It's almost time! Purranormal Activity is out next month, and it's on sale through tomorrow at B&N! Preorder PURRANORMAL ACTIVITY (paperback or ebook) at bn.com from through 6/26 and get 25% off with code PREORDER25. Only available to B&N members but free memberships are available!

I gave a vision board workshop for writers last week and it was AWESOME. This week's Substack post is everything we covered. Including how to use a vision board for your character, not just your writing life. Read it here: https://lizmugavero.substack.com/p/vision-boards-for-writers

I made a two-minute quiz for the mystery writers in my world. "What Type of Mystery Should You Write?" You get a personalized result and a freebie. It's fast, it's specific, and it will actually tell you something useful. Take it here: https://bit.ly/4t2U4ry Come back and tell me what you got!

Same beach. Different life. 🌊 New apartment. Podcast studio. Library. Bigger balcony. It wasn't planned. I almost talked myself out of it. But resistance is a map. Follow it. What are you waiting to stop waiting for? 👇 lizmugavero.substack.com

Tell me in the comments.

Sale alert! Preorder Purranormal Activity (hardcover or ebook) at bn.com from 3/24 to 3/26 and get 25% off with code PREORDER25. Discount is only available to B&N members but free memberships are available—learn more & sign up here: barnesandnoble.com/membership/

just got back from Left Coast Crime (san francisco, third year, my new favorite con) and wrote about the 3 things I can't stop thinking about one of them is about how nobody's career looks as clean as it does on here https://lizmugavero.substack.com/

Like so many people, I’m angry. Not because the Epstein files are surprising — but because they confirm something I learned at seven years old: the people who preach morality the loudest are often the least bound by it. Full essay on Substack.

I was 37 when my writing career officially began. Renee Good was 37 when her writing career - and her life - was ended. When she was murdered. I can’t stop thinking about how much the world loses when a writer’s voice is silenced. https://lizmugavero.substack.com/p/37

Happy New Year! Get a jump on your reading list for 2026 - Barnes & Noble is having a preorder sale! Preorder PURRANORMAL ACTIVITY (paperback or ebook) at bn.com TODAY and get 25% off with code PREORDER25. Ends at midnight 1/1! Only available to B&N members but free memberships are available!

My dog Penny once ran straight through a screen door because she wanted to get to the balcony. Zero hesitation. Meanwhile I overthink every sentence I write. Most of our “blocks” aren’t brick walls—they’re flimsy screens we treat like steel. Channel a little Penny energy and keep going!

At this year’s Crime Bake, I got to honor my longtime friend Barbara Ross as she received the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award — and I got to reflect on how much of my writing life (pretty much all of it) started in those same rooms. Read more at lizmugavero.substack.com

I’m beyond excited to be speaking alongside 20+ other fantastic presenters at The Book Finishers Summit!  4 days of inspiration, writing tips, and hands-on sessions to help you finish your book. ✨ Sign up for FREE!  👉 https://offers.resilientwriters.com/a/2148000266/hrfci9U9

When I signed with my first agent, I thought I’d cracked the code. Write books. Publish books. Repeat. Yeah… not quite. In the latest Get Writing episode, I talk with Agatha Award–winner Korina Moss about career pivots, burnout and rebuilding with intention. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

If “finish my book” has been haunting your to-do list, don’t miss The Book Finishers Summit! I’m joining 20+ authors & coaches, hosted by @ResilientWriters, for 4 days of learning, writing & connection. ✍️✨ Free ticket → https://offers.resilientwriters.com/a/2148000266/hrfci9U9

Being disconnected from your intuition can impact your creativity too.  If we're not open, we're missing what's trying to come through us.  Catch my conversation with Gloria Battini on the latest  podcast: http://bit.ly/4qnejyY

Sneak peek 👀 Next week’s pod guest might blow your mind. Meet Gloria Battini — psychic medium, healer, tarot reader, intuitive coach. She’s coming to The Creativity Lab to teach a past lives masterclass. This is your sign to get in the membership NOW: http://getwritingwithliz.com/

"Your first draft is like filling a sandbox with sand so you can come back later and create sandcastles." Check out my Get Writing episode with author Jacqueline Friedland for more epiphanies - listen wherever you get your podcasts.

The Detective's Daughter is back! Kim Gray stopped by my Substack to bring back her beloved column telling stories about life with her dad, a Baltimore detective.  Read at https://lizmugavero.substack.com or link in bio.

“Don’t waste your money.” That’s what my dance teacher told my mom when I was little—and it became family legend. On my podcast, a pro dancer flipped the script on that story. It made me rethink my whole relationship with embodiment. Full post on Substack: lizmugavero.substack.com

Autumn is the BEST season to write. 🍂 Witchy vibes. Magic in the air. Cozy blankets. Darker nights.  What’s your favorite fall ritual to spark creativity? We're leaning into the magic all season in The Creativity Lab.

How to REALLY talk to your inner critic.  Listen to the latest podcast with pro dancer, writer and all-around creative Alexandra Beller wherever you get your podcasts (or link in bio).

"Am I even good enough to write a book?” 🖋️ Every writer feels this way at some point. The truth: you don’t need permission or perfection—you just need to begin. ✨ This fall in The Creativity Lab we’re brewing up special witchy events 🕯️—join us + banish imposter syndrome together.

Social media can drain you fast—the pressure, the scroll, the comparison trap. But what if it became your creative lab? ✨ Author/illustrator Regina Linke gave her characters their own accounts—and landed a multi-book deal. Check out her story on the latest Get Writing podcast 🎙️

I went into the kitchen the other day for my afternoon coffee fix. I’ve been making these frothy honey sea salt lattes with almond milk that I LOVE.  I was also distracted.  So guess what happened next? (You can’t make this crap up.) Read more: http://bit.ly/4lXKOAp

✨ Community. Creativity. Women lifting women. Meditation. Nuns??? It’s all wrapped into this episode of the podcast! Join me, Kim Gray and Kathie Shoop for a fun conversation about the power of writing retreats and community. 🖋️ Find Get Writing wherever you get your podcasts!

Had such a fun time on the Positive Talk Radio show this week!  The amazing Kevin McDonald and I talked cats, books, creativity, writing...and even oracle cards! Check it out here

Is your mystery novel still trapped in your head? 🕵️‍♀️ I’m teaching a free live class today at 3 p.m. that will help you finally get it on the page. I’ll show you the 3-step framework I’ve used to write 19 published mysteries. Save your spot → https://bit.ly/4mswuRD

Do you know Tuffy's story? He was the muse for the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries. But the way we met was...unconventional. Read his story on my Substack - link in bio.

Your mystery deserves to get written. In From Idea to Page-Turner, you’ll learn how to: ✏ Think—and work—like a writer ✏ Turn your big idea into a twisty, satisfying plot that fits your genre ✏ Commit to a writing practice that fits your life Sign up here: https://calendarlink.com/event/1JzGm

Mystery stalling? I break down 6 story maps (Save the Cat, Story Circle, Snowflake, more) on the pod—plus a free, fillable Map Your Mystery guide. Outline faster, twist smarter. 🎧👇 https://lizmugavero.myflodesk.com/mapyourmystery  #AmWriting #MysteryWriting #StoryStructure

I'm on Pet Life Radio this week talking about Claws Out! Such a fun conversation - we covered characters, writing in a real-life locale, murder (of course), writing mysteries and animal rescue.  Check it out here:

Claws Out is a featured book in featured books in Kings River Life's latest Mystery Coming Attractions!  Out August 28 - have you preordered yet?? https://kingsriverlife.com/08/09/mystery-current-coming-attractions-august-2025/

POV is your camera when writing a book. Pick the lens on purpose. I break it down on this episode + a free cheat sheet. 🔎🎙️ https://lizmugavero.myflodesk.com/mystery

25 minutes. One sprint. Big creative shifts. That's the magic of The Creativity Lab.  getwritingwithliz.com

What a sandcastle taught me about writing: • Pack the messy base first • Keep your creativity hydrated • Let the waves teach, not terrorize Comment if you’re building your own story castle today—and tell me one small way you’ll hydrate your creativity this week!

Want to write a mystery readers can’t put down? 🔍 Join me next week for a live webinar packed with tips—and a taste of what I teach in my signature masterclass. $39 for a full dose of mystery magic. Worth it? 1000%. 🖊️🕯️ Register here: https://www.free-expressions.com/writing-success-series

I was talking to a non-writer friend about trying out a new plotting method for my latest book Her response was not to praise me for being an organized, steady writer with a plan. Instead she said, surprised, “You mean you don’t just write when the mood strikes?” More here: http://bit.ly/46mkxYu

You guys - big new on the Cat Cafe books! Well, aside from Claws Out being a month away from release day... Cat About Town was re-released by Barnes and Noble with a brand new cover!  You can get it here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cat-about-town-cate-conte/1147059500?ean=9781250421654

Last day to get 25% off your preorder of Claws Out at B&N! Barnes & Noble Rewards and Premium Members get 25% through July 11. Premium Members get an additional 10% off. Pre-order your copy of CLAWS OUT here: http://bit.ly/4nx7mKt

Don't forget to take advantage of the B&N preorder sale this week if you haven't ordered Claws Out yet! Barnes & Noble Rewards and Premium Members get 25% off all pre-orders through July 11! Premium Members get an additional 10% off! Pre-order here: http://bit.ly/4nx7mKt

Have you preordered Claws Out yet? I promise it's a super fun summer read. And it's ON SALE this week! Barnes & Noble Rewards and Premium Members get 25% off all pre-orders from July 8 - 11! Premium Members get an additional 10% off! Pre-order here or link in story: http://bit.ly/4nx7mKt

When I started working in animal rescue, I had four cats. It didn't take long to start adopting more. If you're new to the Cat Cafe books, this is the story of the "real" JJ - my very own Junkyard Johnny. Read more at: https://lizmugavero.substack.com/p/meet-the-rescues-jj-junkyard-johnny

Caught this sweet reader diving into Nine Lives and Alibis! 📖✨ This is Hulk - and for my OGs - doesn't he look like Tuffy??  Nothing makes me happier than seeing a sweet kitty approve of the Cat Cafe mystery series. Pre-order CLAWS OUT now! https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250883995/clawsout/

Spent 20 years trying every spiritual tool for personal growth. Turns out it was secretly building my writing career. New podcast with Clementine Moss on how healing modalities unlock creativity—listen now!

This is Benny. He was my second childhood dog.  I'm telling his and my first dog Thurber's story and how they both influenced my passion for animals over on Substack today.  Read here: https://lizmugavero.substack.com/p/the-dogs-that-shaped-my-life

Your most powerful summer memory = writing gold ✨ Mine: Fresh-cut grass through windows, first breath of salt air, fries sizzling in mom's kitchen These sensory details? They're what make readers FEEL your story. Summer Reset Challenge starts June 15. https://lizmugavero.myflodesk.com/challenge

That mid-year writing itch hitting anyone else?  "Maybe I should finish that story..." "Remember when writing was fun?" The 15-Day Summer Reset Challenge is your gentle way back in. No pressure, just play. June 15th. You in? 🌞 Sign up here: https://lizmugavero.myflodesk.com/challenge

Had one of those days - struggling with writing, questioning my career pivot - then read about Taylor Jenkins Reid's success. Fellow Emerson grad, wrote Daisy Jones & the Six. Felt a stab of jealousy that made me pause. What does that feeling really mean? lizmugavero.substack.com

New England weather update: 🔥 Had fireplace on Monday 🏖️ Dreaming of beach weather by Wednesday 🤷‍♀️ Currently confused but inspired Perfect metaphor for writing life! So I'm launching the 15-Day Summer Reset Challenge June 15th. Who's in?  Sign up here: https://lizmugavero.myflodesk.com/challenge