best ways to start a fantasy story

One great way is to start with a vivid description of an otherworldly setting. For example, 'The mist - shrouded forest loomed ahead, its ancient trees twisted into strange shapes, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal hands. The air was thick with magic, and a strange, unearthly silence filled the space.'

Start with a character in distress. Maybe a young wizard has lost his powers due to a dark curse. His struggle to regain his powers can be the starting point. It allows the readers to feel empathy for the character right away and be interested in seeing how he overcomes his problem.

A great start for a fantasy novel could be a sudden and unexpected event. Picture a city that is suddenly attacked by a horde of magical creatures no one has ever seen before. This kind of action - packed opening hooks the reader right away. You can then gradually introduce the world, the characters, and the rules of the fantasy realm as the story unfolds. Starting with a bang like this can make your novel very engaging from the very first page.

Start with a sudden, unexpected event. Like a magical explosion that shakes the peaceful village of the protagonist. 'A blinding flash of light erupted in the center of the village. The ground trembled as if in fear, and the villagers froze in shock. Then, from the heart of the explosion, a strange figure emerged, cloaked in a swirling mist of colors.'

One way is to start with a mysterious setting. For example, describe a dark and enchanted forest filled with strange noises and glowing lights. It immediately draws the reader into a world full of mystery and the unknown.

Begin with a prophecy. 'Long ago, a seer foretold that a child born under the blood moon would be the one to bring an end to the dark sorcery that had plagued the land for centuries. And on that fateful night, a baby's cry was heard in a small cottage on the outskirts of the kingdom.' Prophecies are a great way to start a medieval fantasy story as they introduce an element of fate and destiny, which are common themes in this genre.

One great way is to start with a vivid description. For example, 'The sun was a blazing ball of fire in the sky, casting long, menacing shadows across the desolate landscape.' This immediately sets the scene and draws the reader in.

Beginning a story with a strong action can be very effective. For instance, 'He ran as fast as he could, the sound of the approaching storm driving him forward.' This creates immediate tension. Starting with a character's internal monologue is also good. 'I knew this day would come, but I still wasn't prepared,' he thought, his heart pounding. Or you could start with a startling statement like 'The dead man walked into the room.'

A good way to begin is with a sense of impending doom. 'I felt it in my bones, that something was horribly wrong. There was a heaviness in the air, a stillness that was not peaceful but rather filled with a lurking danger. I didn't know what it was yet, but I knew it was coming for me.' This type of start makes the reader feel the unease that the character is experiencing.

One great way to start a scary story is with an unexpected sound. For example, 'In the dead of night, a shrill scream pierced through the silence, making my blood run cold.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and sets a spooky mood.