| FaithWriters - January 2022
All Eyes On Jesus!
We Wish You a Jesus Blessed New Year and We're Praying For Your Very Best in Christ
News & Information for the Write Brained Christian Growing Christian Writers and Spreading the Gospel in over 230 Countries |
| | 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
Think His Thoughts Karen Pourbabaee
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, say the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8 NAB
It’s in plain sight. Our thoughts and ways are different from God’s. And our thoughts lead to our ways. Our words and our actions follow the thoughts planted in our hearts. That is something to contemplate as we review our path over the last year and as we consider our way for the New Year. It is God’s thoughts that lead to His ways, which are His perfect will. Do you want to live in the Father’s perfect will this year? You are compelled to think His thoughts! Proverbs 3:5 affirms that: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding.”
So you think you have pretty good understanding; don’t trust in that. Consider your ways, then check your thoughts with God’s thoughts. He is the Wonderful Counselor—make an appointment with Him. Get to know His thoughts by His Word. Read, meditate, and listen for His voice. The Father will reveal His thoughts that will lead you to His ways. “Come to Me, heedfully, listen, that you may have life.” (Isaiah 55:3)
There are numerous synonyms for thought, including belief, attitude, conviction, and wish. I think the most telling is outlook—it directs you to a potential future path. From your inner heart, how are you looking outward toward the horizons of your life? Don’t lean only on your own understanding, your own outlook. Get a divine outlook. Seek God’s thoughts as confirmation, for God reveals His directions in His Word. “In all your ways, acknowledge Him. And He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6)
Lord, give me Your divine outlook that I may have Your heavenward outcome. Amen.
Contact Karen and read more 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. |
| | CONGRATULATIONS END OF QUARTER LEVEL WINNERS
END OF QUARTER LEVEL WINNERS
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2021
BEGINNERS/INTERMEDIATE:
My Father’s Arms by Jennifer Percell (GENTLE Challenge)
https://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-editors-previous.php?id=60882
ADVANCED:
Living Bread by Arlene Baker (LOVE Challenge)
https://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-editors-previous.php?id=60986
MASTERS:
His Hands by Vincent Lyons (GENTLE Challenge)
https://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-editors-previous.php?id=60878
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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. |
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Be The Best Writer You Can Be For JesusDirect 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 - This is Your Year to Start!
New Topic Begins January 6th
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 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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| | The Writing Challenge - Guaranteed to Improve Your Writing!
TITLE: Sky's The Limit | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
01/06/20
In 1928, Amelia Earhart opened up the dreams of little girls when she made history through her solo flight across the Atlantic. In 1937, when her plane disappeared over the Pacific after 25 days of solo flight, the dreams got a little shakier.
My grandmother, Jessie Lynn Maddox, swallowed every moment of air time given to the pioneer aviatrix. Earhart believed, taught and modeled the idea that women could do anything and Jessie believed her. I still have a picture of my young grandmother sitting in a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier, aviator goggles in place and pointing toward the sky.
“Sky’s the Limit!” she told me every Christmas when our family would take the journey cross country to see her. She’d pull out her scrap book and show me the evidence of how she proved that.
“Why do you believe that?” I asked as a precocious eleven-year-old.
“Ol’ JGM Junior wrote about it and I experienced it,” she replied, rapping her knuckles on the scrap book.
“Who’s ol’ JGM Junior?” I asked.
“What?” she said, flipping through the pages. “You don’t know John Gillespie Magee?”
“Is he a former crush of yours from school?”
“Now, you’ve got me dreaming,” she said with a smile. “Listen to this.” She closed her eyes, tilted back her head and raised her hand to shoulder height. “‘Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of.’”
She hesitated, lost in the visions the words created in her mind.
“Is that it?” I asked.
“No, there’s more,” she said. “I like the ending when it says ‘I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace where never lark or even eagle flew. And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God.”
We both sat silent, stared out the big bay window of her living room and watched the dissipating entrails of a jet splitting the clear blue heavens.
“Did you ever reach out and touch the face of God when you were flying those jets?” I asked.
She closed the scrap book album and rapped the cover gently. “I dreamed of it,” she said. “There were days when I felt like he was carrying me across the skies. Like, there was no one alive except he and I. My prayers didn’t even need words to communicate.”
She stretched for her walker and I held it firm while she strained to stand on wobbly legs.
“Have you ever felt that on earth?” I asked.
“Once!” she said, winking as she slowly moved her walker toward the kitchen. “The day your grand-daddy and I parachuted out of a plane together.” She stopped for a rest, breathing heavily. “I knew that when we landed, he would pop the question and make all my dreams come true.”
“Weren’t you afraid?” I asked.
Again, the smile. “I met your grand-daddy in the Sunday School choir and he could sing like an angel. One Christmas we got to be Mary and Joseph together and to sing a duet. He took my hand while we sang and from that moment on, I knew I would never be afraid again as long as he was with me.”
“How come I’ve never met grand-daddy?”
A deep sigh emerged as she pointed toward a picture of a young man standing by a Spit-fire. “The war came. I couldn’t fly because I was carrying your mother. He had no reason not to go.”
“What happened?” I asked in innocence.
“Somewhere over the Pacific he disappeared.” She shuffled forward a few more steps. “I think he either found Amelia’s plane and stopped to help her or he reached up and touched the face of God and never wanted to come away from that.”
“You mean he died, don’t you grandma?”
Pivoting in place, she plunked down on her walker. Fixating me with her steely grey eyes she declared with full conviction. “No, child! Your grand-daddy is more alive than ever. One day we’re going to skip across the clouds again and this whole life will seem like a dream that’s come and gone.”
“You really believe that, don’t you grandma? How can you be so sure?”
She pointed at her worn old Bible. “I read it in the book. Now, it’s your turn.”
Leave a comment for Jack and contact him HERE.
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| | 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. |
| | Congratulations to Our Annual Best of the Best Winners!!
After twelve months of Writing Challenge topics and entries, we had our 30+ contenders for the Best of The Best.
The annual Best of the Best awards are announced July 1 each year, the awards going to the three highest rated Editors’ Choice winners for the previous twelve months. First place gets $100, second place $50, and third place $25.
1ST PLACE Twisting Truth by Jack Taylor (Flexible Challenge)
2ND PLACE Empty by Jack Taylor (Breath Challenge)
3RD PLACE My Secret Adventure by Barbara Lynn Culler (Hero Challenge)
You could be on this list next year! Go HERE.
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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.
We back up the site regularly but cannot give you a 100% guarantee of there safety. Things happen online as you know. Hackers are a big issue and some out there would like to take a Christian site down. 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.
Make sure to do this today to protect your writing. Log in HERE. |
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Don't Skimp on the Editing Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!
Joanne Sher is one of several editors offering editing services. She also runs the Writing Challenge and has been with FaithWriters since the beginning of time. We love her.
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Reconciled to God and Established in His Righteousness
by Michael Edwards
The Bible is very clear, our right standing (righteousness) and our reconciliation to God, came to us when we were helpless, ungodly sinners. Think of a helpless, drowning man. There was absolutely nothing we could do to save ourselves before or after the Lifeguard arrived. He watched and waited for the right time, until we stopped struggling so that we would not hinder His work with our struggle. He did all of the saving as we rested in His arms.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person — though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation. Rom 5:6-11 CSB
Self-righteousness and pride have no part in our salvation. The entire work of our reconciliation with God is a work of God. The filthy rags of our own righteous (Isaiah 64:6) did nothing to save us and can do nothing to enhance the perfect, finished work, of Christ. Salvation is 1,000 percent by faith in the Son of God who loves us. It was all the work of God, who did not count our sins, but instead, reconciled us to Himself, making us a new creation in Christ.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:17-19 NAS
As Jesus is, so are we in this world. He has reconciled us to God the Father and our born-again Spirit is holy, unblemished and blameless in God’s presence.
For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds because of your evil deeds. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence— if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Col 1:19-23 BSB
It is only Jesus unfailing righteousness that gives our Spirit life.
If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of (HIS) righteousness. Rom 8:10 NAS (emphasis mine)
It is only Jesus infallible righteousness that could seat us in His finished work at the right hand of the Father.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Eph 2:4-9 NAS
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:7 KJV
Many New Covenant Bible Studies can be found HERE. Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross.
And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. Luke 22:20 |
| | Support Fellow Christian Authors - 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.
Every Day is Christmas
Sandra Fischer
The greatest Christmas story of all time is the true one about the birth of Jesus Christ. Ever since that fateful night in Bethlehem, thousands of authors have written stories—some true, some imagined—about that world-changing event. You will find both types of Christmas tales in this heartwarming book of stories, devotionals, and poetry. Beautifully illustrated in full color, this family-friendly collection of short reads is perfect for sharing around the fire, gifting to a loved one, or reading with children to invite them to experience the most special holiday of all.
Gravity True For You But Not For Me - Evidence For Gods Existence and Identity
Michael Edwards
If false, Christianity is an irrelevant hoax. If true, Christianity is the most important fact for every human being. This little book concisely shows you why Christianity is true and what that means for you. No fluff, just the facts!" Dr. Frank Turek author/co-author of I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist
Light In Our Darkness: Essentials of Spiritual Deliverance
Bruno Sebrechts
Your Price: $9.75
This highly endorsed book, written by a seasoned minister and published author, offers an in-depth biblical exploration of the subject of spiritual deliverance. It opens the readers' eyes and hearts to the greatness, love and power of God, as revealed in Scripture and illustrated by testimonies.
Tiny Tales For Tiny Tots
linzy bruno
Your Price: $0.99
Each of these 3 stories is perfect for reading to your youngest children. Even parents will enjoy teaching early speech with Linzy's fun and funny rhymes and bringing their little ones the feeling of safety and love from these delightful little tales.
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God’s WORD Sets You Free with Study Guide
Vicky Jeter
Your Price: $9.99
To Inspire each to read and study Scripture. This is the only way to have a personal relationship with God Himself. No church, no organization, and no relationship (marriage, friend, or companion) can do this for you. God sees the heart and only God can personally know you.
A Season of Change - Summer Edition
Stephanie White
Your Price: $4.99
Upon entering this devotional you get the unique
experience of looking through two windows of the same house. Out one window you see a poetic and artistic view full of real emotion supported with the Word of God.
Living the Lifestyle of Faith and Power
Mark Thompson
Your Price: $3.00
God has given his children eternal life through the shed blood of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. We did not earn this precious gift, and we did not deserve it. But God saved us because of his great love for us. But it did not end there.
Through Me to You: A Life Through Poetry, Stories and Songs
Eva Wich
Your Price: $3.99
Through Me to You is a compilation of poems, stories and songs that spans over forty years of writing. A Scripture verse was carefully selected for each work to emphasize God’s omnipresence and unfailing love.
He Sent His Son
Jim Zeigler
Your Price: $3.99
Christmas has always been a favorite holiday for Christians worldwide. It is a magical time for gift-giving and family get-togethers. In the biblical story, the people in-volved are fascinating and appear to be the only ones looking for the promised Messiah.
The Spirtuality Puzzle
James Rondinone
Your Price: $8.99
This book is about accepting a salvation message that proclaims if we respond to it, we will enter into a personal relationship with God, and be admitted to a better place at death. However, in most cases what we have found is, we become busy doing this or that in the name of some supreme being and one day come to the realization that our life really hasn’t changed at all, and the place we are promised to go when our time is up, we begin to have doubts as to whether we will actually go there.
Through His Eyes
Deborah Mayers
Your Price: $4.95
No one could have ever convinced me that the hole in my soul would someday be healed as a result of being filled with the love of Christ. I just assumed my inner pain, shame, self-hatred, loss of dignity and self-respect would be a permanent part of my life—until the very end.
Ridden by the Devil
Laurie Kiel
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“Gunfighters are ridden by the devil and his spurs are sharp.” Dreaming of a life free from bloodshed, gunfighter Colt Blevins is blackmailed into masquerading as heir to a large fortune. While disguised, he falls in love with a beautiful blonde whose main goal in life is to see Colt hanged.
When Rocks Cry Out
K.D. Manes
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Will Joey win the King's favor? Buckle your seatbelt and find out in this action, jungle/adventure picture book.
Although this story is geared for younger children, adults will appreciate the allegory of God's grace.
Your Healing Is Within You: A Book for Those Who Are Truly Seeking
Agatha Mangwende
Your Price: $4.99
There is healing in reading and applying the Word of God. The scriptures are full of promises to heal any kind of affliction.
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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| | 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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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. |
| | | Article Comment Emails Not Getting to Your Gmail?
In the past, some members have had issues receiving notification emails when their Challenge or other articles receive a comment. We just did a test of the system and placed a Gmail test address in my profile. I then posted a comment
on one of my articles. I also did this test on a Challenge article for a member who said she was not getting the emails. In both tests, the email notification of the comment did come through to the Gmail address, but in both cases it went to the junk file in Gmail. So, FaithWriters automatic email system
is working to Gmail but may be going to your junk.
If you have not been receiving notifications of comments on your articles, post a test comment on one of your own articles and then check the junk tab on your Gmail. Be aware, my junk tab in Gmail showed there were no junk emails until I clicked on it and found the comment notification email from FaithWriters in there. If you find any emails from FaithWriters in your junk, move them to your inbox and hopefully next
time they will not go to junk. Make sure to check your junk on a regular basis and click on the other tabs just to check. Each time move them to your inbox. There is also a tab titled "view all email" that should be checked. Sometimes Gmail divides email up into different tabs, so check all the tabs once in awhile just in case. This is something you should check if you have Hotmail or others too. |
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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. |
| | 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.
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Recently Added Books as Described by the Author
Fiction
He Goes Out Weeping: A Story of Mystery
David Fiensy
Your Price: $2.99
John Book wants to be a theology professor. But why is he haunted by shadows from his past? And who is stalking him with murderous intent? He Goes Out Weeping is for mystery readers who like a little theology with their chills.
from Amazon.com!
Biblical studies
The Judgment: Bad News for Christians? A study on what the Bible really says about the Good News of God’s judgment.
Perry F. Louden, Jr
Your Price: $1.99
This little book focuses on what the Bible says about the Judgment and why Christians should not be troubled or anxious. The judgment is Good News for believers.
Fiction
THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCESS PEARL P.O.W.E.R. GIRL!
Tonja Taylor
Your Price: $7.95
When Princess Pearl's father is killed in a motorcycle accident, she moves with her family to live in beautiful northwest Arkansas. There, she meets new friends, has adventures in God, learns to really love her little brother, and discovers that being a true princess is different than she thought.
Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
Non-Fiction
Testimony
James Rondinone Your Price: $2.99
This book is written for Christians struggling in not knowing how to deal with their sexual inclinations or involvements, along with the perception that their fellow believers are not fully accepting them and their sexual orientation.
This book will also help us understand what it means to be accepted, equal, or one in the body of Christ.
Furthermore, it will clarify who we are in Christ, what God’s plan is for our lives, and what kind of sexual relationships the Word of God condones?
And ultimately, it will teach us how to be no longer subject to the cravings and desires of our sexual weaknesses but rather how to operate in God’s love.
Your Holy Health
Tonja Taylor
Your Price: $4.99
"Christ died and rose again for us to enjoy Divine Life in every realm (John 10:10)! Start today to put these easy, practical, and proven tips in practice, and you'll discover more of your holy health!"
VISIONS of the King: Real-Life Experiences With Jesus the LORD.
Tonja Taylor
Your Price: $4.99
These experiences with the LORD have mostly occurred during or right after worship or prayer--when we can sense His sublime Presence most (Psalm 22:3)! I am thrilled to share these most intimate times with you, to inspire you that, if He will do this for me, then He will certainly do such for you!
Free Reads For Reviews
Every Day is Christmas
Sandra Fischer
The greatest Christmas story of all time is the true one about the birth of Jesus Christ. Ever since that fateful night in Bethlehem, thousands of authors have written stories—some true, some imagined—about that world-changing event. You will find both types of Christmas tales in this heartwarming book of stories, devotionals, and poetry. Beautifully illustrated in full color, this family-friendly collection of short reads is perfect for sharing around the fire, gifting to a loved one, or reading with children to invite them to experience the most special holiday of all.
Price: $3.99
God’s WORD Sets You Free with Study Guide
Vicky Jeter
Your Price: $9.99
To Inspire each to read and study Scripture. This is the only way to have a personal relationship with God Himself. No church, no organization, and no relationship (marriage, friend, or companion) can do this for you. God sees the heart and only God can personally know you.
from Amazon.com!
Light In Our Darkness: Essentials of Spiritual Deliverance
Bruno Sebrechts
Your Price: $9.75
This highly endorsed book, written by a seasoned minister and published author, offers an in-depth biblical exploration of the subject of spiritual deliverance. It opens the readers' eyes and hearts to the greatness, love and power of God, as revealed in Scripture and illustrated by testimonies.
from Amazon.com!
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| | | | Thanks for your Membership and Support!
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