How To Start A Fantasy Novel

Starting a fantasy novel can be daunting, but I always begin by immersing myself in the world I want to create. I sketch out the basic rules of magic or technology, the political landscape, and the cultures that inhabit it. For example, if I’m writing about a medieval-inspired world with dragons, I’ll decide how dragons interact with humans—are they feared, revered, or hunted? Then, I focus on the protagonist. They don’t have to be special from the start, but they should have a clear desire or conflict that drives the story. A tip I swear by is to drop readers into a scene that shows the world’s uniqueness, like a marketplace where spells are bartered like goods, or a quiet village hiding a dark secret. This hooks readers instantly without needing an info dump. My favorite example is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss, where the protagonist’s storytelling draws you into his world naturally.

When I dive into writing a fantasy novel, I start by building the backbone of the story—the magic system. It doesn’t have to be complex, but it should feel consistent and integral to the plot. I take inspiration from works like 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson, where magic follows clear rules that shape the society. Next, I outline the central conflict. Is it a war between kingdoms, a quest for a lost artifact, or a personal struggle against destiny? I weave this into the protagonist’s journey, ensuring their growth aligns with the world’s challenges.

Then, I craft the opening scene carefully. It’s the gateway to the world, so it needs to be vivid but not overwhelming. I might start with a small, relatable moment—like a character sneaking into a forbidden library or a farmer discovering a strange rune in their field. These small hooks make the fantastical elements feel grounded. I also sprinkle in cultural details organically, like how characters greet each other or what they eat, to make the world feel lived-in. Lastly, I avoid info dumps by revealing lore through dialogue or action, like in 'The Lies of Locke Lamora', where the city’s brutality is shown through a thief’s cunning schemes.

For pacing, I balance world-building with plot progression. Too much detail early on can lose readers, so I drip-feed information, letting curiosity drive them forward.

I love starting fantasy novels by focusing on character voices. A strong, distinct narrator or protagonist can carry a reader through even the strangest worlds. Take 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang—the protagonist’s sharp, gritty voice immediately pulls you into her brutal journey. I try to emulate this by writing a first chapter that showcases the character’s personality, whether through their thoughts, actions, or conflicts. For instance, a cynical mercenary might scoff at a noble’s offer, revealing the world’s class divide without exposition.

Next, I establish stakes early. Is the character running from something, chasing a dream, or trapped in a system they hate? I layer this with a hint of the fantastical—maybe they hear a dragon’s roar in the distance or find a mysterious coin that glows. These details create intrigue without overwhelming the reader. I also borrow from games like 'The Witcher 3', where side quests feel as rich as the main plot, by hinting at larger mysteries in the background.

Lastly, I avoid clichés like 'the chosen one' prologues. Instead, I might open mid-action, like a heist gone wrong or a tense negotiation, to thrust readers into the world’s chaos. This mirrors how 'Six of Crows' throws you into Ketterdam’s underworld from page one, making the setting feel alive.