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FaithWriters September 2022
Best of the Best and Quarterly Winners Listed
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
Living Free – Toni M. Babcock
Cleaning a pond when it’s drought-stricken and blighted with growth can be like trying to cure cancer with a butter knife. I’ve tried to keep up with ours over the years. First came invasive cattails that spread like wildfire, then hummocks began to take hold; then sphagnum moss and other various pond weed and grasses. Now a bushy milfoil has been filling in like a beard on steroids. Along with that, the ever-blooming string algae—that slimy green stuff that floats like a bubbly stink gel on the surface of the water. There seems to be no end. It can get discouraging.
It reminds me of a story in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. In his allegory, Pilgrim spots a man sweeping a room vigorously with a broom — the idea being, the man was desperately trying to clean his heart — but the more he swept, the more dirt he discovered. So he swept even harder, but the dirt and dust kept coming loose and flying around him, until it was clearly a hopeless endeavor.
When I climb out of the pond, muddy hot and exhausted, that illustration is a good spiritual reminder. It teaches me it’s far better to surrender the broom to Jesus and let Him do His cleansing work. The Bible reminds me, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV.
It doesn’t mean I rest content to live in a dirty house, or free-load off of God’s good news, but I can finally lay the broom down and live free, without struggling to do the impossible. I can climb out of the pond, cleansed by the blood of Jesus, instead of uselessly trying to clean out the muck all by myself.
Toni M. Babcock is author of Reflections from the Heart in Light of the Gospel of Jesus, and The Stone Writer, Christian Fiction for Young Readers and Teens.
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. |
| | Time is Running Out. Be Bold and Courageous in Christ!
Share the Gospel from Your Home - with People Actively Seeking Jesus Or Pray Together with Thousands Over Important Topics.
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 and you will be greatly blessed.
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.
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. |
| | Congratulations to Our Annual Best of the Best Winners!!
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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.
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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| | The Writing Challenge - Guaranteed to Improve Your Writing!
3RD PLACE Under a Dark Sky by Marilyn Borga (Authority Challenge)
Topic: AUTHORITY (04/14/22) TITLE: Under a Dark Sky | Writing Challenge By Marilyn Borga 04/20/22 ~ 1st Place
As the last rays of sunlight were fading behind the western hills, he strutted through the rocky yard once more and surveyed his tiny kingdom. His golden-brown eyes scrutinized each dusty corner as his harem began to settle in for the night. He lunged at a lone straggler still scratching in the dirt; she scuttled meekly to her nest. Low murmuring and occasional clucking quickly ensued in the yard. No hungry dogs or foxes prowled the grounds. Nor were there predators flying overhead. Serenity reigned in his domain. He should have been able to relax.
He hopped onto a stone wall and nervously strolled the length of it. In the sky, wide swaths of crimson and gold silhouetted his proud profile. He stretched his head far back and preened his gleaming plumage, then stood tall and gazed at the increasing activity in the neighboring courtyard. Acrid smoke burned his nostrils as people lit small fires and huddled around them. The soft rise and fall of human voices drifted to his ears.
Something unusual was afoot, but he saw no clear reason for alarm. His hens still roosted peacefully. Still, a sense of unease caused him to stay on the wall rather than perch for the night on a low-hanging branch. He focused on those who kept watch there by the firelight. Except for an occasional outburst, their voices remained low.
In the dimness, the need for sleep began to overpower him. He sank to a squat and fluffed his downy feathers. He twisted his head until it rested on his back, nuzzled his beak under the feathers, and allowed his eyes to drift shut. He must have rest if he was to perform his duty of alerting the world at the break of dawn.
He awakened in confusion to an inky-black sky. No rays of light yet peeked over the eastern hills. Nor did a morning glow illuminate the horizon. There was only darkness. But at that moment, an invisible holy hand lifted him to his feet. The Divine Authority compelled him to stretch out his neck and open his mouth wide. His throat convulsed with a long ear-piercing crow.
The exhausted cockerel fell back into a deep slumber, oblivious to the small role he’d played in the sacred drama that has impacted all of eternity. Below him, at the foot of the wall, the man called Peter began to weep bitterly.
*** Luke 22:54-62 (NKJV) 54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.” 57 But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” 58 And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 62 So Peter went out and wept bitterly.
Marilyn is a great writer. Leave a comment for her HERE. |
| | CONGRATULATIONS END OF QUARTER LEVEL WINNERS
END OF QUARTER LEVEL WINNERS
April - June 2022
BEGINNERS/INTERMEDIATE:
The Courtroom by Lindsey Lillard (Defense Challenge)
https://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-level2-previous.php?id=61587
ADVANCED:
I Will by Avigail David (Act Challenge)
https://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-level3-previous.php?id=61515
MASTERS:
Under a Dark Sky by Marilyn Borga (Authority Challenge)
https://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article-level4-previous.php?id=61429
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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
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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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| | 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!
Noel Mitaxa is an Aussie storyteller. 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. Noel is one of several editors offering editing services.
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| | Paul's Method for Talking to Christians Caught in Sinby Michael Edwards The Corinthian Church was caught up in a lot of sin, especially sexual sin. The Corinthians were Gentile converts, and leading gentiles to Christ was Paul’s main mission. At times this must have been very difficult for Paul who had been raised a legalistic Jew, growing up to be a Pharisee among Pharisee’s as he states. The Gentiles were never under the law of Moses which was given only to the Jews. The Gentiles did not immediately cease their old sin filled lifestyle, so the early church was filled with people committing sins. We know this to be true from Paul’s instructions to the church on how to select leaders from the body. His instruction includes avoiding the selection of members of the body involved in various outright sins. If everyone were without sin, there would be no need for these instructions; any member could be chosen. The following study will reveal to you that there were many in the early church caught up in sin. This is not something God or Paul wanted, it is simply the truth. We often see the same truth today, saved believers caught up in sin. Study: Is There Such Thing as a Violent Christian Drunkard?It is very clear from scripture that Paul does not want Christians to sin but to walk by the spirt of the law, which is love. Love is the only thing that fulfills all of God’s commands – Rom 13:8-10. “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom 13:8-10). “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Gal 5:14). We are ministers of a New Covenant. The law kills but the spirit gives life. “…who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor 3:6 ESV) Sinning against our brother is not walking in love. But many in the church were sinning then just like today, and we can be certain that Paul was too at times. Even worry, doubt, fear and anything not of faith is sin according to scripture. Romans 7 seems to indicate Paul still had a struggle with sin at times. Paul knew members were sinning and was concerned that obvious gross sin left to grow in the church would be like leaven, silently infecting other believers. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 1 Cor 5:6 ESV It is also clear that Paul must have been preaching radical grace. I say this because four times Paul had to defend his preaching and clarify that he was not encouraging sin because we are not under the law but under grace where sin is not counted against man. What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Rom 6:15 ESV
Finish reading this study HERE.
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| | Support Fellow Christian Authors and 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.
Life Lessons from the Hive
M.J. Miller
Your Price: $3.99
Who knew you could make a connection between bees and the Kingdom of God? M. J. Miller demonstrates to the reader that God does reveal Himself in nature. Clever illustrations and humor add richness and fun to this inspirational and insightful read.
from Amazon.com!
Sustainable Spirituality: Mantaining Faith in the Face of Adversity
In this book you will:
•Learn the 3 critical areas of preparation.
•Discover the 3 pillars of spiritual sustainability.
•Realize the difference between religion and spirituality.
•Learn the 5 keys to develop personal sustainability practices.
•Examine 8 spiritual sustainability goals.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Shaping our Life Files God's Way
R.H. Sutter
Your Price: $6.99
The decisions that we make daily have a crucial impact on our life here and on our eternal destination. We can think of the source of our choices as contained in Life Files deep in our inner man.
Washout Express
Jody Day
Your Price: $2.99
Bailey Brown has just lost her job, her birthright, and her fiancé. Loaded with enough insecurities to fill a suitcase, she prays for God to show her the way and then hits the road feeling like the ultimate loser.
Exit 477: Washout Express.
The roadside sign taunts Bailey. Is God confirming she's
The Last Train at Sunset
PEARL NSIAH-KUMI
Your Price: $3.99
A book of poems and short articles; great for devotional. Many of the articles are on salvation to minister to the unbeliever.
Ridden by the Devil
Laurie Kiel
Your Price: $0.99
“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. With da
Look Out: The World without Christians
Jim Zeigler
Your Price: $3.99
There are four chapters in the Bible where Satan’s influence is not seen. These are Genesis one and two, which occur before the fall of man, and Revelation twenty-one and twenty-two that describes the glories of the Millennial Kingdom and Heaven after Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire.
Healing Season a Women's Fiction Anthology
Michele Fleming
Your Price: $1.99
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?
Why Do I Have Asperger's?
Julie Berry
Your Price: $6.99
A Mother's Memoir of Love, Hope, and Perseverance.
Sunrays and Lily Smiles: (Sweet Memories of Poetry Cottage)
Liana Wendy Howarth
Your Price: $7.99
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.
Gravity True For You But Not For Me - Evidence For Gods Existence and Identity
Michael Edwards
Evidence for Gods existence and identity.
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. |
| | 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. |
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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
from Amazon.com!
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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