I've got a story in Wyngraf, so part of why I'm here is to watch this burgeoning sub-genre through an author's eyes. I'm curious to see what people love about it, what they're looking for, and what cozy fantasy offers them.
While I've written dark fantasy and sword and sorcery stories, I'm very drawn right now to the cozy sub-genre. We've had some dark years lately, and it doesn't feel like things are becoming much nicer at the moment. I see a whole lot of cynicism and nihilism taking root in people's minds and outlooks, and I see a whole lot of media feeding that, including fantasy. Grimdark has had an iron grip on the genre for a while now. Anything positive or hopeful has been seen as naive and simplistic.
But I disagree. Hope is not simple and it is not easy. Cynicism is the easy way out. Hope on the other hand takes grit and determination and effort. Hope is fighting through the darkness because you know there is a light. Hope is not letting your own light dim when everything else struggles to extinguish it in your life. So to write stories of hope and comfort is something I see as a bit of a personal mission at the moment.
Cozy fantasy in particular has the power to speak courage and hope and life into readers. It has the power to offer the traits of fairy stories that Tolkien so highly esteemed: Fantasy, Recovery, Escape, and Consolation.
Cozy fantasy isn't a running away from the dark and dreadful things of reality. It's the revealing of worlds that could and should be. Worlds that we can dream of and try to emulate here.
As we watch the news and all that's going on around us, it can seem as though we're in the middle of a dark journey. But cozy fantasy offers us a refuge, a waystation, as we pass through. A respite from our worries and anxieties, and the encouragement of our spirits.
Personally I think back to my cozy favorites like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Redwall, and The Wind in the Willows. What I love so much about those books (or at least parts of these books, as they are not all immune to dark happenings) is that they offer a picture not only of a world different from this busy, bleak age, but the world as it should have been. Where life is carefree and innocent and friendly and comforting and full of adventure and magic and wonder. They offer a glimpse of what seems to be heaven. Of truth, beauty, and goodness. Hope and peace.
For me, there is something about picking up The Hobbit or the first part of The Fellowship of the Ring that feels like a homecoming. Like a home in the evening after a day’s travel, with a fire lit, tea waiting, and a close friend at the door. I think that's what coziness is to me. The thing that you can return to at the end of the day that restores your soul. Whatever it may be for you. It’s the place where you can let your guard down and not just relax, but be truly at peace, truly happy and overjoyed. For me, in fantasy, that looks like a hobbit hole, or Mr. Badger’s house in the Wild Woods, or Redwall Abbey.
As a writer, I think every person needs a place like that. In particular, I think every child needs a story like that (though we adults need them as well, now more than ever). Where no matter what we face, at the end of the day there is peace and restoration, warmth and welcome. And that is what cozy fantasy can offer and why I'm so excited to see this subgenre becoming so popular!
Legends and Lattes has put a stirring in fantasy fans for stories on the warmer, cozier side. For anyone looking to dive into "cozy fantasy", I am happy to announce a new literary magazine called Wyngraf that premieres today! My short story, "The Road to Fjallmark", features in this issue. If you've ever wanted to take a stroll in the wilds of Skyrim and see what adventure befalls you, then "The Road to Fjallmark" is right up your alley.
The first issue features nine short stories and is available to purchase as an e-book (and free with Kindle Unlimited) or in a print edition. The following is taken from the Amazon listing:
Fantasy fans, curl up and stay a while!
At last, cozy fantasy has a magazine all its own. Wyngraf #1 offers nine snug stories in the tradition of Redwall and The Hobbit. Go there and back again with lush settings, caring characters, and dragons of all sizes.
Contents
“The Perils of Living with Your Human” by Nathan Slemp. Carath wants to smooth things over between his rider and her sister, but can a dragon understand human families?
“The Road to Fjallmark” by Natasha Inwood. When a terrible blizzard hits the mountains, Scholar Neea and her apprentice Pim put their lives in strange hands.
“What We Buried” by J.A. Prentice. How can Ash save his father's dwarven friends when he can't even cast a basic spell?
“Your Own Beeswax” by Dan Crawford. Everyone wants the Vanagh's treasure except Polijn the minstrel, but things aren't what they seem in the Sacred Grove.
“Weaving Serenity” by Amanda Cook. The queen needs Calmers, but Eloise of Leafside is retired. Of course, her teenage daughter isn't...
“Vigil” by Nathaniel Webb. For Cadet Messenger Faining Mores, taking a job at the end of the world requires leaving home and friendship behind—but refusing means abandoning the career she loves.
“Dragonsmith” by Angelica Fiori. Garrett the blacksmith wants to revive his family's traditions. But smithing isn't so simple when there's magic involved!
“A Petrified Heart” by Katherine Quevedo. When wood fairy Raya accidentally offends the cruel queen of the seashore, she begins a quest that will change her and her people forever.
“Epilogue” by Rajiv Moté. Historian Sajun hasn't seen the sorceress Tankrit since the War for the Light ended twenty years ago. Do bonds forged in battle last, or is the magic gone?
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So check it out! The magazine is full of great stories that span the spectrum of cozy fantasy. Be sure to stop by Wyngraf to learn more about it, and check out my blog: http://natashainwood.com/
Hello, all! The debut issue of Wyngraf, a new magazine of cozy fantasy fiction, is available for ebook preorder and releases on May 1st! It features nine all-new cozy fantasy stories. There will be a print option on May 1 as well, but Amazon doesn’t allow preorders for PoD books.
You can learn more (and preorder the ebook if you like) here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XCS93QS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5TN8T8ZK1EG0MW86DMKZ
And here’s a lovely advance review from Jenn’s Bookshelf: https://youtu.be/iM8TIJKh0PI
If you're into cozy fantasy, there's a new magazine coming out May 1 called Wyngraf. You can check their website out to see the type of stories they'll be offering and see if it's something up your alley. You can pre-order it now as an e-book or order the print version on the release date.
Also, I just picked up Legends and Lattes and it's been a charming read that has helped me to destress after a long day.
And while this isn't necessarily fantasy per se, the classic The Wind in the Willows has such a cozy, happy feel to it with the most beautiful language. It's so lovely to read as an adult. Also, be sure to get the unabridged version.