What are the great ways to start a fantasy story?

Beginning with a strange sound can be really effective. You could write, 'In the dead of night, a long, drawn - out howl pierced the silence, making every hair on my body stand on end.' This immediately creates a sense of unease and mystery. It makes the reader wonder what could be making that sound and sets a spooky mood for the rest of the story.

One great way is to start with an eerie setting. For example, describe a desolate old house on a dark and stormy night. The howling wind, the creaking floorboards, and the dim, flickering lights can immediately set a spooky mood.

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.

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.

Starting with a dialogue can be a great way. For instance, two characters having a heated argument over a mysterious box. The back - and - forth exchange draws the reader in, making them eager to find out who the characters are, what the box contains, and why they are so worked up about it.

One way could be starting with an interesting dialogue that immediately grabs the reader's attention. For example, a heated argument between two characters can create mystery and make the reader wonder what's going on. Another way is to begin with a vivid description of a unique setting, like a desolate and fog - covered moor at dawn. It sets the mood for the whole story. Also, starting with a startling event, such as a sudden explosion or a character witnessing a strange phenomenon, can hook the reader right from the start.

One way is to begin with a mysterious setting. For example, describe a dark and enchanted forest where strange noises come from the thick bushes and an otherworldly mist hovers. This immediately sets a fantastical mood.

One good way is to start with a mysterious setting. For example, describe a strange, mist - covered forest where the trees seem to whisper secrets. This immediately draws the reader into an otherworldly place and makes them curious about what might be hidden within. Another way could be starting with a character in a moment of distress or confusion. Maybe a young wizard who has just lost his powers and is trying to figure out how to get them back. It gives an instant hook as readers will want to know how the character will resolve their situation.

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.'

Open with a dialogue that hints at something fantastical. Two characters could be talking in hushed tones about a 'portal that only opens on a full moon'. This immediately makes the reader curious about what this portal is and where it leads. Another way is to start with a feeling of being lost. The main character could find themselves in a place that looks familiar but is somehow different, like a town where all the buildings are made of ice, but they were just in a normal, warm town a moment ago.