Subject: Win a Xulon Publishing Package - FaithWriters February Newsletter

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FaithWriters 
February 2014 

"News & Information for the Write Brained Christian" 
Today's Devotional and the Newest Member E-books Included
Win a Xulon Publishing Package Valued at Over $4,000 retail!

Big News! FaithWriters Working with Xulon Press to Award Three Comprehensive Publishing Packages - Plus Discounts on Xulon Publishing Packages and More

The majority of FaithWriters members go the self-publishing route. Since there are many companies out there --- possibly some that could take advantage of writers --- we decided to pursue an arrangement that could benefit our members financially and offer them additional protection if they desire to purchase a publishing package.

Xulon has been around for years and is one of the largest Christian self-publishers. We have negotiated an arrangement with them that offers definite financial savings (a specific discount off Xulon's best advertised price) at the time you contract with them, as well as providing the added protection of dealing with a publisher that not only wants you satisfied but wants FaithWriters satisfied too. 

Additionally, Xulon has agreed to bless FaithWriters by awarding three publishing packages as contest prizes for our upgraded members this year. Two of these packages will be awarded to individual Platinum members. These will be Xulon's Best Seller packages, with a retail value of over $4,000 each. The third package will be used to publish our second testimony book, with entries from 50 Gold and Platinum members. Two of these contests start today: http://faithwriters.com/win_a_publishing_package.php

The third package will be offered in a contest or manner that you, the members, decide upon. So, if the contest in which you hoped to win a publishing package is not in the mix, make sure to click on the link located on that page to take a short survey and tell us your ideas on how you would like the third Xulon Best Seller Package to be awarded.

To learn more about our arrangement with Xulon and your different publishing options as a Christian author, go to: http://faithwriters.com/how to publish my book.php. 

FREE READS FOR REVIEWS PROGRAM 
Now offering $250 in Cash Prizes to Members who Participate! All Members (Including Free Silver Members) are Eligible to Enter!

Two books that are still in the Free Reads for Reviews program, even though they now have over 20 reviews on Amazon, are: God in the ICU and Who's your Father. Both are running almost 5 stars, too. We also have books by longtime members and excellent writers like Jack Taylor with his novel The Last Wave and Shann Hall's Tie My Shoe. Both were just added to the program. Your participation helps and encourages your fellow members and plants good seeds for when you will need reviews.  
 
We are rewarding members who participate in this program
Starting January 1st and ending at midnight June 30th.

First Place: The member who reads and reviews the most books in the six month period will win $150.00. 
Second Place: There will be a drawing of names from all of the members who submitted reviews. The selected name will win $100. 

Each review you complete will enter your name into the drawing one time. Reading and reviewing more books in the Free Reads for Reviews program increases your chances. There is no limit to the number of times your name can be entered.

For complete information, go HERE and click on the Special Incentive link for FaithWriters members.

You'll find books on several Christian subjects, as well as books that will help you improve as a Christian writer. There are children's books, too. For those short on time, there are several quick and easy reads. You can find these and more here: http://ebooks.faithwriters.com/readsforreviewscurrentbooks.php

The 2014 Page Turner Contest is open!

Calling all non-fiction writers! The eighth annual Page Turner Contest is now open for submissions! All that’s required is the first chapter of your completed or just-started non-fiction manuscript, along with a synopsis of the entire book. This could be just what you need to spur you on to fulfilling that dream of being a publishing author! You have plenty of time to enter, but now is a great time to start brainstorming, plotting, and outlining. Deadline is October 31st, 2014. Winners will be announced in December.

First Prize: $800 cash, editing of your entire manuscript, and more!
 
For complete guidelines, visit the official contest page: PAGE TURNER

More FaithWriters News 

Important: FaithWriters 2014 Conference - Last Chance to Make it Happen

This year's conference is tentatively set for August 1st and 2nd at the Chicago O'Hare airport Hilton. No rental car needed; just fly in, and you are there. For those looking to check out the Chicago sites, you can take the short train ride downtown from the airport (less than $5). Many members are already within driving distance to this year's location, and flights into Chicago are fairly reasonable from most of the country. The registration fee would be $129.00 and includes lunch on Saturday, plus three snacks during the two days. The airport Hilton is a very nice hotel with plenty of amenities. And a wonderful bonus... the normal $199 room rate will be only $99 for the conference! http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/illinois/hilton-chicago-ohare-airport-CHIOHHH/index.html

We cannot provide in-depth details yet, but based on previous conferences, we know it will be a great experience filled with intense learning, helpful workshops, and warm fellowship. FaithWriters owners Mike and Bea Edwards will be there to meet you, and beloved administrator and encourager Deb Porter will be coming all the way from Australia. There is nothing quite like meeting other Christian writers in person --- especially those you have connected with already online. Like one big family reunion. 

We have had only 33 people so far tell us they might attend and we need more interest to make a commitment to the Hilton and move forward. If you think there is a good chance you would come, please let us know by sending an email to fwconference@faithwriters.com on or before 2-5-14. Just indicate in the subject line that you are interested (or something similar). We will not be responding to these emails until we have more information. 

New Blog Contest with Cash Prizes

We have just opened up a new blog contest. Our arrangement with Xulon will greatly benefit members and we hope give FaithWriters a boost we need. Ninety-eight percent of our members our free members and we have expenses. In the new blog contest Win a Xulon Publishing Package we are asking members to post articles that will draw new writers to FaithWriters who will upgrade to participate in the chance to win a publishing package. We hope you will enter to win and support FaithWriters. Go HERE

Testimony Book

We once again apologize for the delay in the release of Trials and Triumphs. We are closely working with the sponsoring publisher to get the book on the market. It is completely in the publisher's hands at this point and the release will be soon. 

When this largely anticipated book is available, we will send the authors an email, along with an e-version of the book and instructions on how you can obtain print copies.

The page for the Testimony book is up: http://faithwriters.com/testimonies.php. We have added a banner on the top of the site and will be advertising it heavily on FaithWriters.com and other sites upon release.

We are asking all authors to:

1. Prepare your profile page. This page will be linked to the Testimony book page (link in above paragraph). Your profile should contain a nice bio and photo of yourself, as well as any websites or blogs to which readers can connect. We will not be printing everyone's individual links in the book, so to track things readers are pointed to the Testimony page, where your name is easy to locate. Your profile will then take readers where you want them to go. So make sure you have your preferred links listed!

2. Begin to prepare your blog and Facebook posts for the book. Make sure to add a link to http://faithwriters.com/testimonies.php. If every author posts his or her article at least three times, we will have 120 posts pointing to the book. The more, the better!

3. Read the book when it comes out and post a review on Amazon.

4. Pray that God uses the book for His glory, and that many come to a saving knowledge of Christ.


Testimony Book Second Year Edition

When you check out the Xulon prize packages that are being offered above, you will also see that we are starting a second Testimony book, using one of the Xulon packages. If your entry did not make the first issue, this is yet another chance for fifty writers to be published and impact this world for Jesus. You must be at least a Gold member to submit. Learn more - http://faithwriters.com/win_a_publishing_package.php


More Paid Writing Opportunities for Upgraded Members

We have restarted our Google and Yahoo pay-per-click ads, seeking more paid writing work for upgraded members. Keep an eye out for private message notifications as we post exciting opportunities that come to us. We hope to have many for you in 2014.  

Challenge Book Release

The first book in the Mixed Blessings series, containing top Challenge entries, will soon be released! Deb Porter of Breath of Fresh Air Press has already contacted you if you are included in this book. Deb handles the publication of these books and has now given a firm release date of the end of March. With Deb handling the publication, we are looking forward to a book that will be a step above past FaithWriters books. We are very excited for this release!

iDisciple Content 

If you have submitted content for iDisciple, it is finally up on their platform, with the exception of our daily devotional. If you would like to submit more content, please follow the guidelines we sent you when you started. If you have not submitted content and would like to, please contact michael@faithwriters.com. The iDisciple platform hosts many well-known and respected names in the Christian world today. We are looking for upgraded members with a large number of quality Christian articles. Good grammar and spelling are a must. This is a great opportunity for exposure. 


Become the Writer You are Called to Be
Make a Commitment to the Challenge

Many of us believe strongly that God has called us to write. The problem is that most of us struggle when it comes to writing for public consumption. We may have a great message for a book, but we lack confidence and/or knowledge in how to create a piece of material that will captivate the reader and get our message across. So we either never end up achieving our calling, or we release a less than excellent finished product.

Some of us could be compared to the guy who wanted to climb to the peak of the mountain, but failed to prepare. He just drove to the mountain and started climbing, with no training, supplies or proper equipment. Do you think that man would make it to the top? If so, how long do you think it would take? And how many obstacles and pitfalls would he encounter along the way?

The truth is, being a successful writer requires commitment and preparation. FaithWriters cannot directly get you to the top of your mountain, but the tools we provide can help prepare you for the climb. One of the best tools we offer is the Weekly Writing Challenge. We urge you to make it a point to enter the Challenge on a regular basis in 2014. We guarantee that if you make the commitment, your writing will improve and you will make great strides toward being the writer you are called to be.    

"I checked out several Christian sites, some were good and some were surprisingly poor, but FaithWriters was one that stood out, primarily because they were Christian writers who also were writing Christian material. I rarely ever pay to use a website, but I felt this one was well worth the small monthly investment, so I joined. So many things have blessed me there! The weekly challenge was a huge boost to me. The forums, articles, lessons, contests... this site has encouraged me in so many ways. There is no way I could be where I am on my journey today without FaithWriters. Kevin Ingram"



Don't Skimp on the Editing Hire a FaithWriters Approved Editor Today!

Jan Ackerson is one of several editors offering editing services. 

Member Spotlight

Raising a family today in the way of the Lord takes commitment and involvement in our children's lives. We want to applaud FaithWriters member Ennis Smith and his wife Misty. Watch their family music video that shows how they get their very talented kids involved. Listen to the amazing lyrics and harmony. When you are done, leave them a message of encouragement below the video. Click the family photo to watch.
The Great Multitude Daily Bible Devotional for January 1st.

Spend Your Time Wisely - by Lillian Rhoades

“The days of our lives are seventy years...." (Psalms 90:10 NKJ)


Of all the sentiments I’ve heard expressed right after the New Year, the most frequent one has been, “I can’t believe how quickly a year went by.” A recent e-mail I received stated similar thoughts. A few phrases caught my attention. "Seems just yesterday that I was so YOUNG… wonder where all the years went…” And... “TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE…”

Yes, the days and years come and go all too quickly, and we forget that moments count. If time were dollar bills, we would be more careful about how we spent it. We would manage our days as diligently as we keep track of our checking account. But let’s not forget that time’s value is not measured in money, but in what we do with it. The people whose lives we impact… the God-given talent we make full use of…the time we spend sharing the gospel of Good News; all indicate how well we cash in on the years given to us. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to, “Redeem the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

How can we “redeem the time?” The following chorus points us in the right direction. “With eternity’s values in view, Lord, with eternity’s values in view, may I do each day’s work for Jesus, with eternity’s values in view.” So this year, fill your moments and hours with those things that please God. Only then can you look back and say, this year flew by, but I spent it wisely.

Lillian Rhoades lives in upstate New York, and is the author of: When Youth Fades–How to Celebrate Life After 60
Contact
Fishers of Men

FaithWriters is unique in it's dual purpose: We are writers and evangelists. On FaithWriters, you'll find fiction, non-fiction, poems, devotionals, Bible studies and other articles written from a Christian perspective; content you will not find on a site that is strictly evangelistic in nature. With so much variety, we receive many visitors who might not go to a traditional evangelism site. Many may not even be looking for Jesus. But Jesus still meets them when they visit. In our experience, God tends to find people where they are in their life. This may be while they are reading your article about marriage or divorce. It might happen when they read about struggles with sin or your fictional story. What we are saying is to keep on submitting your various pieces that could only be authored by you. You never know who will be touched and moved by your work.

Men and women from over 225 countries are attracted to the FaithWriters site by the various articles on the end of our virtual fishing pole. Many have no other way than the internet to find out about Jesus. They are able to learn a lot from our site and the sister-sites to which we have provided links. Many click on the sites we link to that offer in-depth information on Jesus because they are able to get more information in their native language.  

To date, at least 425 people have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior directly through FaithWriters. Plus, as mentioned, we refer many people to other sites to help answer their questions and accommodate their language. We know it is not about just about numbers. We also know that accepting Jesus into their heart and confessing Him is just where it starts. It is honor to consider the fact that God would use us in this way.

We contact every person who leaves an email address, and provide them with more information. Sometimes we correspond with them several times. We even offer to place them in contact with another believer (FaithWriters member) in their country.
Consider how much time people --- especially kids --- spend on the internet these days. Watch this two minute video on how Kimberly found God on the internet.

Here are two of many emails we received this month.

1) Yes I Prayed and Rededicated My Life to Jesus. 
Paul Huang, USA, I came to God 20 years ago but then got lost again.Now I desperately want to return to God. How God Provides What Santa Cannot 11/09/13 by Harriett Ford really moved me. I feel his amazing work is truly God's work.

2) Yes I Prayed and Rededicated My Life to Jesus. 
Papua New Guinea - infidility in my marriage - Morning Devotional led me here
 
Thank You FaithWriters

Mike & Bea

Platinum Members are Eligible to Enter ALL Contests During the Year
Upgrade today and support FaithWriters 
At FaithWriters we want to help you grow as a writer as we work together to spread the gospel. We really appreciate all of our members. However, the vast majority are free Silver members. Like any business, we have expenses, website overhead, employees, and other items. Please consider helping FaithWriters by UPGRADING to Platinum or UPGRADING to Gold. We promise to do all we can to give you a lot more than it costs. Another way you can help is by purchasing products through our Amazon links. They are found at the top of most site pages and are entitled Shop, Save, Support.  We thank you for your support. -- Mike & Bea and the FaithWriters staff
Great Reads is a New Feature
We are Committed to Promoting Your Writing
This newsletter Goes to thousands of members.
  This Months FaithWriters Great Reads Selection
 We have some excellent writers and many topics to choose from at FaithWriters. Bless your fellow members by reading one or more of their books occasionally. Just imagine how you would feel if they did the same for you. Many of these books have multiple five-star reviews on Amazon. Descriptions are unedited and taken from the Authors book page.




Books added to our bookstore in the last month.

Jesus Do You Know Me ?
A Allen-Jones
Your Price: $8.99


Are you struggling with difficulty, finances , relationships ? Do you wonder why your prayers seem to go unanswered ? You've accepted Jesus, now get to know him.

Jesus, Do You Know Me, is a literature guide and journal that will motivate you to become more than just a Christian who knows about The from Amazon.com!


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Biblical studies


Jesus Your Way Or God's Way
Andy Centek
Your Price: $8.95


In depth look at the false teachings of today in regards to Jesus, who He really was, why He came to Judeah, and the results of it. from Amazon.com!  


The Mid-Week Rapture: A Verse-by-Verse Study of Key Prophetic Passages
Karl Kemp
Your Price: $12.95


We will be raptured in the middle of Daniel's 70th week, at the same time the devil is cast down to the earth, having great wrath, and at the time Antichrist begins his super-evil 3 1/2 year reign, which starts when the devil gives him "his power and his throne and great authority " ( Rev 13:2).
from Amazon.com!


Holiness and Victory Over Sin: Full Salvation Through the Atoning Death of the Lord Jesus Christ
Karl Kemp
Your Price: $9.95


This book demonstrates that God calls, enables, and requires us to walk in His righteousness and holiness with victory over sin through the cross of Christ, by grace (which includes all the work of the Holy Spirit), through a faith based on what the Bible (especially the New Testament teaches).
from Amazon.com!


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Devotionals


Complete
Arabah Joy
Your Price: $2.99


A 21 day devotional written by missionary and blogger Arabah Joy.
from Amazon.com!


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Fiction


Through Every Valley
Rebekah Colburn
Your Price: $6.99


Vivian Lawson will never trust a man again. Her husband's timely death leaves her widowed on the Wyoming prairie, burdened by betrayal and guilt. Rob Hudson returned to Annapolis after fighting to preserve the Union and set the slaves free. But the pursuit of his dreams leads only to disappointme
from Amazon.com!


Faded Memories Anew
CD Swanson
Your Price: $6.99


Immediately following his wife’s death, John, a CEO, makes a life changing decision that sets him on a new journey. With a grief-stricken heart, he attempts to “live” again, while holding onto memories of his one true love. Relocating to another State, having accepted a new job, he slowly adjusts to life without his wife. He struggles with guilt when he begins to experience feelings for his co-worker Kiana, who has suffered an equally devastating loss. Together, they navigate through uncharted waters, each with their own story and “ghosts” to deal with. Their story builds slowly culminating into an explosive and powerful climax.
from Amazon.com!


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Non-Fiction


Energy Explosion: A 7 Day Guide to Jumpstart Your Energy
Arabah Joy
Your Price: $2.99


Some things we don't stumble into. We need a plan to get there. Regaining your energy is one of those things. With Energy Explosion, you'll have the plan you need.
from Amazon.com!


JESUS ETERNAL FRIEND & SAVIOR
CD Swanson
Your Price: $4.99


JESUS - Eternal Friend & Savior. Share in the love and joy of Jesus Christ. His love supersedes all else, His grace and unmerited favor blankets us with peace. His ways, and His Gospel are key to our purpose in life, and essential to our overall salvation. He came for our purposes, to fulfill the sc
from Amazon.com!


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Free Reads For Reviews


One Last Wave
Jack Taylor
Your Price: $6.99


One Last Wave explores life rediscovered when regret and disappointment shuts off our past. Remembering is a powerful tool in freeing us to move forward. Katie Delancey is an MK resurfacing to discover love and faith and hope one more time. Great scenes of Africa mix with complex life in America.
from Amazon.com!


Crushing Invisible Barriers: Onset of a Glorious Marital Destiny
Dee Kyalo
Your Price: $4.95


Discover the secret to overcoming the invisible barriers that hinder and delay many individuals in their pursuit of long-lasting relationships that are intended to culminate into successful marriage.



Available in more formats from:
Amazon.com




Lola's Prayer Cocktail
Yetunde Mitchell
Your Price: $2.99


If there’s one thing women love is a good cocktail. Cocktails often incorporate unwinding, your girlfriends, and great fellowship (or womenship). Well this book is not recipes for your favorite drink! But it does breakdown 10 different areas of a woman’s prayer life that often need a sisterly touch.
from Amazon.com!


Dead Eye Will
R. Frederick Riddle
Your Price: $2.99


The War of 1812 had broken out. William Riddle and his two older brothers joined the army to fight the British. William ("Will") quickly made a name for himself and was called Dead Eye.

War, adventure, and romance follow Dead Eye through the years from 1812 to 1836.
from Amazon.com!


Touch My Tears: Tales from the Trail of Tears
Sarah Elisabeth
Your Price: $5.99


In 1830, a treaty was signed. In 1830, hearts broke. Tears fell on the long journey for twenty thousand. The Choctaw Nation was forced to leave their homelands to preserve their people. But they could not save them all.
from Amazon.com!


Pergamum: Satan's Throne
Sharon Dow
Your Price: $6.67


As the persecution of Christ's followers in Pergamum intensifies, a body is found on the steps to the altar, a sinister plot rocks the city, and the raspy cry of a newborn pierces the night. "Pergamum: Satan's Throne" is the exciting sequel to "Antipas: Martyr".
from Amazon.com!


Antipas: Martyr
Sharon Dow
Your Price: $9.33


Ride the camel trails, experience loneliness, feel the fear of rejection, and participate in the joy of salvation. "Antipas: Martyr" will lead you along the Roman roads between Ephesus and Pergamum. Worship with the early church and experience the devastating persecution on this incredible journey.
from Amazon.com!







Thanks for your Membership and Support!
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