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FaithWriters December 2022 We Wish Everyone a Very Happy and Blessed Christmas Filled with Jesus!
News & Information for the Write Brained Christian Growing Christian Writers and Spreading the Gospel in over 230 Countries |
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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
“Celebrating Christmas—Sharing the Gift”
by Sandra Fischer
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift ~ 2 Corinthians 9:15 NASB
Christmas! How do we celebrate? Gift-giving, cookie baking, card-sending, church-attending, choir-singing, charity-giving, neighborhood-caroling, tree-decorating, party-hosting, present-wrapping, package-sending, family-visiting, travel-planning and more! The list of how we celebrate today seems unending.
What a contrast to that first Christmas, when angels proclaimed the birth of the Christ child in a heavenly celebration with one shining star as the only decoration. As far as any party for Jesus’ birthday (which was actually His “earthday”) we’re told that a few shepherds were invited and came not for treats or games or cake but to worship Him.
Later, Magi appeared bringing gifts to honor the young boy child. And centuries later, the exchanging of gifts to celebrate Christmas began and has continued, although it is still Jesus’ birthday, not ours. The intent of gift-giving is to replicate the love God showed us by giving us His Son, but has it become a dutiful act, just a tradition?
Do we comprehend this Jesus—the Christ--is God’s gift to the whole world bringing eternal salvation for those who believe and receive Him? Do we consider that many people have not received that gift? Perhaps a better gift than another tie for Uncle Harry or a poinsettia for neighbor Millie would be sharing why Christ came and what He did for them and for the world, including them.
If we love Jesus, should we not love to tell the story of the cross as well as the one of the cradle? Should we not celebrate what His death, burial, and resurrection mean to us and for all who love His appearing and how we wait in expectation for His coming again?
Christmas! Lord, help us to share the Gift that lasts forever so angels celebrate again when someone receives Your Gift—Christ!
Sandra is a FaithWriters Platinum member, check out her books or message her HERE.
Help us spread the good news of Jesus around the world. The FaithWriters devotional is on thousands of websites, plus thousands go out by email and Twitter daily. They are also published about 90 days after FaithWriters on I-Disciple HERE. Members are encouraged to submit an edited devotional for publication HERE. Submissions are a maximum of 350 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.
The devotional appears on many unique websites around the world. Sites like the Kenmure Church of Scotland, Los Angeles Police Wives Association, Shields of Christ, Slavic Youth Fellowship, Go the Distance Radio Ministry, New Life Assembly, Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Metropolitan Baptist Church, ETBS South Africa, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Group Seven Technology , Nassau Tabernacle of Praise , Police Wives of America and Christian Hope Church U.K. |
| | Three Opportunities to Be Bold and Courageous in Christ!
1) Share the Gospel from Your Home - with People Actively Seeking Jesus 2) Pray Together Weekly with Thousands Over Important Topics 3) Write and Post Articles Offering Jesus to The Lost and Encouraging the Saints
1) Have you ever wanted to do more for God, but did not know how to get started or what to do? What if you could share the gospel from home (on the phone or by text) with people who contact you directly and are actively seeking Jesus. (Calls and texts are funneled through a secure platform to your phone. Callers do not get your phone number.) Would you be interested in offering these seekers eternal life and building treasure in heaven for yourself? If you would, watch the video HERE to see what one woman in this program has done from home to lead the lost to Christ. Then go HERE and scroll down to learn more and volunteer.
You can volunteer for as little as one hour per week or more if you like. Free training is provided These calls are from people who are actively seeking Jesus and eternal life. I encourage you to volunteer for this program. I have taken these calls before and just signed up to take them again. You will be greatly blessed.
2) Join Intercessors for America and Pray together with thousands for important topics in the United States and around the world. They have live prayer calls several times a week and groups for the world, the United States and for each state. If you have been called to pray, this is a great organization to join and make a real difference in the spiritual battle. They also partner with Voter Voice in the United States and make it very easy to let your local politicians know your approval of or opposition towards pending legislation. They do all the work for you and you just click a few buttons. Go HERE to learn more and sign up.
3) Write and post articles designed to lead the lost to Christ and to encourage the body of Christ in the faith. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit what to write. Then ask Him to anoint and bless your articles so they get to the right people. Then trust that your prayer has been answered and write and post another one. You never know what the Holy Spirit can do with articles that are in line with God's will. Someday in Heaven, you may be meeting some of those people who came to Christ because of your article.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:20 - 21 NIV
You can do this for Jesus!
Please bless us by letting us know if you sign up to pray or take calls or texts from those seeking Jesus. |
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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
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 of 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) This first one was from a person who hacked FaithWriters a few years ago. We feared the entire site might be lost. We prayed for our hackers and posted articles letting them know that their salvation was more important than the website. The shutdown of the site stopped and we received this message through our evangelism page. I am certain is was our hacker.
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 one 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.
9) "Jesus is my Lord and Savior, please save us from witchcraft, sorcery, divination, polygamy, immorality, astral projection, pride, all sin iniquity fathers, false religion, false gods, show me your way, give me purity, holiness, give me Jesus true, save me from work of devil, and evil spirit, kingdom of darkness be destroyed, give me holiness, save us from Satan and his work, premature death, I need to serve Jesus, thank You Jesus, Amen." Anna S.
We wish you many blessings in Christ and thank you for your support! Michael & Bea Edwards and everyone at FaithWriters
Free E-Book to build up your faith and help your friends and family come to Christ. |
| | | | The Writing Challenge - Guaranteed to Improve Your Writing!
TITLE: A Christmas Recipe | Writing Challenge
By Melanie Kerr
10/16/08 ~ 1st Place
Begin with a night, so silent and still
Across the expanse a million stars spill
Cast into the heavens a star really bright
That fair draws the eye, with radiant light
Stir in a stable, a mother with child
A manger to lay him with hay freshly piled
A father to watch them, a smile on his face
Amazed to be part of God's glorious grace
Fold into the mixture a trio of kings
Complete with their camels and valuable things
Empty the gold, frankincense, myrrh
Hearts full of worship and gently stir
A pinch of shepherds, and handful of sheep
On a Bethlehem hillside sharp and steep
Blend in a choir with a heavenly tune
In the warm silver glow of a cold winter moon
Generously spread a dollop of joy
Lashings of laughter for a Saviour boy
Sprinkle with wishes for peace on the earth
Liberally douse with a belly of mirth
Cook in a prophecy, a secret foretold
Wrapped in a promise, spoken of old
Simmer and watch tepid hearts start of glow
Bear witness as mustard seed faith starts to grow
Dole out a portion to each hungry soul
That fills hollow hearts and makes all men whole
A dish to remember as each year goes by
The taste in our tongues no money can buy
Read more from Melanie, leave her a comment on this great poem, and contact her HERE.
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| | Congratulations to Our Annual Best of the Best Winners!!
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| | Do This Today!
Do You Always Keep a Copy of Your Articles? We STRONGLY recommend you do this today and occasionally in the future as you add more articles
We appreciated your patience when FaithWriters was down for over two days a few months ago, due to issues with our service provider. The issue we experienced makes this message of even more importance. We do not want you to lose your articles. Therefore, we have been pushing this for over a year and hope you have already taken advantage of it. You can download a copy of your articles in mass, with one click on the site. If you post regularly, go back and do this once a month or so to capture your newest submissions.
We back up the site regularly but cannot give you a 100% guarantee of there permanent safety. Things happen online as you know. Hackers are a big issue and some out there would like to take a Christian site down. We have had attacks and issues in the past. Thankfully, we do not keep any of your financial information.
If you log into the site and look in the middle left column of the My Account page under Update and Manage Your Profile/Account, you will see the following link on the website.
Click Here to Download a Copy of Your Articles in Mass
When you are logged into the site, click on that link on the website and a copy of your articles will be downloaded to your computer in a zip file. It will be fairly quick depending on your internet speed and number of articles. Save them to your computer or a thumb drive. While this should download all of your articles, sometimes a couple are missed for some unknown reason. Therefore, double check the downloaded articles by opening each one on your computer. If an important one is missed, you will need to manually copy it to your records from the site. Then going forward, make sure to keep a copy of each new article you post.
KEEP COPIES OF YOUR ARTICLES!!! Make sure to do this today to protect your writing. Log in HERE. |
| Love getting comments and critiques on your articles? We all do.
The encouragement from your comment could change a persons entire day.
We are asking all members to commit to being a blessing by commenting on a few Challenge entries each 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.
We also encourage you to comment on regular articles weekly. There really are some great articles if you take a few minutes to look. Think of the encouragement we can be if many of us commented on one article per week or even per day! Just look at the top 200 titles and choose one that draws your attention.
Reading the work of others and critiquing them on a regular basis, helps us grow as writers. Both parties benefit.
Thank you to all our members who do leave comments on a regular basis. You will reap what you have sown.
You Are Just One Comment Away From Being and Receiving a Great Blessing. |
| | 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.
We strongly encourage our Christian fiction writers to enter the Challenge.
Use your creativity to weave a story filled with the truth of Christ.
"Dear Michael, I candidly thank you and your Team.
Awesome, thank you so much! I am inordinately delighted. Faithwriters.com is a wonderful trainer! I started as a novice, a few years ago, now I am a Master Writer! Glory be to God, the Omni-All [potent, omniscient, present, loving, forgiving, providing, faithful...]. You have made, not only my day, but also my whole year [2022]. AMEN." Robert Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:31
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| | We can learn and improve our own writing by reading the winners.
While you are there, sow some good seed by leaving a comment.
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Be The Best Writer You Can Be For JesusUpgrade to Platinum for Rating Reports from the Judges
Direct Judge Feedback on Your Challenge Entry Rating Reports Included with Platinum Membership - Learn More HERE.
Be a Better Christian Writer Six Month Program - Learn More HERE |
| | Writing Challenge “Changing of the Guard”
Hello, Challeengers! The FaithWriters Writing Challenge is undergoing a change starting next quarter. Joanne Sher, who has been the Writing Challenge Coordinator for the past 3 ½ years and a FaithWriters member for sixteen, is stepping aside to focus on other things. Starting July 1, the new FaithWriters Writing Challenge Coordinator will be long-time member (since 2005) and message board moderator Shari Armstrong. Shari has entered the Challenge almost 100 times and was a Challenge judge for many years.
So, be sure to welcome Shari - and help her build up the number of entries by submitting regularly next quarter. Her first challenge topic will be announced on Thursday, July 7. She hopes to see you on the list!
Welcome, Shari! |
| | Platinum Member Books
Now Appear in Over 100 Site Ads
Promote your Christian book on FaithWriters, and you will help 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.
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| | Writing Challenge - Time to Start!
Go HERE to main Writing Challenge page for more information. Free Silver members get to try the Challenge up to four times with their membership. Enter today!
I am inordinately delighted. Faithwriters.com is a wonderful trainer! I started as a novice, a few years ago, now I am a Master Writer! Glory be to God, the Omni-All [potent, omniscient, present, loving, forgiving, providing, faithful...]. You have made, not only my day, but also my whole year [2022]. AMEN. Robert
I want to thank Faithwriters for helping me improve my writing skills. The resources you have provided the writers are extraordinary. Thank you, Art
"I thank God for how FaithWriters has opened doors for my writing, with the Weekly Challenge a constant encouragement. Receiving positive encouragement is a great buzz, but the creative treatment of topics by other members is also to be inspired to explore new writing genres." Noel
"Hello, I wanted to take a minute to thank you for the FW program/website. It helped me hone writing skills and learn to write on a consistent basis. Before I found your site, I was pretty hit and miss with my hobby, but largely through your ministry, I've become a professional writer. Amazing!" Deborah
"The Weekly Challenge met every challenge I needed to become a writer, in a fun and safe environment that created new friendships as well as the excitement of becoming published." Pat
"Some of my most gratifying experiences in writing have come from The Challenge. Aptly named, we truly are challenged to up our game by experienced writers and encouraged in the process." Nancy
"I was absolutely clueless about good writing skills when I started participating in FaithWriters Challenge. I thank God for the Challenge. I have learned so much and honed my writing. And making friends along way has been added bonus." Leola
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Don't Skimp on the Editing Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!
Joanne Sher is a longtime FaithWriters member and former English teacher. Editing is one of her loves and talents. She has had assorted short fiction and nonfiction published in magazines and anthologies, and she has edited works of all lengths, from microfiction to novel-length manuscripts.
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| | Great Study to Read Before Our Holiday Get Togethers with Family and Friends
Escaping Offense, A Trap of the Enemy
Michael Edwards
Offense is the mechanism that closes the trap down on the unsuspecting victim, holding the hunter's prey where he wants it so he can kill, steal and destroy.
Have you ever been offended? Do you remember how it felt?
Offense is very prevalent in this world and also in the body of Christ. In the church, offense is a huge stumbling block to the salvation of the lost, our ability to work in unity as the body of Christ, and to our own personal freedom in Christ. Offense has broken up many church's and caused much division in the body of Christ.
For many years, I never paid attention to the numerous warnings in the Bible about offense and the trap that it is. When I first took notice of the warnings, I was not even sure if I had been offended or caused offense to anyone. But once I realized what it was, I knew that I had fallen into the offense trap, and led others into it, an untold number of times in my life.
The words used for offense in the New Testament, literally mean the trigger of a trap, the place in a trap where the bait is hung, and to fall into a trap.
4624 skandalízō – properly, set a snare ("stumbling-block"); (figuratively) "to hinder right conduct or thought; to cause to stumble" – literally, "to fall into a trap" (Abbott-Smith)
4625 skándalon – properly, the trigger of a trap (the mechanism closing a trap down on the unsuspecting victim); (figuratively) an offense, putting a negative cause-and-effect relationship into motion. A stick for bait (of a trap).
As followers of Christ, I believe it is critical to see offense for what it is and how it can imprison us, destroy our lives and the lives of others. While we cannot prevent others from doing things that have the potential to offend us, we can learn how to stay out of the trap called offense and to avoid offending others.
Satan's Trap
Many times, in my life, I fell into the trap of offense. When I think about it, I felt hurt in some way by another person, something they did, did not do, or something they said or failed to mention, to name a few. Quite often, they had no idea what they had done, and other times they seemed to do it on purpose. I never really knew, because I was too prideful and not wise enough to ask them for clarification at the time. I have also offended many people in my life by what I have said or done. Usually not on purpose, but sometimes it was. When I consider the times I have offended others, I understand now that I was often careless and demonstrated a lack of love by something I did or said, which to God is always sin. So, I believe the same holds true when I have been offended; I perceive a lack of love, true or imagined, from the other person.
When I am offended, I tend to shut down towards the person, preferring not to have anything to do with them at the moment. I feel hurt and harden my heart to protect myself even if they did it on accident, which is often the case. It can make me unreasonable and stubborn, unwilling to listen. If the offense is bad enough, and I allow it, it can turn into anger, resentment, unforgiveness, and bitterness that leads me to avoid the person for the long term. I believe our pride has a lot to do with leading us into the offense trap and often keeping us there. Maybe that is part of the reason why pride is an abomination to God.
One of the worst forms of offense is when we get offended at someone because they were offended by us. Maybe they misunderstood us or maybe we shared a truth or tried to be honest about our feelings with a family member or friend and they were offended. When we become offended in return, it is the opposite of how we are called to act and now we are both in a trap. I have seen this in my family and in other families. It has separated many mothers and daughters and fathers and sons. When we let that happen, Satan wins.
When I look at offense from this perspective, I can see how debilitating and ugly it is in a person's life. There is a lot of pain and struggle that comes upon the offended party and those they love.
Our experiences being offended should help us wake up and begin to refuse the temptation to become offended and to offend others. We do not need to live our lives walking on eggshells in an attempt to not offend. Doing our best to walk in love at all times is the answer. Sometimes, love requires honest talk and taking the time to make sure we are not misunderstood. If we sense we have offended a person, we often have the power to release them from the offense trap by making sure they understand what we meant. Clarification will usually set us free if we become offended too. We just need to be honest, tell them we feel offended, and ask the other person to explain.
A man's insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. Prov 19:11 BSB
There are also times when I have heard a truth, and I did not want to believe it, leading to offense. In that case, it was a matter of my will, not the truth. The word for offense in the Greek also means to hinder right conduct or thought; to cause to stumble, which it did for me in those cases. I have also had numerous people I have shared the gospel with, tell me they would not trust Christ even it could be proven true beyond all possible doubt. Offense hindered right thought and caused them to stumble, just as the definition states. They have placed what they want and their will above truth. The Bible says over and over that the gospel causes offense. So, while we do our best not to cause offense, we are still called to speak the truth in love. Often, the most loving thing we can do is to trust God and tell a person the truth about Christ or the matter at hand.
Paul was big on not offending people so they could be saved and mature in Christ. It is a theme that runs through most of his writings. He would do all he could to not offend a person. This could be an unbeliever who he wanted to come to a saving knowledge of Christ or an immature believer. In both cases, Paul tells us that offense is a stumbling block, and he did not want to make a person stumble.
Giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited 2 Cor 6:3 BSB
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| | Support Fellow Christian Authors - Ignore the Prices - Free Reads for Reviews
Read Great Christian Books for Free in Exchange for a Review
Many already have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon.
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 appreciate your help.
Ignore the prices below. We have some great books for you to read for free!
Second: Choose a book. Here are a few that are available in the program. Search by title HERE to find the book in our store.
The Road Out: 12 sure steps towards solution for life's challenging situations
Emmanuel N. Obu
Your Price: $3.99
In this book, THE ROAD OUT you will find a very potent guide, fresh insight and spiritual giant steps that are capable of helping you overcome situations and come out of problems. Situations don't just go away, they require discovery, truth, wisdom and practical approaches to solve them.
Kid Help (Parents Taking Control)
Florence Simmons
Your Price: $3.99
Kid Help (Parents Taking Control)
Kids are raising parents; parents aren't raising kids. Would you like to know the solution to raise your child to obey you so that he or she can learn the important values of life? These insights will save you a tremendous amount of grief.
Bastard: A Story of Redemption
Dr. Henderson Ward
Your Price: $4.50
Marcus Barrow is drowning in guilt because he thinks he is responsible for the accidental death of his wife. Even when the police finds someone else responsible, Marcus is still gutted and decides to commit suicide but in a dream his wife impels him to furious, non-stop action to redeem them both.
Please God, heal my emotional wounds
Marius Kotze
Your Price: $5.00
My 9 years of experience as a trauma counselor have inspired me to write this book.
Guiding people towards greatness is not only what I do but what I am. It is my passion, purpose, and privilege.
You are uniquely and wonderfully made by God. In this, I help people to understand why they think, feel
Invisible Battles: The Quest for Hope
Jenny Fulton
Your Price: $2.99
In the land of Novus, the Dark One has all but succeeded in erasing the name of the High King from the hearts and minds of the people. The battle, however, is far from over. Unbeknownst to the Dark One, the High King has been at work among a loyal group of followers. Now he is ready to make his move.
Who's Your Father?
Robert Bernecker
Your Price: $2.99
Already a #1 bestseller in its Kindle category!
A book that will challenge your faith and transform your relationship with your heavenly Father.
"WASHED"
Eugenie Laverne Mitchell
Your Price: $2.95
Cherie Johnson is young and beautiful and yearns to find true love. On her 28th birthday she is worried that she will be left on the shelf and in her desolation she cries out - a heartfelt prayer that touches heaven and there follows a chain of events that brings delight but also some surprises.
Get on Board and Stay on Board
PEARL NSIAH-KUMI
Your Price: $3.99
"Get on Board and Stay on Board contains poems, articles, and short Bible studies. It is directed toward unbelievers and believers alike. It is designed to lead the unbeliever to faith in Jesus Christ, and then help him or her in a spiritual journey.
Christian Excellence and Morality_Free Review
Henry Weiss
Your Price: $4.99
Tim Farron could not continue his political career due to moral conflicts posed on his Christian beliefs by an increasingly secularised society. The message of this book is that if you are a politician like Farron, you can be an excellent workman or woman, and still hold dear to your moral beliefs.
Wedding Express
Jody Day
Your Price: $4.99
Scott West is about to marry the woman of his dreams, but when delayed grief and a life-or-death event jeopardizes their relationship, Scott is forced to ask himself what kind of man he really is. Can he own up to the truth and risk losing the love of his life?
When God Says Drop It: Chronicles of my Healing
Donna Martelli
Your Price: $3.99
Strange and seemingly unrelated symptoms continued to plague me. My PCP told me that there was nothing more that she could do. She refused to see me anymore for these same symptoms, although nothing that she had come up with had helped in any way. Her final conclusion was that it must be stress!
One Last Wave
Jack Taylor
Your Price: $6.99
One Last Wave explores life rediscovered when regret and disappointment shuts off our past. Remembering is a powerful tool in freeing us to move forward. Katie Delancey is an MK resurfacing to discover love and faith and hope one more time. Great scenes of Africa mix with complex life in America.
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. |
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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. |
| | 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 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. 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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| | | Increase Sales With an Audio Book or Make a Nice Income From HomeRecently, I had an email exchange with Dave Walker, a longtime FaithWriters member who grew tremendously in the Writing Challenge. Dave's book, God in the ICU, has done very well with almost 600 Amazon reviews the last time I looked. He was happily surprised to see a significant increase in sales due to the addition of an audio version. You can view Dave's book and listen to a small audio portion HERE. Dave's book was perfect for an audiobook. Dave did his narration, and for some, that might work out great. But there is an easier way and it is not that expensive. You can learn about it HERE. ACX is an Amazon company, on their site you can place your book up for narrator auditions. You then get offers from narrators who read a sample for you, posting it on ACX. You choose the one you like and make a deal. This is all done online. I recently had an audiobook done of Gravity on ACX, by a great narrator and believer named R.F. McCoy. You can hear a sample HERE. If you like R.F. McCoy's voice, make sure to request an audition from him. He was professional, diligent and on schedule. You can find his profile on ACX. It costs nothing to request auditions and you will probably get several. I paid Bob $500.00 and keep any profits myself after Amazon's cut. You can also offer to split profits and pay nothing if a narrator agrees. When your narration is complete and you have paid the bill, your book is automatically loaded for sale on Audible and other outlets. Everything is professional and that's what you want for your audiobook. Another thought for some readers is to apply to be a narrator. ACX will show you how to do this on their site. If you have a good voice, you could make a nice income from home.
Please let us know if you have signed up for this program. |
| | 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. Just imagine how you would feel if they did the same for you. Many of these books have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon.
Devotionals
Blessings Through the Word
Rev. Dr. R.J. Lightsey
Your Price: $6.99
Brief devotionals based on personal experiences written to challenge, encourage, and uplift you as you travel life's difficult journey
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Non-Fiction
Excuse Me...Excuse Me...I Have Something to Say!
Roseann Sparacia
Your Price: $5.00
Excuse Me...Excuse Me...I Have Something to Say is about my journey from sickness to healing and transformation. We as people rather look at others and see their wrong perceptions and faults, but what happens when we have to look at our own? Healing and transformation happens!
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End times
Seven Letters Detailing the Prophetic Framework of the Return of Christ
Gregory Booker
Your Price: $2.99
This book is about 7 unique signs that desribe for the Church the Coming of Christ. Written by a man distant from Church but had a deep interest in wanting to know biblical prophecy. He shares his testimony and how God answered his prayers to understand and believe the reality of such an event
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Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
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