Why Cozy Fantasy?

Let's start with the basics. Hi, I'm Tessi, and I'm the writer of "Beneath the Willow Tree," a short story you can find here. I am also working on my debut novel, "The Ballad of Unshed Tears", which I've been promoting (quite relentlessly) on TikTok for a few months.

Now, the very definition of cozy fantasy may vary, but the key is how you, the reader, feel while experiencing the story: cozy. It's the genre that invites you into your own couch, or perhaps armchair, or even a hammock. You're encouraged to fetch a blanket, a plushie, a pillow. Maybe, on your right hand, you keep the book; meanwhile, your left hand holds a warm cup of tea or coffee. You may be excited for the plot, anxious, nervous, but the most important thing is that the mood is always cozy.

Another thing: character-driven narratives. That's, by far, my favorite aspect of cozy fantasy. I love rich world-buildings in other authors' voices, but in mine, I find that I thrive when I'm close to my characters, more than when I understand the politics and cultural aspects of their world. By writing cozy fantasy, I allow myself to explore relationships, traumas, joys, amongst many other facets of each of my characters without losing sight of their story.

Last but not least, the low, intimate stakes allow for one thing I absolutely love: lessons. I'm someone who's in love with learning, and therefore, learning through telling stories. When my characters live, they teach me; and when they teach me, I share those teachings with you, and there we find ourselves untangled in learning. And that's something I absolutely love, with all of my heart.

Soon, a new post explaining "why dark cozy fantasy", as I name it in my TikToks, and another one focusing on "why Parable retellings" in my faith-based section. Please, look forward to it.

Love, Tessi.