JP Rindfleisch IX (he/they) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about the appeal of cozy fantasy, from spiteful inspiration to the hidden sharp edges beneath slice-of-life stories and the eternal question of who a character is if not a hero.

JP Rindfleisch IX (he/they) writes cozy fantasy about grief, transformation, and queer joy wrapped in found families, botanical magic, and the occasional raccoon familiar. His works include the novels Mosswood Apothecary and Mandrake Manor, amongst other titles. You can learn more about them at their website: jprindfleischix.com

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com