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Looking for the perfect low-stakes escape this fall?
Today I’m diving into cozy fantasy with debut author Emily Krempholtz, whose novel Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore blends plant magic, self-forgiveness, a grumpy alchemist next door, and cottagecore vibes that feel like a balm for a messy world.
In this episode, Emily and I talk about reinventing yourself after a hard season, the rise of cozy fantasy since the pandemic, and why magic makes the perfect metaphor for emotional growth. We also get into identity shifts, nervous system regulation, and how fantasy can gently mirror the work we do in real life. And of course—Emily shares her must-read fall cozy fantasy picks.
If you're craving comfort, whimsy, emotional depth, and a touch of magic (without the overwhelming high-stakes quests), this episode is for you.
Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz — Cozy Fantasy, Cottagecore Romance | Audio ✅
This Princess Kills Monsters by Ry Herman — Queer Fairytale Retelling, Cozy Adventure | Audio ✅
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna — Cozy Fantasy, Found Family, Witches | Audio ✅
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna — Cozy Fantasy, Romance | Audio ✅
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar — Lyrical Fairytale Fantasy | Audio ✅
[00:00] – Intro: Why Cozy Fall Fantasy is the perfect low-stakes escape
[00:45] – What Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is about
[02:15] – Cozy fantasy as a genre & why it’s booming
[04:10] – Low-stakes fantasy vs. high-stakes traditional fantasy
[06:00] – Magic as a metaphor for emotional regulation
[09:30] – Identity shifts & the “geographical cure”
[11:20] – Writing characters who evolve beyond the outline
[13:00] – Emily’s journey as a book coach + ghostwriter
[17:30] – Real-life narrative arcs & finding meaning in your past
[19:00] – Book recommendations for cozy fall vibes
[24:00] – Where to find Emily online
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