| FaithWriters - October 2020 Our Year of Clear Vision
News & Information for the Write Brained Christian
Growing Christian Writers and Spreading the Gospel in over 230 Countries |
| | Congratulations - Quarterly Writing Challenge WINNERS!
July - September 2020
Beginner/Intermediate - Grete by Marilyn Meiners (Smile Challenge Topic)
Advanced - The Awakening by Nancy Sullivan (Color Challenge Topic) |
| | First Place Quarterly Challenge Winner - July - September 2020
(Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: FLEXIBLE (07/09/20)
TITLE: Twisting Truth | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
Eighteen feet of coiled steel, wrapped around the trunk of the lone tree set in the middle of a tropical paradise, concealed the venomous posture of the hooded beauty whispering death to the princess reaching for the fruit. Herpetologists bend over backwards to avoid surprising these fanged warriors but the ‘innocent one’ explored the shadowed foliage, discreetly questioning her guide.
Round pupils fixated on the gentle appendage stroking the beautiful and succulent temptation as the self-proclaimed ‘king’ adjusted his scaley exterior to refract the light into a rainbow of brilliance.
The pioneer noticed the wonder of amber, jade, amethyst, ruby, emerald, opal, and sapphire, mesmerizing as a necklace, drawing her in close.
Eye to eye they examined the hanging marvel, polished for maximum joy. “Ssssuperior, isssn’t it?”
The innocent one nodded.
“How does it compare to everything elssse you’ve tried?”
“Don’t know. I haven’t tried it.”
“Did the guardian really ssset a ressstriction on you so that you can’t enjoy any of these delicasssies?”
“Not at all. Every other option is completely fine. Just not this one. Hands off.”
There’s nothing so flexible as a truth repositioned. The subtlety as imperceptible as the rising hood of a cobra when you’re not aware.
Whether it was Adam or Eve who first added the extra nuance is uncertain. “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
“You must not touch it!” Where did that come from? Was it from the desire of an overprotective husband setting boundaries to guard the joy of his heart? Was it from the desire of a woman first setting limits on the very thing that drew her to try a little before restarting that diet plan?
Oh, the flexible little partial truths we tell ourselves – and others who watch.
“Is that really the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?”
“Well, now that you put it that way.”
“SSSurely the Creator of all that is beautiful is not so inflexible....
Continue reading this winning entry and leave Jack a comment HERE. |
| | Congratulations - 2020 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. Congratulations to our winners!!
1ST PLACE - The Old Mulberry Tree by Marilyn Borga (Crooked Challenge)
2ND PLACE - Fatal Neglect by Rachel Burkum (Busy Challenge)
3RD PLACE - Skies Open by Caryn Jacobs (Surprise Challenge)
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| | 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.
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.
Healing Season a Women's Fiction Anthology
Michele Fleming
This is the second story in this anthology. Jen had ignored her father and her faith for two years, now her father was dying. Will she be able to make things right, or will a horrible snowstorm stand in her way?
Living the Lifestyle of Faith and Power
Mark Thompson
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.
Wider Than The Corners of This World
Melanie Kerr
This book of poetry has its roots in a vibrant faith in a living God. Neither remote nor reserved, God is intimate and involved in all aspects of life.
Standing Firm
Janet Ruth
This Bible study on the Armor of God will help you find victory in your life and take hold of God's promises. It's time to stand firm in your battle against the enemy as you learn to defend yourself with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the Word of God, and prayer.
A Place in the Son: Fitly Joined Together in Love and Growing in Christ
Clarence Ogle
"A Place in the Son: Fitly Joined Together in Love and Growing in Christ" is a guide to growing in Christ in harmony with other true believers.
Who's Your Father?
Robert Bernecker
Already a #1 bestseller in its Kindle category! A book that will challenge your faith and transform your relationship with your heavenly Father.
Smiling Again: Coming Back to Life and Faith After Brain Surgery
Sally Stap
“When I woke up. . .I quickly became aware that gliding through brain surgery recovery was not the big plan. Pain, paralysis, and single-sided deafness loomed ahead.” This is my story of brain surgery and recovery
A Season of Change - Summer Edition
Stephanie White
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. Out the other is a view that is beautifully impactful with truth from the original tex
Bastard: A Story of Redemption
Dr. Henderson Ward
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.
Liana Wendy Howarth
In Sunrays and Lily Smiles, Liana Wendy Howarth has added to and included previous writings from her e-book, Fragrance from the Spring, a sweet collection of poetry for all ages. There's something for everyone inside her Poetry Cottage ... Poetry, song lyrics and encouragement. May you be blessed.
Wings in the Wind: The Reign of the Mawh'eyri
David Butler
ThunderWing was a young warrior-eagle, a champion among the Great Eagles, who dwelt in the Mountains of Mawha. His ambition was to win the title of Windlord and the privilege of taking SilverSong as his nest-mate.
But the road to greatness is far more difficult and eventful than he anticipated.
Separate for a Reason: Re-Examining Separation of Church and State in America
Janet Ruth
A former federal prosecutor, Janet Ruth adds her perspective to an increasingly volatile debate over the separation of church and state. Combining her extensive law background with her Christian faith, Ruth challenges Christians to consider a third side to the Church/State debate, one which places an emphasis on giving our allegiance to God.
Tie My Shoe
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom
Tie My Shoe is a whimsical look at a day in the life of a kindergarten class. Rhymes and colorful illustrations make it an ideal book for children ages three to six. The ABC format will help kids learn each letter of the alphabet. Soon your child will be able to boast, "I can read this by myself."
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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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
Disrupting the Status Quo - Jennifer Woodley
‘Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighbourhood.’ Mark 5: 16-17 (NRSV) The response to good behaviour that is unusual or out of the norm is often met with scepticism and fear. Not everyone will be overjoyed at our good works that exhibit compassion and kindness. People become nervous about actions done in love. Guilt? Conviction? Resistance to change? Yes all of these. Sameness is safe and comfortable. But Jesus never intended to keep people in their culturally safe and comfortable places. He said in Luke 12:51, ‘Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three.’
All of the accepted norms of behaviour become unsettled and rearranged with Jesus. Society may stipulate that we practice individualism and independence, but Jesus is about disrupting our selfish pursuits. His behaviour towards the demon possessed man in this story teaches us to regard others with genuine affection and caring actions, regardless of whether others like it or not. What can we initiate today that emulates Jesus’ call to bring ‘division’? Where is there an invitation to share unselfish love among a people entrenched in behaviour that is selfishly-safe? Holy Spirit, lead me to specific action today that challenges the status quo, so that others may be touched by the generous, self-sacrificing love of Christ. Father, even if those actions upset others, help me to obey you always. Amen. Jennifer is an Australian freelance writer who enjoys encouraging others on their journey with Jesus through writing and mentoring. ContactHelp 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 300 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. |
| | 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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| Love getting comments and critiques on your articles? We all do.
We are asking all members to commit to being a blessing by commenting on at least one Challenge entry per day? 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 now and then. 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. |
| | | 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. Dave's book, God in the ICU, has done very well. But, Dave 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. |
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Don't Skimp on the Editing Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!
The real Noel Mitaxa is an Aussie storyteller and one of several editors offering editing services. He has syndicated his weekly Good News column in Australian secular newspapers for over twenty years; a syndication that's recently expanded into Australia's armed services and to the USA and the UK.
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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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The Challenge WILL Improve Your Writing!
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If you do not receive a timely response to an email, we did not receive your email, or you did not receive our reply. We are constantly battling overwhelming amounts of spam and sometimes emails we should receive end up in our spam by accident.
You should check your spam and make sure that writer-support@faithwriters.com, feedback@faithwriters.com, bea@faithwriters.com and michael@faithwriters.com are on your email providers approved list.
If you have tried more than once and did not receive a reply, click on a contact link at the bottom of most FaithWriters pages and send us a message telling us of the issue. We will try and email you from another email provider.
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| | | 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. |
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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
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| | 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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| | 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
Non-Fiction
The 'She' Renewed: Part IV In attitude & thought
S Mariah
Your Price: $1.99
In Part III, Alice was in relationship for the first time, but ended up being so miserable as the outcome wasn't what she expected.
She went on shifting the blame on God, she abandoned God for some time till God picked her up again..
The 'She' Redeemed: Part III In relationship
S Mariah
Your Price: $1.99
Alice is in her very first relationship ever in Part III....her life has changed drastically because of the Grace of God. That's the author's very own story, unfolding to all.
The 'She' Recovered: Part II
S Mariah
Your Price: $1.99
Here comes the Part II of The'she' confused....and now she is the 'she' RECOVERED...wow...so much have changed since Part I in Alice's life.
It's the author's real story, her life has changed because of the Power of God, she discovered that she is highly loved by God....want to discover more?
Login to Buy!
Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
The 'She' Confused: Part I
S Mariah
Your Price: $1.99
This 'Alice' has lost her identity, she doesn't know who she is in God's eyes. She's been wandering in her 'wonderland' for quite long time, can this 'Alice' be set free? Why is she so confused by the way?
Let's find out, this is the author's own story/testimony...
Login to Buy!
Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
What is in Your Hand?
Martha Kinney
Your Price: $8.69
Moses led the nation of Israel from slavery to freedom with just a shepherd's staff. As common as it appeared, the staff contained hidden powers. Like Moses each of us have all we need, we just need to recognize what is in our hand.
from Amazon.com!
A Tale of Two Sisters: Reluctant Caregivers
Bonnie Kronberger
Your Price: $2.99
This memoir is transparently told by two sisters caring for family members with Alzheimer’s. Their tales are intertwined, yet each stands alone, as they tell how God cared for them as they cared for their loved ones. It’s an inspirational story of how God brought blessings out of Alzheimer’s.
from Amazon.com!
Free Reads For Reviews
Separate for a Reason: Re-Examining Separation of Church and State in America
Janet Ruth
Your Price: $3.69
A former federal prosecutor, Janet Ruth adds her perspective to an increasingly volatile debate over the separation of church and state. Combining her extensive law background with her Christian faith, Ruth challenges Christians to consider a third side to the Church/State debate, one which places an emphasis on giving our allegiance to God.
from Amazon.com!
Standing Firm
Janet Ruth
Your Price: $3.00
This Bible study on the Armor of God will help you find victory in your life and take hold of God's promises. It's time to stand firm in your battle against the enemy as you learn to defend yourself with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the Word of God, and prayer. Also in paperback on Amazon.
Login to Buy!
Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com
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