Get Writing Podcast
Get Writing Podcast
Liz Mugavero
Episode 124: World-Building for Mystery Writers: Make Your Setting Work Overtime
29 minutes Posted Aug 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm.
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Show notes

This week on the Get Writing Podcast, we’re diving into one of my favorite parts of writing a mystery—world building.

Now, before you tune out thinking that’s just for fantasy or sci-fi—stick with me. Because world building is crucial in mysteries too. Whether you're creating a charming small town with quirky characters or a darker, high-stakes setting full of secrets, your world sets the tone for your entire book.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the four pillars that hold up every great mystery world:

🔹 Setting

🔹 Hook

🔹 Characters

🔹 Plot

You’ll learn how to build an immersive atmosphere your readers won’t want to leave—and why this upfront work makes everything else in your writing process easier (and more fun).

🎧 I also share some personal lessons from my own writing journey—mistakes I made early on that taught me a lot about building better book worlds. If you’re writing a series, you especially don’t want to miss this.

Tune in and let’s build your world together.

Resources & Links

• 🎁 Free PDF: Five Key Decisions Cheat Sheet – snag it here.

• 📚 Pre-order Cat Café #9, Claws Out, out August 28!

• ✨ Ready to go deeper? Join the waitlist for my Mindful Mystery Writer’s Masterclass and get on the path to a sustainable writing life. Doors open soon—don’t miss it! Get on the waitlist here.

Connect with Liz

• Instagram → @lizmugavero

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite app so you never miss an episode.

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