Although I've never written cozy fantasy myself, I've certainly read my fair share. Because sometimes I need a little break from epic battles and life-or-death stakes.
Sometimes, it’s nice to get lost in a warm and whimsical world where the characters are meant to just go about their day and overcome small hurdles (as well all do).
If you’re wondering how to write cozy fantasy, it starts with understanding what makes the subgenre work in the first place.
Lucky for you, I’ve put together a neat little guide on how to write a cozy fantasy with low stakes.
Let's begin.
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.
The stakes in cozy fantasy are more emotional than physical. Sure, there might be some tension, but it’s never about saving the world/kingdom. It usually about saving/opening a small business, healing/making friendships, and finding one’s place in the world.
Fun fact: Cozy fantasy has grown rapidly in recent years, now accounting for roughly 15% of fantasy book sales.
How to write a cozy fantasy novel (step by step)
To learn how to write a cozy fantasy novel, you need to focus on the elements that make the subgenre 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 you choose to write about a quaint village tucked into a valley or a fantastical tea shop where dragons gossip, your world should feel like a cozy place readers themselves want to visit.
💡 Tip: Use sensory details to make your setting come alive. Describe things like the scent and taste of food (like fresh-baked pastries or a heart stew), the warmth of a roaring hearth, or even the sound of rain tapping on 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. You have to make sure each of your primary characters have been properly fleshed out, with personal desires (nothing high-stakes!), achievable goals (like opening a bookshop), and memorable/lovable/vibrant personalities.
💡 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, your protagonist is simply a honey-loving retired witch starting a new life as a beekeeper in a small village.
3. Keep the stakes personal
In cozy fantasy, the stakes don’t need to cataclysmic, but there should still be a conflict to guide the story. These are often small, personal challenges that feel meaningful to the characters.
Although the conflict doesn’t need to be grand, it should still provide enough tension to keep readers engaged and give your characters an opportunity to grow. The resolution, when it comes, should leave readers feeling warm and satisfied.
💡 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 old troll because it’s a treasured part of the community.
4. Savor the magic of food
Food is a staple in most cozy fantasy novels (in the ones I read anyway—though it's possible I pick those on purpose because I love food).
In any case, meals (especially shared ones) provide moments of warmth, intimacy, connection and magic in cozy fantasy.
Don’t be afraid to indulge in detailed descriptions that make your readers’ mouths water.
💡 Tip: Use food to reflect your characters and setting. For example, a grumpy but soft-hearted wizard might secretly bake the best apple pies in the village, while a tavern known for its magical stew could have a secret ingredient that changes with the seasons. Incorporating unique, whimsical details about food can make your world feel even more magical.
Prose & style guide for writing cozy fantasy
The tone of your writing is just as important as the plot when writing cozy fantasy. Here’s how to nail it:
Keep the prose clear and natural
Skip anything overly complex or heavy. If a sentence feels like it’s trying too hard, it probably is.
💡 Tip: Write in a way that feels close to how people think and speak. Let the voice come from the character, not from complicated wording.
Lean into small, grounded details
Cozy fantasy lives in quiet and (you guessed it) cozy moments. What something smells like. The warmth of a room. The texture of something in your character’s hands.
💡 Tip: Focus on a few specific details instead of describing everything. Pick what your character would actually notice.
Keep the tone light, but not forced
You don’t need constant humor or quirky moments. The writing just needs to feel calm and steady.
👀 Example: Your protagonist’s cat might be a magical assistant who speaks in riddles, but what stands out is how it curls up nearby, ignores instructions, and only cooperates once it’s been fed biscuits.
Cozy fantasy books I recommend reading
If you’re not already familiar with cozy fantasy books (although I suspect you are since you want to learn how to write a cozy fantasy), here are a few to add to your reading list:
- Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (this was the catalyst for me)
- 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 (loved this one)
- The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
There are tons of other cozy fantasy novels out there, but start with these if you haven't already read them.
Ready to write a cozy fantasy of your own?
Writing cozy fantasy really comes down to creating a magical escape that feels as welcoming as a warm hug and a hot cup of tea.
Need help fleshing out your characters? Check out my Fantasy Characters Profile Template, designed to guide you through crafting in-depth characters for your cozy fantasy novel:
Frequently asked questions on how to write cozy fantasy (FAQ)
How can I make my cozy fantasy unique?
Focus on unique elements in your world or characters that reflect your personal style. 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 (like in Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries), 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, usually ranging from 70,000 to 90,000 words.
