It's hard to know what a website needs or even what you want on a website. Should you have forms, surveys, a blog, or maybe you should just focus on your books. I have looked at the websites of other authors, and that helped a little but still an indie author just starting out doesn't have the same needs a an author whose been writing for 15 years.  Anyway, I have to say that it's been time-consuming trying to figure out exactly what I need...however, I think I may be getting close. So, I have made quite a few changes, hopefully for the better, to my website. So, stop by and check it out...you might see something interesting.
Until next time....

I am so excited to finally be able to write that my third Kathy Hamilton mystery is finally being published. Finally, after months of hard work, editing, and especially writing I can finally release it. It is so hard to come to the point where you can let it go...to realize that there are no more edits. That reading it for the thousand and one time is not going to help and that if you wait too long -- you may lose momentum.  Anyway, enough of my rambling.... No Good Deed will pick up where Hush Now, Don't Cry left off and you will finally know what happened to Charlie.  Plus, Kathy will get into another adventure with her latest case, and you can see if you can solve it before the end. It will be available for purchase about mid-May on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other retailers.  When I have more details, I will post them as soon as I can. 
Until next time.....

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately about what it takes to make a good newsletter. Is it free stuff, or information on events, or inside information on the latest book? Being a new indie author has its disadvantages in this regard and so I have done quite a bit of research about what goes in to making a great newsletter. I try to put together a feature article, a book deal that I’ve found, any information on my books and events, and a short blurb about one of my books. It’s not always easy to put all this information together, especially when the book deal I have selected runs out and I have to scramble to find another. I prefer to read the books that I recommend because sometimes the book blurb doesn’t really tell you what’s on the inside.  I would, at some point, to have subscriber-centered sections in my newsletter, but I think I might have to wait a bit longer for that. I think one of my favorite newsletter features is the reader book reviews. I like to show what actual readers think of my work and see how they describe it. I know professional reviews are highly sought after, and really are necessary if you want to be taken seriously, but I still prefer the reader review. I want to know what the average reader thinks of my books. The art of the Newsletter is still a work in progress for me and I hope that I am headed in the right direction. Just know that I try every month to put together something that will be interesting and informative for my subscribers. Thank you for letting me have a slice of your time and if you are not signed up then please go to www.authormaggiecasteen.com and sign up today!

***UPDATE ON BOOK EVENT:  My book event in March was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. When I have more information on when it will be rescheduled, I will post an update.

​It's been difficult to setup a book event during this COVID craziness; however, I have finally had a breakthrough. My first author event will be at my local library on March 31st at 7pm.  The Duplin County Library will be hosting a local author event at the Ed Emory building in Kenansville. There will be other authors there beside myself. There will be a time where the authors will talk about their books and how they got started then, readers can go and visit the tables and authors. I will have books for sale, information on my newsletter, free giveaways, and much more. I can't wait to finally make this happen! Hopefully, this will be the first of many...see you there. 
Until next time....

I just wanted to say a few words about my Newsletter, On-the-Scene. If you're wanting to know when my next book is coming out, leads on great book deals, or just want to see what the latest cover reveal is then sign-up and be the first to know. Every month you will receive a feature article, a link to a book deal, information/events about my books, and other extras (surveys, giveaways, and more). After you're subscribed you will receive my FREE prequel story called, A Deadly Decision. So, sign up today to see my latest book cover reveal in March.  Just click the link to go straight to the form.
 Sign-Up Here!   I can't wait to share my book journey with you. 
Until next time.....

 This has been a project in the works for some time now, but I have finally released the LARGE PRINT editions of Killer Deception and Hush Now, Don't Cry!  They are both available in paperback on Amazon. Now you can enjoy the Kathy Hamilton Mystery series in a print that is easier on the eyes. Go to Amazon to buy these editions now or click this link  to go straight to my books page and click the large print button there. I hope you enjoy these two new editions and let anyone know who needs large print where they can find an amazing read.

What makes a good villain or maybe I should say a well-written villain? I see some villain characters on TV and in books where the story built them up to be an evil mastermind, only to have them caught by the simplest of means. Needless to say, it was very deflating to expect a dramatic end and get a pinprick instead.  The movie Law Abiding Citizen comes readily to mind, I was so disappointed when the ending finally played out. The mastermind villain the writers had built up was captured by the cheesiest of means - you can gather that I did not like it.  So, what does a well-written villain make? A character that is committed to their purpose and doesn't have a sudden attack of conscience. A character that is smart and clever, so that it is a challenge for the protagonist to catch him and rewarding when they do. And please, no cheesy endings that look like you just became tired of writing and decided to just end the story. A formidable villain that will challenge your protagonist, will not only give your story more dept, but will also give you a more satisfying ending. That is my goal in my mystery novels, to give you, the reader, a villain that they can love to hate (or not if you prefer) and be rewarded when he/she is caught.  
Until next time.....

I have exciting news!  I am doing a book giveaway this January on my Facebook Author page!  It will run until January 20th at 8PM.  For more details go to www.facebook.com/maggiecasteen05 and look for the Book Giveaway post. All you have to do is answer the question in the comment section to enter and win one of my books for FREE! If you don't do Facebook, I completely understand, just email me at mecasteen05@gmail.com with your answer and put Book Giveaway in the subject line.
I will select two winners on January 21st! I can't wait to see your comments.
​Until next time....

Christmas is almost here. If you're still looking for gifts check out my website www.authormaggiecasteen.com/books for great gift ideas. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love the pretty decorations, the Christmas songs, writing Christmas cards (yes, I still write my Christmas cards), and seeing people I've haven't in a while. I also enjoy the holiday traditions like the holiday my family does every year, going to our Christmas Eve church service, and taping the Christmas cards I get onto a door so, everyone can see them (it really does make a cool Christmas display). Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with family and let them know how much they mean to you. It really is so important to treasure your family while you have them because it won't always be that way. However, the true meaning of Christmas is not about gifts, decorations, or holiday gatherings (although I do enjoy all the above). It is about the birth of Jesus and the love our Heavenly Father has for us. That is what makes the Christmas season so special and full of hope, joy, and love. That is why it is the most wonderful time of the years. That is the reason for the season. So, Merry Christmas everyone and I wish you a Christmas full of wonderful memories!
Luke 2:8-14
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One of the things I love most about my Christmas vacation is that I finally have a chance to sit down and read. I started the Goodreads Reading Challenge this year and I've been so busy that I've been struggling to keep up. However, that is about to change as I will have a whole week to really get cozy and read. I absolutely love getting lost in a book and not having a thousand other things on my mind. So, here's so getting lost in a book and forgetting everything else.
Also, if you are looking for a book to get lost in as well, then please check out my Kathy Hamilton Mystery series.  Don't just take my word for it, readers agree that this series is one that you can really enjoy. Available in paperback and eBook, just go to my books page at www.authormaggiecasteen.com/books to buy these awesome reads. 
Until next time.....