13+ Essential Tips on How to Write Urban Fantasy
Urban fantasy is that perfect blend of the magical and the mundane—a world where supernatural creatures walk among us, magic crackles in neon-lit alleyways, and your barista might be a fae prince in disguise.
If you’ve ever wanted to weave magic into a modern setting but weren’t quite sure where to start, this guide on how to write urban fantasy will help you build a world where magic and reality collide seamlessly.
Writing in this genre comes with its own unique challenges. It’s not just about throwing a wizard into a city—it’s about weaving fantasy into the real world in a way that feels natural.
To help you do that, I’ll break down how to write urban fantasy, including key worldbuilding strategies, character tips, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Topics covered in this post:
What makes urban fantasy unique?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to write an urban fantasy novel, let’s talk about what makes this subgenre stand out.
The setting is (mostly) modern. Unlike high fantasy, which is set in medieval-inspired worlds, urban fantasy takes place in a contemporary or near-future setting—often a city. Think New York, London, Tokyo, or even a fictional metropolis.
Magic exists alongside the real world. In urban fantasy, magic isn’t something from the distant past. It’s here, right now, woven into the fabric of everyday life.
It often leans into mystery, crime, or adventure. Many urban fantasy stories have a strong mystery or action element. Your protagonist might be a detective solving supernatural crimes, a bounty hunter tracking rogue werewolves, or just an unlucky bartender who stumbles into a hidden war between vampires.
It’s character-driven. While worldbuilding is crucial, urban fantasy is usually fueled by strong, dynamic protagonists—often outsiders, rebels, or reluctant heroes.
Worldbuilding: Blending the magical with the mundane
One of the biggest challenges in how to write urban fantasy is creating a world where magic coexists with modern life without feeling forced or gimmicky.
Here’s how to make it work:
1. Decide how hidden or open magic is
Does the general public know about magic, or is it a well-kept secret? There are two common approaches:
Hidden magic: Magic is real, but most people don’t know about it. Think City of Bones By Cassandra Clare—where Shadowhunters, demons, and Downworlders exist alongside ordinary humans, but their world remains hidden through glamours and secrecy.
Integrated magic: Magic is a known and accepted part of society. In Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas, fae, shifters, angels, and demons openly live alongside humans, with established laws, businesses, and even a governing body that oversees supernatural affairs.
Both approaches can work, but be consistent with your rules. If magic is hidden, how is it kept secret? If it’s public, how has it shaped history, politics, and daily life?
2. Set clear rules for your magic system
Urban fantasy often leans on soft magic (where the rules are mysterious) or hybrid systems (a mix of soft and hard magic). Either way, the key is making it feel believable.
Consider:
Where does magic come from? Is it innate, learned, or tied to artifacts?
What are the limits? Can magic drain energy, require rare ingredients, or be dangerous if misused?
What’s illegal or taboo? Maybe necromancy is outlawed, or using magic in sports is considered cheating.
3. Make your setting feel alive
Your world should feel like it exists beyond your protagonist. Use small details to blend the fantastical with the ordinary:
A subway busker who uses illusion magic to enhance his performances
A “Werewolf Safe Zone” sign outside a nightclub, ensuring shifters don’t transform inside
A government department that regulates magical artifacts like the DMV
The more grounded your setting feels, the more immersive your urban fantasy will be. If you’re serious about mastering how to write urban fantasy, these small worldbuilding touches will make all the difference.
P.S. If you want structured exercises to help flesh out your magical rules, city details, and supernatural societies, check out our Fantasy Workbooks Bundle (below)—it’s packed with prompts and guides to make worldbuilding easier.
Crafting compelling urban fantasy characters
In urban fantasy, characters are everything. Whether they’re a snarky PI with a vampire ex or a reluctant witch trying to keep her powers under wraps, your protagonist needs to be dynamic and relatable.
1. Give them a strong internal struggle
Urban fantasy protagonists are often outsiders or reluctant heroes. Maybe they’re struggling with their magical heritage or trying to live a normal life despite their supernatural nature (Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes).
Ask yourself:
What does your character want? (Peace, revenge, acceptance?)
What’s stopping them from getting it? (A corrupt magical government? Their own fears?)
How does magic make their life better—and worse?
2. Develop a unique supporting cast
A great protagonist needs an equally strong supporting cast. Consider including:
A human best friend who helps keep them grounded (or gets dragged into trouble).
A mentor or guide who understands the magical world.
A morally gray antagonist—urban fantasy loves its villains with depth.
3. Give them a distinct voice
Urban fantasy often has a conversational, witty tone, and your characters should reflect that. Don’t be afraid of snark, dry humor, or personality quirks that make your protagonist stand out.
Example:
Instead of writing:
“She felt nervous walking into the vampire bar.”
Try something like:
“Walking into a vampire bar at midnight? Great life choices. I might as well have worn a ‘bite me’ sign.”
Voice matters.
Plotting your urban fantasy novel
Now that you have your world and characters, let’s talk about structure. A strong urban fantasy novel often includes:
A compelling hook. Start with action, mystery, or a unique magical moment to pull readers in.
A clear conflict. Who or what is your protagonist up against? A supernatural crime ring? A forbidden romance? A hidden magical prophecy?
Pacing that balances action and downtime. Urban fantasy thrives on a mix of fast-paced scenes (chases, fights, revelations) and quiet moments (character development, worldbuilding).
A satisfying ending. Whether your story is standalone or part of a series, make sure the main conflict is resolved—or at least give readers something to look forward to.
If you need a step-by-step guide to structuring your novel, my 🌟 Fantasy Beat Sheet Template 🌟 lays out key plot points to keep your story tight, engaging, and well-paced. It’s perfect for making sure your urban fantasy hits all the right beats.
Romance subplots in urban fantasy
Romance is a common element in urban fantasy, but it needs to work seamlessly within the story rather than feel tacked on. Whether your characters are falling for a brooding vampire, a rebellious witch, or their supernatural enemy, the romance should add depth to the plot—not distract from it.
Make sure romance and plot go hand in hand
Urban fantasy is usually plot-driven, so romance shouldn’t overshadow the main conflict. Instead, it should enhance it. Maybe the love interest is on the opposite side of a supernatural war, or maybe their relationship is complicated by magical laws or personal secrets. The key is to make the romance feel like a natural part of the story’s stakes.
Add tension and obstacles
A romance where everything goes smoothly is boring. Urban fantasy thrives on conflict, so give your characters real obstacles—whether it’s external (a dangerous mission, opposing allegiances) or internal (trust issues, fear of getting close).
Enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, or reluctant partnerships are especially popular in this genre because they naturally create high emotional stakes.
Avoid insta-love (unless magic is involved)
Characters who fall for each other instantly with no real development can feel forced. Slow-burn romance, where trust and attraction build over time, tend to feel more satisfying.
If magic is a factor—like a mate bond, a love spell, or an ancient prophecy—make sure to explore the complications that come with it. Just because fate says they belong together doesn’t mean they have to like it at first.
Common mistakes when writing urban fantasy (and how to avoid them)
Even experienced writers fall into these urban fantasy traps:
🅧 Dumping all your worldbuilding at once. Readers don’t need a five-page history of your magic system in chapter one. Show it through action instead.
🅧 Making the protagonist overpowered. Flaws make characters interesting. If your MC can solve every problem with magic, there’s no tension.
🅧 Cliché supernatural creatures. If you’re writing vampires, werewolves, or fae, find a fresh spin. Maybe your werewolves are allergic to silver—but only in full moon form. Maybe your vampires hate drinking human blood.
🅧 Forgetting the "urban" in urban fantasy. If your setting feels like it could exist in a medieval world, you’re missing the “urban” part. Weave in modern details—technology, pop culture, daily life—to make the world feel real.
🅧 Unclear rules for magic in society. Whether magic is public or hidden, it needs logical consequences. How does it affect laws, jobs, or daily life? Think about regulations, secrecy, or how supernatural beings function in a modern world.
Key takeaways
Learning how to write urban fantasy is all about blending magic with modern life in a way that feels natural. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Urban fantasy = magic meets modern. Whether magic is hidden or out in the open, it needs to fit seamlessly into a contemporary world.
Decide how magic works in society. If it’s secret, how do supernatural beings stay under the radar? If it’s known, what rules and systems keep it in check?
Your magic system needs limits. No one wants an overpowered protagonist solving every problem with a snap of their fingers.
Make the setting feel real. Use everyday details—smartphones, traffic jams, coffee shops, social media—to ground your world.
Strong characters make or break your story. Give them personal struggles, distinct voices, and relationships that reflect both human and supernatural dynamics.
Keep the pacing tight. Balance action-packed moments with quieter, character-driven scenes. Too much of either and your story will drag.
Don’t fall into common traps. Info-dumping, overpowered heroes, and underdeveloped worldbuilding will kill the vibe fast.
If you want step-by-step exercises to flesh out your world, characters, and magic system, grab my Fantasy Workbooks Bundle (below)—it’ll make the whole process way easier.
Frequently asked questions about how to write urban fantasy (FAQ)
Can urban fantasy work in a small town or rural setting?
Absolutely! While many urban fantasy stories take place in major cities, magic can just as easily weave into smaller communities. A rural setting could have isolated covens, haunted forests, or entire towns in on a supernatural secret. A small-town vibe can also enhance themes of secrecy, isolation, or tight-knit supernatural communities hiding in plain sight.
Should I use real cities or make up my own?
Both options work, but each has pros and cons. A real city adds instant familiarity, letting you play with its history, landmarks, and culture. However, it also requires research to keep things accurate. A fictional city gives you complete creative freedom—no one can tell you the subway lines are wrong—but you’ll need to establish its geography and feel from scratch. If you go fictional, base it on real-world locations to make it believable.
