How To Start An Urban Fantasy Novel

Starting an urban fantasy novel is all about blending the mundane with the magical in a way that feels fresh and exciting. I love setting stories in familiar cities but adding hidden layers—like secret societies of wizards under New York or vampire-run nightclubs in Tokyo. The key is making the fantastical elements feel natural, like they’ve always been there. For example, in 'Neverwhere' by Neil Gaiman, London Below exists alongside the ordinary city, and it’s discovered by accident. I always start with a strong protagonist who’s thrown into this hidden world, someone relatable but with room to grow. The magic system should have rules, even if they’re loose, to avoid feeling arbitrary. Urban fantasy thrives on atmosphere, so I focus on sensory details—the smell of damp alleyways, the glow of neon signs reflecting off rain-soaked streets—to pull readers in.

Urban fantasy is my favorite genre because it lets me explore magic in a modern setting, and I’ve spent years dissecting what makes a great opener. The first chapter should drop the reader into a world that feels real but with a twist—maybe the protagonist sees ghosts no one else can, or their coffee shop is a front for a werewolf pack. I start by building the ordinary life of the main character, then disrupt it with something impossible. For instance, in 'Dresden Files', Harry Dresden is a wizard detective in Chicago, and the first book throws him into a murder case involving dark magic.

Worldbuilding is crucial. I map out how magic interacts with technology, society, and politics. Does magic hide in shadows, or is it out in the open? Are there factions fighting for control? I also love incorporating myths and legends—like using kitsune in a Tokyo-set story or Celtic fae in Dublin. The best urban fantasy novels make the city itself a character, so I research local history and landmarks for inspiration. 'The City We Became' by N.K. Jemisin takes this literally, with NYC’s boroughs as living entities.

Finally, the tone matters. Some urban fantasy leans gritty, like 'The Blade Itself', while others are playful, like 'Simon Snow'. I decide early on whether my story will have humor, horror, or romance at its core. The goal is to make readers believe, just for a moment, that magic might be real.

I adore urban fantasy because it’s where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, and I always start by finding the right balance between the two. The protagonist should be someone readers can connect with—maybe a barista who discovers they’re a witch or a cop stumbling onto a supernatural crime. I take inspiration from books like 'Moon Called' by Patricia Briggs, where the heroine’s veterinary skills come in handy for treating werewolves. The inciting incident is vital—it should force the character out of their comfort zone and into the magical world.

Setting plays a huge role. I pick a city with personality, whether it’s the foggy streets of Seattle or the bustling markets of Marrakech, and weave magic into its fabric. Local folklore is a goldmine; for example, a story set in New Orleans might explore voodoo or loups-garous. I also think about how magic affects daily life. Do people use spells instead of smartphones? Are there magical creatures hiding in plain sight?

Pacing is another focus. Urban fantasy often mixes mystery, action, and romance, so I plot carefully to keep the story moving. 'Kate Daniels' by Ilona Andrews does this brilliantly, with each book unraveling new layers of the world. I aim for a voice that’s engaging—whether sarcastic, poetic, or tense—to pull readers in from the first page.