Gratitude in My Heart

On November 8, 2013November 5, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Writing HappeningsLeave a comment

As most of my readers know I am in the middle of NaNoWriMo. This is my 5^th year in this challenge and probably the most challenging of all the ones I’ve done so far. When I did my first NaNo in 2009, I had never written a novel, I didn’t have a blog. I didn’t have a twitter account or a Facebook author page. I didn’t have the slightest idea of what I was doing except for the fact that God was burning things inside of me to write.

Since then I’ve met lots of wonderful people, some authors, and some readers. I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much and at the time I’m writing this post I’ve been blessed with the fact of publishing 4 books. To me that’s amazing and the Glory is all to and for The Lord who has seen me through this journey.

I’m also very grateful for each of you that have joined me in this adventure and I give you my word that the best is yet to come.

Having said all that, I’ve been thinking on how I could thank all my readers for all their support. I’ve decided to place ALL MY BOOKS on sale during the month of November. This will give you the opportunity to get any of them that you have not obtained already or to gift it to someone that you wish had read it. Here’s the breakdown in the order they were published

October 2011 Growth Lessons (From 2.99) $1.99 Amazon, Nook and Smashwords

This was my first book. This one is my only non-fiction so far. I call it a devotional because you don’t it just includes life lessons that The Lord showed me during my first year of coming back to him and my first year into taking the plunge of writing seriously. This is what some of the reviews have said

“I enjoyed the book and could recommend it wholeheartedly with that one proviso. ”

Mary C. Findley
“Great for meditations and daily devotions. ”

Nancy Jill Thames
“I did not know quite what to expect when I began reading this book. ”
Letetia Parker

June 2013 The Road Home (From 4.99) $2.99 Amazon, Nook and Smashwords

I have to admit that I have a special attachment to this book. There are some parts of this book that come from my life experiences, but it was also my first work of fiction and also my first NaNoWriMo project. I learned a lot about myself writing this book. This is what the reviewers have said.

We also learned that God’s love and forgiveness shining through us can melt the hardest heart. ”

Penny Henry
“Very well written. ”

Emme
“I look forward to more from this author. “

November 2012 Season’s Greetings from Amelia (From 2.99) $1.50 Amazon, Nook and Smashwords

This was a very fun novella to write. I love crime shows and was fascinated with serial killer stories so I wanted to create my own, but with a twist. This is was reviewers have said.

“I was unable to put the book down. ”

Zylia Ortiz
“I felt that Naty did a mighty great job here in the creation of this story! ”

Angela

October 2013 A Brother’s Vow (From $7.99) $3.50 Amazon, Nook and Smashwords

This is the last book I published. This book has a complicated plot. This was the first time I had challenged myself to have a book with these many characters where they all shine on their own. This one too started as a NaNo project. It’s a story that I personally enjoy reading beyond the fact that I wrote it. This is what the reviewers are saying.

“This is a story about interconnected lives and the consequences of the actions of everybody in the family. It’s not just about one black sheep and his struggle to change. The spiritual lessons you can learn from each member of the Benson family surprise you as you make your way through this complex story and navigate their successes and failures. This isn’t women’s fiction. It’s complex adult fiction with a message for everyone who has promises to keep” Mary Findley

Think about it for just $10 you can get all four 🙂 So now that the holidays are here and you get some down time, stock up on good reading materials or stuff those e-readers that you are giving out as Christmas presents.

As always, Thanks You for your support. Until next time… be blessed.

When everything seems wrong

On October 13, 2013October 13, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

I decided to reblog this post that I wrote last year today because somewhere in my heart it’s telling me that there’s someone out there that needs to read this again or for the first time. I know I needed to read it myself again. Since it was a year ago please ignore the promotion at the end of the post, but don’t forget to check out my new book “A Brother’s Vow” for only $3.99 on Kindle, Nook and Smashwords.

Talk to all of you tomorrow, be blessed.

A crazy promise made during a night out with his twin brother will change Randall’s life forever. Will he be able to keep the promise he made or will his past cause him to go against everything he’s worked hard to achieve?
“Randall Benson and his twin brother Brian think nothing will change in their happy, close-knit family. Their parents worked hard to establish a business and a heritage of godliness for their five sons. Randall does his part for the business, but doesn’t buy into that heritage thing. He just wants to have fun, until a series of events convinces him he has to change for the sake of the people he loves. His mother’s selfless love isn’t enough to change him. The protection and example of his brothers isn’t enough. The promises he’s desperate to keep aren’t enough. Are there really forces at work that Randall can’t control on his own?

This is a story about interconnected lives and the consequences of the actions of everybody in the family. It’s not just about one black sheep and his struggle to change. The spiritual lessons you can learn from each member of the Benson family surprise you as you make your way through this complex story and navigate their successes and failures. This isn’t women’s fiction. It’s complex adult fiction with a message for everyone who has promises to keep. By Mary C. Findley”
Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords.

Naty Matos

Have you ever been in a situation where everything that could possibly go wrong does? and then you think, well…what else could happen? and it does. A pastor friend of mine used to tell me the bigger the attack, the bigger the upcoming blessing. So after you’ve fought your own battles and are finally coming out for air; the enemy comes and goes after a loved one. He thinks, “Gotcha! Now there’s nothing you can do!”

I’m here to tell you that we’ve all felt that way, that sense of impotence in front of a situation where we feel like we are so ill equip to handle or help the ones we love. God always provides a way and if nothing else there’s always something you can do:

Pray:

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants…

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Book Review: The Fine Art of Delusional Thinking

On October 9, 2013October 13, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Book Review1 Comment

I found this book quite hilarious. It is totally sarcastic which fits my style, ironically it can be quite eye opening. The book is presented almost like a non-fiction, giving you the key to absolute happiness. The key, stay away from reality at all cost.

I loved it because I could identify with a lot of the narrative from Bonnie Trachtenberg. My friends and I tend to have these conversations that are quite far fetched but they are usually a relief in the middle of a stressful day. It is refreshing to know we are not the only delusional ones. For example:

I can say that after work, I plan to drive north until I run out of gas.

Instead of being received with disapproval one of my friends would say, “Are you planning to visit any particular landmarks? Then the conversation will continue.

Or I would walk into a conversation where one of them is saying that they have a new business venture and that the next day we are all moving to Paris. Depending on my mood I just may say, “I’ll meet you guys there in a few weeks, I still have not renewed my passport”

I can get a response like “We’ll sneak you in.”

This book reminded me a lot of those conversation, which made me laugh. But it also brought a more serious topic up for me, and that is how the media and our delusions can sometimes affect our expectations in life, making our goals less realistic and our life more frustrating.

It’s a fun book. It’s a quick read and I totally recommend it. You can get your copy of this book by clicking here

Talking about new books, remember to check out my new release A Brother’s Vow 🙂

A crazy promise made during a night out with his twin brother will change Randall’s life forever. Will he be able to keep the promise he made or will his past cause him to go against everything he’s worked hard to achieve?

“Randall Benson and his twin brother Brian think nothing will change in their happy, close-knit family. Their parents worked hard to establish a business and a heritage of godliness for their five sons. Randall does his part for the business, but doesn’t buy into that heritage thing. He just wants to have fun, until a series of events convinces him he has to change for the sake of the people he loves. His mother’s selfless love isn’t enough to change him. The protection and example of his brothers isn’t enough. The promises he’s desperate to keep aren’t enough. Are there really forces at work that Randall can’t control on his own?

This is a story about interconnected lives and the consequences of the actions of everybody in the family. It’s not just about one black sheep and his struggle to change. The spiritual lessons you can learn from each member of the Benson family surprise you as you make your way through this complex story and navigate their successes and failures. This isn’t women’s fiction. It’s complex adult fiction with a message for everyone who has promises to keep. By Mary C. Findley”

Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords.

Missing you hurts

On October 2, 2013October 1, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Poetry1 Comment

Missing your love hurts

Your love hurts

Hurts so deep inside

Every day that you’re not with me

Its like the world stops spinning

This pain is so real

This pain is so true

Missing you is killing

Every part of my soul

I pray to God for healing

I pray for his comfort

But not having you near me

Is taking me to a new low

I love you

God knows that’s true

And for every minute you’re away

My heart just keeps spitting out blood

This poem, although not included in the book, was written by one of the main characters in my new novel, “A Brother’s Vow”. Join me in this journey through the deepest of pains, hitting rock bottom and healing. Once you’ve read the book, come back and tell us who do you think wrote it? If you guess right, you will get a free copy of my very first book, “Growth Lessons”.

Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords.

New Release: A Brother’s Vow (therisingmuse.com)

New Release: A Brother’s Vow

On October 1, 2013October 1, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Writing Happenings1 Comment

I’m very happy to announce the release of my new novel “A Brother’s Vow” Writing this book taught me a lot about Grace, family dynamics and spiritual warfare. It is amazing how God uses everything to teach us and push us to grow to the next level. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Blessings… Naty

You can obtain your copy today at

Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords.

(Print copies will be available within the next few weeks)

Randall Benson didn’t think life could be any better. His job with the family business allowed him to travel and meet new people. His relationship with his girlfriend the model, gave his access to all the red carpet events and parties, yet there was no requirement for him to be faithful. Although his family doesn’t approve of his careless lifestyle, they love him and do whatever they can to keep him from self-destructing. Yet Randall’s only concern is Randall.

Randall’s world begins to come undone after a series of unexpected events. As Randall tries to settle down and become more dependable, his twin brother Brian seems to be headed down a path that Randall is way too familiar. Brian makes an unusual request that nonchalantly he agrees to keep. He never thought that he would have to keep his word, but he does. As Randall struggles to fulfill his promise to his brother, he is confronted with challenges from his past. Will he succumb to his past and risk losing everything he’s worked so hard to accomplish?

Amelia’s Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

On December 24, 2012December 24, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Writing Happenings1 Comment

Here’s a challenge to all my readers. In my new novella, Season’s Greetings from Amelia, she uses cranberry oatmeal cookies for one of her interventions in Daisy’s life. Can you tell me what Amelia uses cranberry oatmeal cookies for? The first two people who comment with the right answer will get an e-copy of my devotional “Growth Lessons” for free (2.99 value).

It’s like buying one get one free, however my new novella it’s only 0.99 for the month of December. So get your copy now, answer the question and get your other book of a higher value for free.

Now, we can’t talk about cookies if we can’t make some, right?

Here’s an awesome recipe I found at Allrecipes.com I hope you enjoy them.

Don’t forget to get your copy of Season’s Greetings from Amelia on for just 0.99 cents on Kindle,Smashwords and Nook only during the month of December.

Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Submitted By: Sarah Parker Photo By: Tricia

Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ready In: 25 Minutes Servings: 24

“A crispy chewy cookie my mom used to make when I lived in Oregon. Dried

recipe image

cranberries are also divine in this.”

INGREDIENTS:

10 tablespoons butter

2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 pinch salt

1 2/3 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup rolled oats

2 cups chopped cranberries

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Blend butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Stir into butter mixture. Stir in the oats. Fold in nuts and cranberries. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spaced at least 2 inches apart. These cookies spread.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are crisp and the centers appear dry. Cool on wire racks and enjoy.

Mental Illness is Real

On December 19, 2012December 19, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts2 Comments

After the events of last week, the conversation about laws regarding access to weapons and mental health have intensified. One of the things that I’ve learned, being involved in the mental health field is that, the stigma of mental health and the issues some people have to access services, influences in having a larger number of untreated people with mental health conditions.

I wrote an article last year regarding “Faith and Mental Health”. One of the things that I’ve encountered as a Christian is that there are people who reject medical care for their mental health symptoms because they feel that it shows a lack of faith or just spiritual problems. I don’t deny that some people may be dealing with spiritual issues that cause their problems, but that doesn’t deny any mental health situations that they may be experiencing.

At the time that I’m writing this, it hasn’t been confirmed that the person who committed the horrible murders in Connecticut had mental health issues. My take on that is this, not all mental health patients are violent. At the same time I don’t think anyone in their right mind would enter a public place to kill innocent people, especially children.

I’ve heard many people saying that this incident is worse because it’s so close to the holidays. Believe it or not, the holidays can be a trigger, for some, unexpected reactions from those dealing with mental illness. The holidays are not a happy time for everyone. The stress of memories of past unpleasant prior holidays, family problems, financial issues, unemployment or something as simple as the weather changes during the winter, can be triggers to increase symptoms on someone with untreated mental illness.

From the spiritual standpoint, I believe that the enemy preys on those weaker during these times to ruin the celebration of the birth of Jesus. He knows he has been defeated and our victory celebration doesn’t sit well with him.

Revelations 12: 9-11

“And the great dragon was thrown down, the ancient serpent, the one who is called the devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole inhabited earth – he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers was thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life up to death.”

Instead of judging those around you with possible mental illness, educate yourself. There are many mental diagnoses, but the most common ones are depression and anxiety. If you or someone close to you presents these symptoms, seek help or encourage to seek help.

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give to you.

Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Please take care of yourselves and each other. Blessings

Get your copy of 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.

Lost of Innocence

On December 17, 2012December 17, 2012 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Last week was a tough one, not only for me but for the whole nation. Thursday night I received a phone call from a very close friend in tears. Her nephew had just committed suicide. I obviously jumped in the car to provide my support. Then the next morning, while I’m trying to shake the emotions from that event, I walked into the break room of my job and saw on the television the news from Connecticut.

I could relate not only at the human level, but at the personal level of the pain and confusion that others were feeling. I could understand how parents felt about answering questions to confused children about the events they witnessed or were made aware of, because the night before I was approached by my friend’s young children with similar questions.
Our children should not have to worry about why someone decides to take their life or someone else’s. Our children should not need to understand the pain of losing a teacher, a brother, a father, a mother or a friend; especially under these horrible circumstances.

We are all looking for a silver lining within the grief. I’ve come to the conclusion that hopelessness is part of the pain of those who commit these acts. They feel like there’s no way to end their pain than to leave this earth and/or hurt others. This has motivated me to continue to do what God has called me to do, to write more and more about the good news of redemption and hope. That there’s always a way out and a solution that doesn’t include more pain.

This has also been a wake up call for me and for so many others of how our lives can change in an instant unexpectedly. It has reminded me to express my gratitude, my appreciation and my love to those around me before it’s too late.
I know the recent events have not only made the children aware of an evil world. It has even place awareness of concern in adults as well. Where are we safe? Thinking as far back as Columbine, I can recall a movie theater, a college campus, several churches, a gym, a mall, several workplaces and now an elementary school, and that’s just off the top of my head. But let’s stand on the Word of God that tells us:

Zechariah 2:5 :And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will be its glory within.’”
Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
Psalm 91:2 “I will say [a] of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:4-5 “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,”

I ask you today to pray for my friend’s nephew who left behind a wife and two small children. Also pray for all the victims in Connecticut; for those parents, siblings, for the whole community. But also remember to pray for the family of the perpetrator. He left behind a father who lost a son, and a young man who lost his brother and mother. Let’s also pray that God gives our authorities the wisdom to do what needs to be done to avoid these things, whatever that may be.

Hug each other a little tighter today. I appreciate all of you. Be safe. Be blessed.

Get your copy of 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.

WF: O Holy Night

On December 14, 2012December 14, 2012 By Naty MatosIn WorshipLeave a comment

I have a confession to make. I do like Christmas music, but when the radio stations play the same songs over and over it gets to the point where I just shut down the radio. I think that part of the issue is that, most of the modern Christmas music is more related to the presents and the parties. It saddens me that the real reason for the season has been lost in commercialism.

I’ve heard people say that the reason for that is because Jesus was not born on December 25th. I’m aware and it’s very true. As a society we decided that would be the day we would celebrate his birth. Memorial Day is the last month of May and it’s not always the same date, but we have not changed the meaning of the celebration, then why change the meaning of the most important celebration of the year. The celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior. The one who came to save us from evil and from our own selves.

So I decided to share with you my favorite Christmas song. When I hear this song, it just shakes my insides. This song to me has the real meaning of Christmas and transports me to that humble manger where my King was born.

I hope you enjoy it!

WF: Worship Friday

Now before you go I have two more things:

Share with us, what is your favorite Christmas song? I would love to hear from you.
Check out 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.

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.