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.....

I can't believe December is already here, it kind of sneaks up on you after Thanksgiving. Christmas decorations are up, the tree is done, and all that is left is Christmas shopping. Christmas shopping is one of those things you either love or you don't. I tend to enjoy it because I like picking out presents that I know that particular person will enjoy. It really does give me a good feeling. However, if you are looking for unique Christmas gifts here are three gift ideas that will fit any budget. Visit www.authormaggie.casteen.com/books to find awesome reads for less than $20. Available in paperback and eBook, these books will be the perfect gift for the readers on your shopping list.  Merry Christmas and happy shopping!
​Until next time....

​Today I am announcing the release of my first non-fiction book, Road Less Traveled: A Trinity Bible Study. I have decided to use a pen name, Elisabeth Casteen, for my all of my non-fiction books. This was a very special project for me and one that I hope will be a blessing to others. I hope to do more books like this in the future. 
The Road Less Traveled is a Bible study that consists of four sections that will explore the concept of the Trinity and help you to have a better understanding of what the Trinity is. This study is a good start for new believers or for Christians who just want a better understanding. It is available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and for a limited time on kindle unlimited. So, go to my website www.authormaggiecasteen.com to purchase or go straight to amazon with this link. Buy yours today!
Until next time……

I received an email from a reader, earlier this month, who wanted me to know how much she enjoyed my books and it got me to thinking how much I enjoy hearing from readers just like her. I cannot even begin to tell you how much it means to me as an author to hear from my readers. To know that there are people who enjoyed the stories that I have spent so much time creating is truly wonderful. It really is a pick-me-up when things aren't' going well or nothing I write seems to go the way I want.  So, don't be a stranger you can always drop me an email at mecasteen05@gmail.com or you can go to the Contact page on my website and use the form there. I try to respond to everyone and thank you to all of the wonderful comments I have received so far. I treasure every single one of them.
Until next time.....

I had no idea it's been two months since I last posted something....it's amazing how time flies. Have you ever had a "to-do" list that just doesn't stop growing? Well, that's what I've been doing in those two months, checking off my "to-do" list. Between running a Facebook ad for Hush Now, Don't Cry and re-booting my marketing strategy to getting my third book, Road Less Traveled, ready to publish and writing my third Kathy Hamilton book, I have been a little overwhelmed. but now I can finally start to see some light at the end of this tunnel. My first non-fiction book, Road Less Traveled, is almost ready to publish. I am currently doing the last round of edits...editing has never been my favorite thing to do. The ad campaign for Hush Now, Don't Cry turned out nicely and I'm almost done writing my third Kathy Hamilton novel. I can't wait until I can finish and publish... you are going to love this one! So, for everyone who has had a "to-do" list that seems to never end, I completely sympathize with your predicament, but don't give up. If your keep goin, you will get all those "to-do" things done and that is a wonderful thought.  I'll try harder to not let two months go by before I post again.
​Until next time.....

Why is promotion such a mess? It's almost an information overload. Do I use Facebook ads or Amazon ads? Do I focus on my first book or my series? How long should I run ads? The questions are never-ending and about the time I get a few answered, here come ten thousand more questions. And to top it off, I do I do all this within my small budget? I try to stay focused and take it one step at a time but - it ain't easy. I understand why there are people who do nothing but promotion. It could, quite literally, take over my whole day. Anyway just venting some of my writer's woes this time -- hopefully I'll get a handle on this thing soon. Getting ready to run my first Facebook Ad campaign for Killer Deception and just trying to do it the best I can.  I guess trial-and-error will have to be the major way I get through this.  I hope this Facebook ad is a success....here goes nothing.
​Follow this clues....