of their true meanings.
As a writer, the words I put on paper are chosen carefully with much thought and intention. However the words that come out of my mouth are not always chosen carefully and the meanings are not always clear to the listener. This was brought to my attention one day a few years ago when my son asked me if I was going to marry our cat. I said no, of course not, to which he replied, “But you said you love him”. It occurred to me that it must be terribly confusing to a child trying to learn and understand all the different meanings that some words have. Especially when the child takes things so literally, as my son does. Trying to explain the concept and meaning of the word love proved to be very difficult. I tried to explain that sometimes we use the word love to simply express an emotion of affection, and he asked me “why can’t people just say what they mean?” I realized then that in order for him to truly understand the meaning, I would have to phrase it differently. So I began telling him “you hold my heart” instead of “I love you”. I explained to him that the spirit of the heart is fragile and must be treated gently and with great care. I also explained that it should only be given to those you trust not to break it. He understood this explanation, and since that time, I have seen through the emotion in his eyes that he feels it when he tells me “momma, you hold my heart”. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I didn’t understand the full meaning of love myself. I was only just beginning to learn.
A few months ago there was an incident when my son was scolded and sent to his room. A short time later he came to me and threw his arms around me and said he didn’t want for me to stop loving him. I asked him what made him think I would stop loving him and he replied, “because I did a bad thing”. I told him that I may feel disappointed or upset, or even angry with him at times, but I would never stop loving him. He asked me why and I said, “because you are my child, a precious gift from God for which I will always be thankful”! Since that conversation I have given much thought to the meaning of unconditional love.
Last month our Pastor gave a challenge to the congregation, to read the entire New Testament in a month. I am almost finished now, and I find my thoughts continuing to focus on the concept of unconditional love. When I read the chapter on the crucifixion, (Luke 23) I remembered watching Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of Christ” and I thought about some of the feelings that movie provoked for me personally. Perhaps it is because I am a mother who has lost a child that I identified and felt a connection to Mary, the mother of Jesus, in that movie. She was shown in several scenes watching as the atrocities were being done, and she watched as He died. How strong her heart and faith must have been to endure such an agony! To witness the persecution and know it must be done, yet this was her son! To think about how she must have felt brought such a powerful and overwhelming emotion into my heart, I knew in an instant that I had just had a glimpse of understanding the true meaning of unconditional love.
Since that time I have had several memories of witnessing that kind of love, and each time it has been between a parent and their child. I believe that it can exist between spouses and siblings as well, though the intensity of love seems to waver somewhat in those relationships.
Recently I was with a friend while she was reading something written by one of her children. I didn’t know what it was about at the time, but I saw the tears in her eyes. Several days later I had the privilege of reading the beautiful words her son wrote and I remembered so clearly the look on her face. It was joy and sorrow, pain and hope, faith and disappointment, pride and contentment. It was unconditional love! As I thought about the look on her face, it occurred to me that it must be the same look on God’s face as He looks at us, as His children!
I still remember the feelings in my heart so clearly, when I held each of my children for the first time. The awe, and warmth and joy, the worries and concerns, and the hopes and dreams, all of these things and more, all wrapped up in one word…love! And I remember the feelings of disappointment as well as pride, watching them grow and learn, watching them experiencing life and love. I know what it feels like to be a parent. And I know what it is like to be someone’s child. When I was younger I didn’t understand or appreciate the things my parents did for me, or why they did them. Now I know they did these things because they loved me. Now I understand, and I am thankful for all that they did (and still continue to do) for me! I am no longer the stubborn and rebellious child that I once was. Now when my parents ask something of me, I try to the best of my ability to do it. I try, not out of obligation or because I am supposed to, but because they love me and I love them.
Through understanding the bonds between a parent and child, my perception and relationship with God changed when I began to think of Him as my parent. Now, as I read the Scriptures, I see them as instructions from a Father who loves me. And I try to follow those instructions because I love Him.
My eyes have been opened to a new life and my heart has been forever changed. Finish Reading Article Here
Amber is a Christian writer who loves and writes for the Lord from Alaska. Contact |
| | Freedom in Christ - Are You Rooted & Established In Gods Love?
Paul's Prayer: ...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Eph 3:17-19 NIV
Are you suffering from doubt, reoccurring sin, condemnation, fear, worry, stress, guilt, shame, depression or addiction? Are your struggles keeping you from being the writer God is calling you to be? You can break free and leave your fears behind no matter how long you have been struggling. The key is to be Established in God's love and our Righteousness in Christ. If you really want the freedom and peace Jesus promised us and are willing to make a thirty day all out commitment, your transformation awaits.
Take our thirty day challenge HERE and see what happens. We have already had great feedback. Then let us know what happens to you. Earns Credits Towards Xulon Raffle. |
| | | Christian Fiction Contest is Open Winner to Receive a Xulon Publishing Package Earns Credits Towards Xulon Raffle
1) PLATINUM MEMBER CONTEST – Fiction entries with a sound biblical message
If you have completed a manuscript or have an idea for a fiction book with a sound underlying Biblical message, this contest is for you. Simply submit at least the first chapter by November 30, 2014. There will be one winning entry, and the author will receive a Xulon publishing package. Click on the following link for full details:
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| | Current Testimony submissions are with the judges. Winners will be emailed when the judges all report back.
Testimony Book - Trials and Triumphs Available in our store & on Amazon The Powerful and Personal Testimonies of Forty FaithWriters
Support fellow members by getting a copy of this inspiring book, which contains 40 true stories from members who live for Jesus no matter what. These testimonies are powerful and encouraging, and maybe just what you need to strengthen your faith. Makes a great book to leave on your coffee table for a conversation starter. Check it out! http://faithwriters.com/testimonies.php.
Earns Credits Towards Xulon Raffle |
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Xulon Publishing Package
Ten percent discount for Platinum members and five percent for Gold. These discounts are off Xulon's best advertised price at the time you commit to purchase. This discount could potentially save you hundreds off a publishing package with them.
Don't let a shortage of funds stop you from fulfilling your publishing dream!
Xulon Press offers interest free payment plans to get you started. We’ll even work on your book while you’re making timely payments.Call your Author Consultant at 866-381-2665 to discuss the payment option that's best for you!
Make sure to tell them you are a FaithWriters member and want your discount. If you are not currently upgraded you could very well save twice the cost or more of your FaithWriters membership making upgrading at FaithWriters something to consider. |
| | Are You Missing Out on a Huge FaithWriters Advantage?
We have paid editors who visit the Critique Circle on a regular basis and they are telling us they need more submissions. This is a real chance to receive some very constructive and private critiques of your writing. Earns Credits Towards Xulon Raffle. |
| | Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional Posted on Over 13,000 Websites Plus 15,000 Distributed by Email and Twitter
Receive it by email or place it on your website HERE
New Lands - by Karen Pourbabaee
“Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk…to a land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1
Like Abraham, many of us have gone forth from familiar lands. Most of us have not lived in our hometowns or even home states throughout our lifetimes. Some have even been called to new countries! As children, perhaps we moved to other places because of parental job changes, leaving places we called home for uncertain abodes. Later we may have relocated to complete education, follow a spouse in marriage, or for our own career moves. It’s not easy to leave what we once knew and loved, leaving behind memories and loved ones.
First, listen regularly and intently to God’s call, being open to embrace new places and ways of living. God beckons us to new spiritual landscapes, to leave lands more difficult to walk away from. Many times over we must walk from the land of pride to the place of humility. From bitterness and anger to the land of forgiveness. From grief and despair to His oasis of comfort. We must leave the guilt and condemnation trap and allow Him to deliver us to the land of Mercy. What others lands have you been called to leave and journey toward?
All of these new lands He will show you… these cities within His kingdom. We’re invited throughout our earthly pilgrimage to travel and explore His heavenly realm. To leave behind that which hinders, keeping us from destiny. When you hear that beckon call, let faith arise and start walking. One step He asks, then He shall walk with you. Like Abraham, father of our faith, go forth!
Karen is a Christian writer who spent much of her life in the nursing field. She lives in Oklahoma. Contact
FaithWriters members are encouraged to submit a devotional for publication HERE. Earns Credits Towards Xulon Raffle. |
| | | | | | | DISCOUNT - Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace
The newly updated and expanded version of this award-winning title is packed with valuable information on promoting books in the unique Christian marketplace. This is the essential resource for anyone involved in producing and promoting Christian books.You will find many great ideas you need to market your book, and FaithWriters has negotiated a member discount .
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Be a blessing to someone today by letting others pray for you or by praying for them! |
| | Really Big News For Free Silver Members! FaithWriters Private Messenger Available to You Now
All members can now receive direct private messages from anyone interested in their writing through private messenger. If you had previously listed your email address in your profile, it should be removed now to reduce potential spam to your email address. Private messenger provides you with a level of privacy and security you did not have when posting your actual email address.
Note: Private messages with job opportunities will still only be sent to upgraded members. If you want to benefit from those opportunities you will need to upgrade HERE. |
| | Fishers of Men Together We Spread the Gospel
We wanted to remind you that FaithWriters is unique in its dual purpose: We are writers and evangelists. On FaithWriters, you'll find fiction, non-fiction, poems, devotionals, Bible studies and other articles written from a Christian perspective; content you will not find on a site that is strictly evangelistic in nature, or on a general writing site. With so much variety, we receive many visitors who might not go to a traditional evangelism site. Many may not even be looking for Jesus, but Jesus still meets them when they visit. In our experience, God tends to find people where they are in their life. This may be while they are reading your article about marriage or divorce. It might happen when they read about struggles with sin or your fictional story. What we are saying is to keep on submitting your various pieces that could only be authored by you. You never know who will be touched and moved by your work.
The internet is an extremely important field ready for harvest. The enemy knows this and he is working hard on the internet to lead people down the wrong path. As followers of Jesus we can make a difference by publishing the true message and pointing people to Jesus. Men and women from over 225 countries are drawn to the FaithWriters site by the various articles on the end of our virtual fishing pole. Many have no other way than 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.
Hundreds of people from around the world have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior directly through FaithWriters. Plus, as mentioned, we refer many people to other sites to help answer their questions and accommodate their language. We know it is not about just about numbers. We also know that accepting Jesus and confessing Him is just where it starts. It is honor to consider the fact that God would use us in this way. The numbers are encouraging for us though and we will love encouragement.
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 and responded to: "I have been married for almost two years. I am a believer in Christ Jesus. I am a sinner that needs understanding on how to get over a cheating wife that I love. How to forget and forgive." Bruce
Please pray for Bruce.
Thank You FaithWriters!
Many Blessings from the FaithWriters Staff |
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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.
Earns Credits Towards Xulon Raffle |
| | | Platinum Members are Eligible to Enter ALL Contests During the YearUpgrade today and support FaithWriters
At FaithWriters, we want to help you grow as a writer as we work together to spread the gospel. We really appreciate all of our members. However, like any business, we have website overhead, employees, and other expenses. Because most FaithWriters are free Silver members, please consider helping FaithWriters by UPGRADING to Platinum or UPGRADING to Gold. We promise to do all we can to give you a lot more than it costs. Another way you can help is by purchasing products through our Amazon links. They are found at the top of most site pages and are entitled Shop, Save, Support. We thank you for your prayers and support. -- Mike & Bea and the FaithWriters staff
Earns Credits Towards Xulon Raffle |
| | 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.
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| | | | Books added in the last month as described by each author.
Biblical studies
Deuteronomy
Wayne Mac Leod
Your Price: $4.99
A Devotional Look at How Moses Prepared His People to Enter the Land of Promise
from Amazon.com!
Numbers
Wayne Mac Leod
Your Price: $4.99
A Devotional Look at How God Led His People Through the Wilderness
from Amazon.com!
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Non-Fiction
Successful Habits: Life is a Journey
Ron Parker
Your Price: $7.99
The keys to a better life – are not as elusive as one might imagine. How about a down to earth – proven – easy to follow guide to enrich your life; quickly and decisively? And knowing it was written by someone just like you!
It is Easier then you ever imagined!!
Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
Lessons of Life - The Path to God
Ron Parker
Your Price: $8.99
Would you like a romp through everyday adventures – loaded with humor – that clearly leads to God’s Hand? Here we have a series of adventures/misadventures – that even has a little rascal in the story – but unmistakably shows a divine plan. We find God in the most unlikely places!
from Amazon.com!
Supervention: When God Intervenes to Change The Outcome Supernaturally It's Called Supervention
Harriett Ford
Your Price: $13.50
The work of Jesus is a never-ending story. As a believer, H L Ford says she has never raised a dead person, but as a reporter, she has interviewed people who have. She has never seen the Shekinah glory of God, but has encountered others who have. She has never glimpsed heaven, but she has met ....
from Amazon.com!
Happy Graduation-Take God With You.
mitzi young
Your Price: $2.99
This book is written for high school & college graduates, graduation gift.A book written of knowledge, & wisdom of Gods love for them to have faith, hope & dream with Gods help.You are created to need God.In every situation you face in life.Knowing their is power in knowing God.Warnings of character
from Amazon.com!
Creator Of My Heart: A New Heart Is What I Need
Elizabeth Gordon
Your Price: $9.95
Did you know that God has told us that other people would envy us? Reasoning is, because of our Spiritual wisdom and knowledge that we obtain from Him. We have an advantage over those who do not understand this secret.
from Amazon.com!
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Children
Angel Inspired
Roseann Sparacia
Your Price: $6.39
Join Angel and Jackie in their everyday adventures with their mother, Roseann. Through their crazy explorations in the park, to their scary time in the bath, these little dogs learn about self esteem and being unique, fear and trusting in God, and his unconditional love.
from Amazon.com!
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| | | | Thanks for your Membership and Support!
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