Best Non-Fiction Books for 2013

I've joined Diane Estrella's Blog Hop under the category of Non-Fiction. Here were my favorite 2013 non-fiction books. Click on the links to see my previously published reviews!

MY BEST PICKS FOR 2013 NON-FICTION:

Devos for Teen Girls by Dannah Gresh and Suzy Weibel

Limitless by Nick Vujicio

A to Z Devotions for Writers by Pamela D. Williams

Unveiling Grace by Lynn K. Wilder

Priceless Stones by James Revoir

The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs

A to Z Devotions for Writers Blog Tour -- Author Pamela D. Williams

  

Click to see on Amazon

  Pam Williams is on tour for her new book, A to Z Devotions for Writers! Today, I get to feature my dear friend and showcase her wonderful book. We'll start off with asking Pam a few questions.

      Dawn:  What gave you the idea to do A to Z Devotions for Writers?
Pam: In April of 2011, I participated in Lee Jackson’s A to Z Blogging Challenge. God led me to write meditations for the challenge. I discovered that many of them spoke to the hearts of writers. A year later, God nudged me to bind them together in a book, and A to Z Devotions for Writers took shape.

      Dawn:  The cover is gorgeous, who designed it?
Pam: A talented artist named Lily Mackay created the beautiful inkwell which I found in an Internet search. When I contacted Lily, she then gave permission for a team of graphic designers at CrossLink Publishing to feature her beautiful inkwell on the cover.

      Dawn:  Why write devotions for writers?
Pam: Typically, believers turn to God’s Word to discover direction through the Scriptures, draw peace from conversations with Jesus, and to be encouraged by the words and experiences of others. Devotional books offer all of these elements, usually tailored to a specific reader—mothers, golfers, teens, cat lovers, couples, etc. In 2010, when I started a writers’ inspiration and critique group, I searched bookstores, workshops, and the Internet for devotionals aimed at writers that I could use to open our meetings. The choices were few. Out of necessity, I began writing devotionals to open our writers’ Bible study.

Dawn: In the “Y is for Yearn” devotion you talk about creating writing goals based on what you yearn to write. What do you yearn to write? What are some of your future writing goals?
Pam: Writing devotionals is my passion. I love to share what Jesus has taught me in the little, everyday things. I currently have the bare bones of a new book entitled Backyard Devotions from A to Z. I am excited about this book because it will speak to the hearts of a much wider audience. I also plan to concentrate on submitting articles to magazines—something I had to put on the back burner while I worked on the A to Z Devotions for Writers book.

Read my book review of A to Z Devotions for Writers. I gave it 5 of 5 stars!

A to Z Devotions for Writers can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at CrossLink Publishing.

Book Review: A to Z Devotions for Writers

Click to see at CrossLink Publishing

"A to Z Devotions for Writers" is a must have for Christian writers! Pam's new book shares Scripture, personal stories, prayer, and writing prompts to encourage writers to WRITE! Whether you're a new writer or you've been writing for thirty years, each devotion will touch you and encourage you on your writing journey.

Dawn's Recommendation: 5 of 5 Stars!

Overview: Do the ugly twins of Fear and Self-Doubt roar at you when you write? A to Z Devotions for Writers tames these snarling beasts! Armed with the sword of God’s Word, encouraging meditations, applicable prayers and “block” busting writing prompts, writers will move ideas from fleeting thoughts to grounded manuscripts. (from book cover)

What I liked: The author's down-to-earth style. She uses relevant personal stories for each writing point and backs it with Scripture. Many devotions also include writing tips and questions that make you think.

I love that writing prompts were included with the devotions! They encourage readers to take the lesson farther. Two of my favorites were write your testimony (T is for Testimony) and write out your writing goals (Y is for Yearn).

The Table of Contents was a nice addition to the book. I could quickly scan to see what each day's alphabet topic would be.

I found the opening "Gleaning the most from A to Z Devotions for Writers" to be very helpful. It focuses readers by telling them what to expect and gives recommendations for the best way to do the devotions.

What I didn't like: It is a little hard to read the back cover. I wish the font was bigger, especially for the paragraph about what the book is about. 

I would love to see more devotions for Christian writers (there isn't that much out there). This is a fantastic book of encouragement. Maybe Pam will do a sequel someday (I can hope).

Pam's book is available at the following locations:
CrossLink
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Disclaimer: I am a part of Pam William's writing group (1stwrites.blogspot.com). I helped edit the book. I tried to make my review as unbiased and as honest as possible. Pam did not ask me to do this review.

A to Z Devotions for Writers

Click to see at Crosslink

OK, I'm about to burst! My writing friend and mentor, Pam Williams just got her book published! I was going to wait and feature it when it goes on sale at Amazon in ten or so days, but I can't wait!

It is currently on sale at Crosslink Publishing.

I was privileged to be one of the ones that helped edit this fantastic book! I love every part of the book from the insightful devotions to the awesome writing prompts! And don't you just love the book cover?!




A to Z Devotions for Writers by Pamela D. Williams
Do the ugly twins of Fear and Self-Doubt roar at you when you write? A to Z Devotions for Writers tames these snarling beasts! Armed with the sword of God’s Word, encouraging meditations, applicable prayers and “block” busting writing prompts, writers will move ideas from fleeting thoughts to grounded manuscripts.

You can visit Pam at her blog, 2 Encourage.