Fantasy and Cozy Mystery Have These Genre Parameters

Most genre norms are tropes, which aren’t requirements. They aren’t requirements, because there are so many that you can’t include them all. Don't feel you are obligated to include a trope simply because it’s a trope.

Plus, readers have their own preferences. Best and worst tropes don’t exist, because everyone has a different opinion. Though some are overused and become clichés.

You can have a good story without certain tropes. I recommend writing the story you want to write. That said, genres do have parameters. They help group stories together.

Here are a few parameters for the fantasy and cozy mystery genres.

FANTASY

Magic system
World-building (or well-developed setting for urban fantasy)
Complex cast of characters
One overarching or central conflict
Power structure (government, magic, etc.)

COZY MYSTERY

Amateur sleuth or private eye
Misdirection/red herrings
Criminality (murder, theft, kidnapping, etc.)
No swearing
No sex
No gore

Short and simple. How you include these elements in your story is up to you. Did I omit a parameter or include one too many? Hit “reply” and let me know.