Bookrix: A great place to start

On By Naty MatosIn Writing Happenings2 Comments

When I was giving my first baby steps toward becoming a publish author, I knew I needed a lot of help and useful feedback. I had a lot of friends who could read my manuscripts, but I was afraid they would be partial due to our relationship.

I also liked the concept of writing contests. As a writer, I know how important is to be organized, meet deadlines and make sure that you present the best of your work to your readers. Bookrix is always hosting some contests for their writers to participate. The winners are selected by votes from others in the community. Winning is always more fun, but the times I competed was more for the training experience and that is worth it, especially for those aspiring to a writing career.

At the time I ran into Bookrix, I was already blogging, but I had not shown my fiction writing to other peers. This is a large community that gives you that opportunity. The Bookrix community is very diverse and you can obtain feedback from readers, writers with minimal or extended experience.

I found a very supportive community and great information to better my craft and my writing style.

One of the questions that beginning writers ask frequently is where to start their careers. Bookrix is a great place to write, to start building a platform and improving their The Road Home Cover (1)writing.

Read the first Chapter of my new novel “The Road Home” for free at Bookrix or if you have decided that you want to read the whole book, you can obtain your copy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

WF: God of Wonders

On By Naty MatosIn Worship2 Comments

The desired Friday has arrived. As we all get ready to enjoy the weekend, regardless if you have big plans or not, don’t ever forget He who created you and allows you to enjoy every breath. He who provides everything you have around you and allows you access to it. He who created the sun to warm us up ( a little too much last week) but then sent us the rain to water and refresh us this week (at least where I am)

Let’s worship the Lord, the God of Wonders.

WF: Worship Friday

Looking for a weekend read that will keep you in suspense but will inspire you,The Road Home Cover (1) get your copy of my new novel The Road Home. It’s available in Kindle and Nook. You can also win a copy of this book by commenting on a hot topic: How do Christian Parents Deal with Sexually Active Teens? Enter your comment and you will be entering for a chance to win a copy of The Road Home on June 27th here at The Rising Muse.

Topic for Discussion: How do Christian Parents Deal with Sexually Active Teens?

On By Naty MatosIn Writing Happenings15 Comments

I started thinking the other day about this and figure it could be a great topic for a healthy conversation. As always I clarify that I’m only a mother to a four legged child and that she was fixed very early in her life, so I personally have not and probably will not have to deal with this issue.

Working with teenagers at the church and watching some of the things they post on social media it makes me wonder how are Christian parents approaching the issue of their children being sexual active. As a general consensus amongst believers is that sex is supposed to happen within the boundaries of marriage. Let’s part from the premise that as parents you have favor the position that abstinence is the favorable choice for spiritual, emotional and health reasons.

Here’s the question: What would you do if even after you have advocated for abstinence, you find out that your child is sexually active?

I really would like to hear from you on this subject. I think parents and anyone working with teenagers could benefit from this discussion.

As a token of my appreciation, all those who comment will have their names The Road Home Cover (1)placed in a hat for the chance to win a kindle copy of my new book The Road Home.  On the subject, you can find out how Desiree managed the discovery of her teenage daughter being sexually active?

The winner will be announced on July 27th here at therisingmuse.com Looking forward to hear your comments and for those who have read the book already feel free to express how you felt Desiree handled the situation.

Fear of what’s coming

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

I remember when I was a child and I had done something or I thought I had done something, the hours waiting for my mother’s reaction to my behavior or actions was total agony. Even now as an adult, expectation is not one of my favorite experiences. Can you imagine how Jesus felt that night before knowing exactly what he was about to go through?

Let’s see what the scripture says: Luke 22:41-44 ”He pulled away from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?” At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face”

Hematidrosis (also called hematohidrosis) is a very rare condition in which a human being sweats blood. It may occur when a person is suffering extreme levels of stress, for example, facing his or her own death.

Think about how stressed out Jesus was to get to the point of sweating blood. The worse stressful day of your life can’t compare to it, how do I know? Did you sweat blood? The knowledge that you are going to die and in the way you’re going to die, the pain that you’re going to endure and for people who are not grateful for it and then he still loved us so much he went through with it.

There are no words for how amazing this is…If Jesus was able to endure all this pain for us, He will get you through anything you may be afraid of. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5-6

Give yourself the opportunity of reading this powerful story of forgiveness, faith, friendship and redemption. It will change your life. The Road Home, available to you in Kindle and NookThe Road Home Cover (1)

WF: Draw Me Close

On By Naty MatosIn WorshipLeave a comment

Falling in love with Jesus is quite an experience. Feeling a love that’s unconditional, when everything in life is based on performance, is refreshing but sometimes hard to accept.

Just like any relationship, our relationship with the Lord needs to grow, mature, and go through different levels. We should also keep it fresh and within the realms of our first love. Our relationship with Jesus requires work, because we require work to be closer to him.

I found this song and it reminded me of that desire to just be closer him in a deeper intimacy in this loving, growing relationship that He always provides. Let’s worship the Lord on this Worship Friday!

WF: Worship Friday

Looking to be inspired by a powerful story of redemption and forgiveness, check out my new novel The Road Home, Available in Kindle and Nook

The Road Home Cover (1)

4th of July, What are we celebrating?

On By Naty MatosIn Articles1 Comment

The 4th of July is one of those celebrations marked with family and friend gatherings, BBQ’s and fireworks. Do we really know what we are celebrating beyond having a day off and the opportunity to have fun?

I’ll make the history lesson as short as I can. On July 4th 1776, Americans became independent from the sovereignty of Britain and were not only declared an independent nation but founded this nation on some principles that in 2012 we seem to take for granted. If you want to read the whole document you can do it here. But today I would like to point out the one that stood out for me.

All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

2012 is an election year

Let’s pray that this country makes the right decision. Let’s pray that we elect someone who will uphold the rights in which this nation was founded. But as believers, let’s make the commitment that whoever ends up being elected, we will continue to pray for his protection and wisdom, in steering this nation.

This is my prayer:

That for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.(1 Timothy 2:2)

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. (Proverbs 2:10)

Let’s not forget who is really in control. “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)

Happy Independence Day!

The Silence of My Imaginary Friends

On By Naty MatosIn Articles4 Comments

It’s been said that writer’s block is nothing but a time when our imaginary friends won’t talk to us. As writers we get frustrated because once we finally settle down, are able to shut down social media, and we are in the middle of a promising good scene; then poof, words just go away.

We tend to forget that our imaginary friends can get tired, hungry, and bored just like us. I  understand and have experienced that their timing tends to be very inopportune, but since we need them, just like with babies, you have to adjust to their schedule.

When I’m on a roll with my writing and my muse just stops, I have to check to find out what my imaginary friends need so that I can get them talking again. Sometimes when I lay down for a nap, the funniest thing happens.  They go from being absolutely mute to arguing amongst themselves about how the plot should go. At that point I tell them to shut up. If they weren’t willing to talk to me when I was in front of the computer, this is not the time to talk. So they finally calm down. Sometimes they seep into my dreams showing me whatever conclusion they came up with during their argument.

Other times we both need food. The “glamorous” life of a writer comes with long work hours and ironically we sometimes forget to eat. I had not discovered this particular need of my imaginary friends, until recently. I used to keep a plate with junk food right next to me  during my writing times.  However, now that I’m trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and making sure I eat what my body needs and not just what it wants. I don’t keep anything at my desk, other than water.  I’ve discovered that sometimes when my imaginary friends stop it’s to get me off of the computer and get me to eat.

The other thing that I’ve discovered that helps me sometimes, is to take a walk. My dog particularly appreciates when my imaginary friends coincide with the fact that she has been laying at my feet for hours without relief. Yes, your muse (our imaginary friends) gets bored too and sometimes a walk can help. I’ve read that for some people working out does the trick. I guess that depends on your physical condition. While I try not to pass out at my Zumba class, it’s very hard for me to think of anything other than not dying. However taking a walk through the neighborhood, looking at the trees, and watching other people interact can help entertain them and when we get back they feel more incline to start talking again.

So when your muse aka your polka dot people (don’t judge, not all little talking people are green or pink) try to see what they need and they may start cooperating again.

If you want to read a different type of novel that will keep you at the edge of The Road Home Cover (1)your seat. See the story that God placed in my heart to share, a story that will definitely touch your heart: The Road Home

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WF: Light up the sky

On By Naty MatosIn WorshipLeave a comment

Sometimes in life, even when we know that He is always with us, we feel alone or distressed in the journey of life. Stopping our race and looking around can give us the answer we desperately seek.

We look at the skies, we look at our children, our pets, and our plants and we can tell that undeniably someone is in control of our lives. We as believers know who that is and that’s the hope we need when we feel alone. When we feel like things are overwhelming us, that’s what we need to remember; that God lights the sky for us and that he’s always in control. That things always work for our good as we believe in our higher power Jesus Christ.

Happy Friday!

WF: Worship Friday

Seeking for a moving story of faith, friendship and redemption. Get your copy of my new book, The Road Home, which is getting great reviews and has readers at the edge of their seats. Kindle or Nook

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Messages by John Hileman

On By Naty MatosIn Book Review3 Comments

If you’re like me, someone who loves action, this is the book for you. Messages will keep you on the edge of your seat. Actually I was really unhappy every time I had to put it down to do things like sleeping or doing housework, who needs to do all of that when you are in the middle of someone about to be blown up?

This book also has some great messages, no pun intended. Regardless of the level of your relationship with God; the messages in this book will either enlighten you or remind you of the things you take for granted. Faith is determined by following the unseen and that’s what David Chance has to learned through his journey of following messages floating on random words written all around him in a mission from God. But he’s not even sure that God even exists. It’s really a great book and the more you read the more it grabs your attention and sucks you into the action.

We watch David grow and mature in a matter of two days through the challenges presented to him. Everything he knew to be true is shaken as surprise after surprise of those things around him surface. You have to read this book and then come and tell me what you thought of it. You may join and add to the other 43 five stars reviews that this wonderful book already has received.

John Michael Hileman lives in central Maine with his loving wife, precious daughter, and hygienically-challenged, crazy-haired, teenage boy. He is a self-taught musician, singer, songwriter, graphic artist, television producer, and, oh yeah– he writes books.
When John isn’t working or writing, he’s usually making people laugh by saying stuff like, “I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous,” or “When life throws you lemons, DUCK!”

Your Life A Legacy for Kids

On By Naty MatosIn Book Review2 Comments

I had the great opportunity to read this book this past weekend and all I canYour Life a Legacy for Kids say is, Where was this book when I was growing up? Especially now in the summer, parents run out of ideas of things to do with their children while at home and why not do something that not only is fun but that matters. I also can see how this book has the great potential to help teachers develop so many skills for children.

This book encourages children to explore who they are, as well as their dreams. In a society where dreams have been dictated by the media, this gives them an opportunity for the children to create dreams of their own. The great thing about the activities in this book is that they can be generalized for all ages as long as the children can write or draw. Each child will feel important and included in the activities.

I enjoyed the real life stories of children who have participated in this project, especially the story about the kid who wrote about the Mustang car. Sorry my readers, you know I don’t like to give too many spoilers so you will have to get the book to find out.

I really enjoyed this book. I don’t have kids, but I do interact with many and I look forward to introducing them to this concept.

The author of this great book is Joy Dekok. She is the author of 7 published books, a national speaker, author coach, and social media manager for several clients. She and her husband Jon live on 35 acres of field and woods in Minnesota with their dogs Sophie & Tucker. You can find more about Joy’s books on her website www.joydekok.com