How to Write a Cozy Fantasy With Low Stakes
Fantasy isn’t all epic battles and dark, brooding quests. Sometimes, it’s about escaping into a warm, whimsical world where the stakes are personal, the characters feel like old friends, and magic is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
This is the magic of cozy fantasy, a subgenre that’s gaining popularity among readers looking for comfort and charm in their fantasy reads.
Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy author or dipping your toes into the genre for the first time, this guide will walk you through how to write a cozy fantasy that feels like a cup of hot cocoa for the soul.
What is cozy fantasy?
Before diving into how to write a cozy fantasy, let’s start with the basics: what is cozy fantasy?
At its core, cozy fantasy prioritizes intimate, character-driven stories over grand, world-shattering conflicts. Think Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree or The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune—books where the focus is on relationships, personal growth, and community, all wrapped in a fantastical setting.
The stakes in cozy fantasy are more emotional than physical. Sure, there might be a sprinkle of tension, but it’s never about saving the world—it’s about saving a bakery, healing friendships, or finding one’s place in the world.
Why cozy fantasy resonates with readers
Cozy fantasy books are a balm for a weary audience. Readers turn to them when they want to feel hopeful, inspired, or just wrapped in the warm embrace of a feel-good story.
Writing in this genre gives you the opportunity to create a world where readers can take a deep breath and relax, knowing they’re in for a magical yet soothing journey.
How to write a cozy fantasy: Start with the heart
To master the art of cozy fantasy, focus on the elements that make the genre so endearing. Here’s a breakdown to help you get started:
1. Build a comforting setting
Cozy fantasy thrives in magical settings that feel lived-in and inviting. Whether it’s a quaint village tucked into a valley, a bustling market full of quirky characters, or a fantastical tea shop where dragons gossip, your world should feel like a place readers want to visit.
💡 Tip: Use sensory details to make your setting come alive. Describe the scent of fresh-baked pastries, the warmth of a roaring hearth, or the sound of rain tapping on enchanted windowpanes.
👀 Example: In your magical bakery, instead of just mentioning that “it was cozy,” describe the cinnamon-sugar aroma wafting through the air and the enchanted oven that hums softly while it bakes.
2. Focus on multi-dimensional characters
The heart of a cozy fantasy lies in its characters. These are the people readers will connect with, cheer for, and cry with. From the retired wizard starting a new life as a beekeeper to the mischievous brownie running the local library, your characters should feel vibrant and real.
💡 Tip: Give your characters relatable desires and struggles. Maybe your protagonist is searching for a sense of belonging or struggling to keep their enchanted garden alive.
👀 Example: Instead of a chosen-one trope, perhaps your protagonist is an apprentice potion maker just trying to figure out how to brew a successful love potion (without accidentally making everyone fall in love with the town troll).
3. Keep the stakes personal
In cozy fantasy, the stakes don’t need to be life-and-death. Instead, they’re about small, meaningful challenges.
💡 Tip: Frame conflicts around relationships, personal growth, or community challenges. For example, your protagonist might need to save their enchanted bookstore from being repossessed by a grumpy landlord—not because it holds the key to saving the kingdom, but because it’s a treasured part of the community.
Writing style for cozy fantasy
The tone of your writing is just as important as the plot. Here’s how to nail it:
Keep the prose light and accessible
Cozy fantasy isn’t the place for flowery, overly complex language. Readers are here for a relaxing escape, so your writing should feel approachable and easy to read.
💡 Tip: Use a conversational tone in your narrative and dialogue. Let the personality of your characters shine through in their interactions.
Sprinkle in humor and whimsy
One of the joys of cozy fantasy is its ability to blend magic with mundane moments. A bit of humor or quirky charm goes a long way.
👀 Example: Perhaps your protagonist’s cat is also their magical assistant, but it only speaks in riddles—and refuses to help until it’s fed fresh fish.
Cozy fantasy books to inspire your writing
If you’re not already familiar with cozy fantasy books, here are a few to add to your reading list:
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
These stories showcase how cozy fantasy blends low-stakes plots with rich characters and immersive settings.
How to write a cozy fantasy that readers will love
Let’s bring it all together with a few final tips:
Develop a strong community dynamic. Whether it’s a close-knit village or a mismatched group of adventurers, the sense of community is a hallmark of cozy fantasy.
Create a balance of magic and mundanity. Magic should enhance the setting, but everyday moments like sharing a meal or solving a neighbor’s problem are just as important.
Show character growth. Cozy fantasy is ultimately about connection and self-discovery. Let your characters grow in small but meaningful ways.
Ready to bring your cozy fantasy to life?
Writing cozy fantasy is about creating a magical escape that feels as welcoming as a warm hug.
Need help fleshing out your characters? Check out my Fantasy Characters Profile Template, designed to guide you through crafting memorable heroes, villains, and sidekicks:
Cozy fantasy may not save the world—but it might just brighten someone’s day.
Happy writing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I make my cozy fantasy stand out from others in the genre?
Focus on unique elements in your world or characters that reflect your personal style. For instance, a cozy fantasy about a magical apothecary run by talking plants could offer a fresh twist. Infuse your story with details that only you can create, whether it’s a distinctive magic system, a heartwarming subplot, or a quirky setting.
Can cozy fantasy include darker themes?
Yes, but it’s all about balance. While cozy fantasy can touch on darker or more serious themes, the resolution should leave readers feeling hopeful. For example, a story might explore grief or loss but focus on healing, community, or personal growth as the central arc.
How long should a cozy fantasy novel be?
Cozy fantasy novels tend to be shorter than epic fantasies, often ranging from 70,000 to 90,000 words. However, there’s no hard rule—let the story dictate the length. As long as you maintain a relaxed pace and keep the focus on character-driven moments, readers will enjoy the journey regardless of word count.
