What am I writing?

On December 12, 2012December 12, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Writing Happenings1 Comment

I just wanted to share with all my readers some things about my current work in progress. I guess it will help me be accountable to finishing this book. I better do something about it since I think it would be a great story for all you romantics on Valentine’s Day.

I’m also part of a blog hop with some other awesome writers, so here are the questions for this blog.

Title: My promise to keep

Where did the idea come from?

I was listening to romantic music. I can’t remember the song, but I do know that’s when I thought of writing this book.

Genre: Romance

What actors would play your character in a movie version?

My first thought with this question was Antonio Banderas or John Stamos, but then I remember that my memories of these two are from when they a lot younger and my main character is a lot younger than these fine men are now, so I would have to say Ian Somerhalder

Short Synopsis

When Janet and Paul got married they had very little. Their primary mission was to build the business for the five children. The other thing very important to them was their faith. Now as adults, they all worked together with their parents in the family business. The youngest children were Brian and Randall, they are twins. They couldn’t be more different. Brian is a Momma’s boy. Randall is a wild party animal. Before tragedy hits, Brian makes Randall promise something that will change his life. Will Randall be able to fulfill the promise?

Agency Representation

No, I self-publish

How long did it take to write the first draft?

I’m two chapters away from the end.

Anything to add?

At this point I honestly don’t know how this book will end, but I’m so looking forward to see how the story will conclude. It’s my first time writing so many characters in one story and it’s been quite a fun experience.

While you all wait for this masterpiece to be written check out these great authors.

Diana Brandmeyer http://www.dianabrandmeyer.com

Staci Stallings http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com

Talking about recent work. Check out my new novella “Season’s Greetings from Amelia” . This great novella brings mystery, suspense and the best stocking stuffer for your favorite e-reader. You can get your copy for just 0.99 cents on Kindle,Smashwords and Nook only during the month of December.

Many Blessings

What Do You Want For Christmas?

On December 10, 2012December 10, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Writing HappeningsLeave a comment

By Lillian Duncan

That’s the question that everyone’s asking or being asked this time of year, right. What do you want for Christmas? And that question is usually followed with a list of things.

Now, believe me when I say I’m not a Scrooge, I love Christmas as much as anyone and I love presents. But the past few years, it’s all become a bit too much for me to handle.

As I write this, it’s not even Halloween yet and yet the Christmas displays have been up for weeks. In fact, maybe they never went away at all!

The problem for me is that so many people think that things are going to make them happy. If more things make you more happy, then the reverse must be true as well. If you don’t have money for more things, then you must be unhappy. Therefore the key to happiness must be money, right?

And how do get money—by being famous, of course!

So, everyone wants to be rich and famous these days, right?

Well, maybe not everyone but certainly a lot of people want exactly that!

In THE CHRISTMAS STALKING, Destiny has fame, money, and beauty. Everything that so many people think will make them happy. And yet, she’s not happy. And it’s not just because she’s being stalked, but that doesn’t help matters either. Without preaching, this story shows that true joy and happiness doesn’t come from things, but from God.

And after all isn’t that the Christmas message.

Now that’s something to celebrate!

Merry Christmas to all!!

As a special Christmas gift, anyone who purchases a copy of THE CHRISTMAS STALKING can receive a FREE e-copy of either DARK ALLEYS or GEESE MATE FOR LIFE. Once you purchase it, simply go to my website (www.lillianduncan.net) and send me the order number. I will email you a copy of the book of your choice. Merry Christmas!

Lillian Duncan writes stories of faith mingled with murder & mayhem. She writes the type of books she loves to read—suspense with a touch of romance. Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.

THE CHRISTMAS STALKER

Overzealous fan or crazed stalker?

Country music superstar Destiny appears to have it all. Beauty, money, and fame. But it’s not all glitz and glamour. Being a celebrity comes with a price—loneliness, and now threats from an unknown stalker.

With Christmas approaching, and as the danger escalates in Nashville, Destiny has no choice but to disappear. She escapes to her grandparents’ cabin in the Adirondack Mountains near the tiny Village of Serenity & Peace. It seems to be the perfect choice for a hideout. Longing for the serenity and peace she experienced there as a child, Destiny sheds her celebrity persona and resumes her long-forgotten identity as Holly Stone.

Unfortunately, fame follows her to the tiny village—along with her stalker.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: www.lillianduncan.net. She also has a devotional blog at: www.PowerUpWithGod.com

WF: One thing remains

On December 7, 2012December 7, 2012 By Naty MatosIn WorshipLeave a comment

I was reading the bible the other day. It’s been a busy week. I’ve had family from out of town to celebrate my mother’s birthday. Of course I never forget about my main love, but have to admit that I have not dedicated as much time or attention as I usually do to my quiet time with God. So this particular morning in my prayer time I was thanking God for his love and for his patience.
Although I know God doesn’t want us in condemnation, I have not been able to grow to the point of not feeling guilty about the times when I don’t spend enough time with God. I have this feeling that I’m ignoring my father, my husband, my love and that he should be my priority.
So that’s why that morning I was thanking him for his patience with me on those days where I’m not the best daughter, his best wife and his best lover. Then I opened the Word and read in Psalm 118:1-4

Thank God because he’s good,

because his love never quits.

Tell the world, Israel,

“His love never quits.”

And you, clan of Aaron, tell the world,

“His love never quits.”

And you who fear God, join in,

“His love never quits”

I felt that it was an answer to my prayer. My love knows my heart. He knows that I am always thinking about him, that I’m always thanking him for how he provides for me in every aspect. For that I’m grateful, for having a love that is really unconditional.
Join me in praising Him with this song that actually talks about how his love never fails and never quits on us.
Blessings

WF: Worship Friday

Also check out my novella “Season’s Greetings from Amelia” This great novella brings mystery, suspense and the best stocking stuffer for your favorite e-reader. You can get your copy for just 0.99 cents on Kindle,Smashwords and Nook only during the month of December.
Book Description
Daisy has the perfect life, beautiful children and a wonderful husband. And Christmas is right around the corner. Tis the season to be jolly… Or is it.
Daisy’s life is flipped upside down by strange letters that are sent to her by her best friend, Amelia. And as her life continues to quickly spiral out of control, she realizes that something BIG is about to happen. Can she put aside her confusion, hurt, and anger in order to solve a mystery that may have a horrific ending????
Can Daisy’s life ever return to normal regardless to whether she does or doesn’t?

How God Speaks…

On December 3, 2012December 3, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

When I think about the mysterious ways in which God talks to us, it still amazes me. We live in a world moved by drama and scandal, yet we serve a God that is the total opposite. We expect for God to give us billboard signals on what to do or what to say, but it’s in the silence that he will manifest his words.

He utilizes the most random unexpected things to allows us to feel his presence. A song, a flower, a conversation with a friend, or even the correction of a stranger will be utilized by God to get through to us. He knows we can’t handle the large scheme of things.

Think about it, if God was as loud as our entertainment or all the advertisements wouldn’t his message be lost in the noise. Have you ever been watching television and someone talks to you, you respond but you were not completely sure of what they said in the first place. That’s what would happen to us if God was trying to compete with all the noise in our life. Instead he always brings us to a place of peace, rest, and quietness to hear his voice.

He knows that we are stubborn and that sometimes we either don’t understand his message or simply do not want to comply. That’s why his revelation to us it’s a process. Salvation is a decision, conversion is a journey.

I read in Isaiah 28:12-14 the following scripture “God will speak to this people In baby talk, one syllable at a time— and he’ll do it through foreign oppressors. He said before, “This is the time and place to rest, to give rest to the weary. This is the place to lay down your burden.” But they won’t listen.

So God will start over with the simple basics and address them in baby talk, one syllable at a time— “Da, da, da, da, blah, blah, blah, blah. That’s a good little girl, that’s a good little boy.” And like toddlers, they will get up and fall down, get bruised and confused and lost.”

It reminded me when I was finally born again, where I felt lost. I didn’t know what to eat, what to wear, how to speak, how to feel. Reading the bible was vital, but it was not and it is not like reading the manual of how to play a video game. The Word of God is food for the spirit that should be consume daily and constantly because our lives are not a toy, but a purposeful journey.

I’m so happy that God had the patience, and that he still does to speak to me in baby talk, in a way that I can understand his purpose for my life, his instructions and corrections. I’m also glad that when I still stumble and fall, he cleans my face and tries again.

Check out my new release ”Season’s Greetings from Amelia” This great novella brings mystery, suspense and the best stocking stuffer for your favorite e-reader. You can get your copy for just 0.99 cents on Kindle,Smashwords and Nook only during the month of December.

Daisy has the perfect life, beautiful children and a wonderful husband. And Christmas is right around the corner. Tis the season to be jolly… Or is it

Daisy’s life is flipped upside down by strange letters that are sent to her by her best friend, Amelia. And as her life continues to quickly spiral out of control, she realizes that something BIG is about to happen. Can she put aside her confusion, hurt, and anger in order to solve a mystery that may have a horrific ending????

Can Daisy’s life ever return to normal regardless to whether she does or doesn’t?

Seasons Greetings from Amelia (therisingmuse.com)
WF: Me Without You (therisingmuse.com)

Seasons Greetings from Amelia

On December 1, 2012December 1, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Writing Happenings1 Comment

The Rising Muse has the pleasure to announce

Naty Matos’

new novella

Daisy has the perfect life, beautiful children and a wonderful husband. And Christmas is right around the corner. Tis the season to be jolly… Or is it.

Can Daisy’s life ever return to normal regardless to whether she does or doesn’t?

This great novella brings mystery, suspense and the best stocking stuffer for your favorite e-reader. You can get your copy for just 0.99 cents on Kindle, Smashwords and Nook only during the month of December.

Enjoy this fun read!

WF: Me Without You

On November 30, 2012November 30, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Worship1 Comment

I have to start by saying I love the music of Toby Mac. His songs have spunk and at the same time are so deep.

November was quite a challenging month for me. I was trying to do way too many things at once. I was determined to participate on NaNoWriMo. I was determined to finish my new book, “Season’s Greetings from Amelia”. I was also determined to go to the gym four times a week, all after 8 hours of work, a semi part time job and ministry responsibilities.

One morning, stressed out ( I wonder why?) I was driving and this song came on the radio. Where would I be without you God? Trying to do what I can’t do. Trying to build my kingdom instead of yours. So I stopped, I remember that it was a Saturday afternoon and I chose to do nothing the next day. I had already gone to church service Saturday night and I was having me a date with Jesus.

I didn’t work out, I didn’t write, I didn’t clean that Sunday. All I did was focus on what God needed to tell me. I needed to know what he wanted me to do. I focused on my novella and was able to finish it. The workout thing, I’m not saying that God told me not to do it, let’s say I just skipped it, but I did go for a few walks. I focused on my worship time and in reading more of the Word of God.

Guess what? I was able to do it all, (well except going to the gym, but I still know that was me) The novella launches tomorrow and if I’m diligent I will finish my 50k words before midnight tonight.

Oh God, where would I be without you?

WF: Worship Friday

So join me in worshiping the Lord and enjoy my new novella “Season’s Greetings for Amelia” for just 0.99 cents.

Happy Friday!

Daisy has the perfect life, beautiful children and a wonderful husband. And Christmas is right around the corner. Tis the season to be jolly… Or is it?

Can Daisy’s life ever return to normal regardless to whether she does or doesn’t?

Can being loved truly change someone?

On November 29, 2012November 29, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Writing HappeningsLeave a comment

Can being loved truly change someone?

By Naty Matos

In all kind of relationships we ask ourselves if loving someone would make them change their behavior. Some people try to manipulate, shame, and pressure others to make them behave in a certain way. Others try to serve, love, and support in hopes that the acceptance will make them see the error of their ways. But does it work?

I’ve learned through my life journey that nothing is black or white, and this is one of those areas where there’s a lot of gray involved. I believe that feeling loved can help someone be encourage to do better as long the love is corresponded. Love can also provide the necessary support for someone who wants to make changes in their live but doesn’t have the necessary tools. Loving counsel and guidance could be the key to growth and breakthrough.

But there’s the other side, where love is not received. I believe that you can be loved, but if you don’t receive the love it would have no impact or even can create an unhealthy relationship. People who do not desire to change or accept love will not look for those growth opportunities.

I believe that God’s love can change us. It says in John 3:16
”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” But even in this scripture says that in order to have eternal life and receive what God has for us we have to believe in him. His love can change us, if we’re open to receive him.

Will love change Amelia’s heart? Will love be sufficient for Daisy to understand, to forgive, and deal with the revelations she has received? Find out in “Season’s Greetings for Amelia” A great novella and a possible stocking stuffer for the mystery/suspense reader in your family, for just $0.99

Daisy has the perfect life, beautiful children and a wonderful husband. And Christmas is right around the corner. Tis the season to be jolly… Or is it.
Daisy’s life is flipped upside down by strange letters that are sent to her by her best friend, Amelia. And as her life continues to spiral quickly out of control, she realizes that something BIG is about to happen. Can she put aside her confusion, hurt, and anger in order to solve a mystery that may have a horrific ending????
Can Daisy’s life ever return to normal if she does or doesn’t?

Careful when praying for light

On November 28, 2012November 28, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts4 Comments

We all have heard that we should be careful what we ask for because we might get it and it may not be what we have in mind. I’m a nosy person. Friends and family struggle with surprising me because with a minimal clue I am able to figure it out. But I’ve learned that with God things are a little bit different.

Sometimes when someone lies to us or we are in conflict about something, that we can tell that we do not have all the necessary information, we may ask God to reveal to us what’s hidden, but are we ready to handle what will come out?

The Word of God says in 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV) “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”

I’ve included this verse in many of my prayers and when things were opened and revealed I was either devastated or astounded by those things that were unknown to me. Now I’m not advocating to stay ignorant. God wants us to walk in truth, wisdom, and freedom.

What I decided to do was to add a little extra to that prayer. Instead of just asking the Lord to reveal what is hidden from me, I’ve also asked him to prepare my heart for those things that may hurt. I ask him to give me wisdom on how to react to the findings and for the peace to deal with it all.

There has never been a time when I’ve asked for revelation of the truth when God has not responded almost immediately, but now I prepare my spirit and my heart for whatever the revelation is.

Do you have an experience where a revelation caught you unprepared and changed your life? I would love to hear it.

Stayed prayed up and be blessed.

Talking about revelations, stay tuned for my new release on December 1st and find out what the letters from Amelia reveal to our main character Daisy Adair.

It’s time to take off running

On November 26, 2012November 26, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts3 Comments

When my dog was a puppy, I used to let her walk to the door, place the leash on her right by the door, open the door, she would walk by herself until she was at the end of the driveway and wait for me until I closed the door behind me. She never took off or ran away. One morning I was distracted and I opened the door but I never put on the leash. It was a total accident. I quickly realized what I had done, but hoping she would be use to the routine, I tried to act just as normal to see if she would wait at the end of the driveway like she did every morning. She walked halfway to the driveway, she looked back at me like saying “something is missing”, she quickly noticed what it was and took off running wagging her tail. It was playtime!

After that day I made sure that I had the leash on her before opening the door. Somehow even though she was lose, the leash was her indicator not to keep on running. Today when I walk her I sometimes let the leash go while I pick up after her and she doesn’t take off, she stays right by my side. I’m not sure that if the leash was not on her she would do the same. It got me thinking. As fast as she is, if she realized that she is free once I place the leash on the ground she could easily take off and give me a good time chasing her.

How many times in our lives we have been freed from a situation and we continue to carry it just like if we were still in chains? I love my dog and of course, aside that its the law that I walk her on a leash for her own protection, but the leashes in our lives are not always good restraints and those are the ones that I’m talking about.

It really got me thinking, of the times that I’ve prolonged with the leashes of shame, condemnation, or pride being stuck when I have been forgiven, delivered, and set free. Sometimes we are so accustomed to the leash, that we don’t even try to run anymore.

I think it’s a good day to remember that who the Son sets free is free indeed. It’s time to enjoy that freedom, starting right now!

Blessings!

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Happy Thanksgiving!

On November 22, 2012November 22, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Writing HappeningsLeave a comment

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM

NATY MATOS

AND

THE RISING MUSE

Remember that I’m donating 50% of all my sales for both of my books Growth Lessons and The Road Home until Friday to the Red Cross to help the relief of Hurricane Sandy.

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