Can you give some ways to start a fantasy novel?

A great way to start a novel is by creating a sense of mystery. Drop a hint about something strange or unusual right at the beginning. Say, a character finds a strange key in an old attic and has no idea what it unlocks. This makes the reader want to keep reading to find out.

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.

You could start with a thought-provoking question. Like, 'What if the world stopped spinning? How would we survive?' This gets the reader thinking and interested in seeing where the story will go with this concept.

Start with a sense of foreboding. Just say something like 'He knew something was wrong the moment he stepped into the forest. The air was thick with an unspoken dread.' This makes the reader wonder what's going to happen next.

Beginners can start a story by using a time reference. 'In the year 2050, the world had changed a great deal.' It gives a context of time. Starting with a small moment of conflict is also effective. 'The siblings argued over who would get the last piece of cake.' Another option is to start with a place. 'On the small island, there was a hidden cave, and that's where our story begins.' This helps to set the location which is important in a story.

Start with a creepy discovery. For instance, a man exploring an old attic finds a locked box. When he finally manages to open it, he sees a strange object that gives off an evil aura. This discovery can launch the horror story.

Beginning a love story can be done through an unexpected encounter. For example, being stuck in an elevator together and having a deep conversation. Or, starting with a shared love for food. Meeting at a food festival and trying different delicacies together. You could also start by helping each other out in an academic or work - related situation, which can lead to a deeper bond.

One way is to begin with a mysterious event. For example, a strange light appears in the sky of a small village that has never seen such a thing before. This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them curious about what will happen next.

A common cliche to start a fantasy novel is with a dream sequence. The protagonist might be dreaming of a far - off, magical place or an impending danger, like 'Aria dreamed of a floating castle in the sky, surrounded by dark clouds that seemed to be alive. She could feel the danger lurking within those clouds, even in her sleep.' Also, starting with a discovery of a strange object can be a cliche. 'Luna found a small, glowing orb in the attic of her old house. As she picked it up, a shiver ran down her spine, and she knew her life was about to change forever.' Beginning with a dark, stormy night where something mysterious is about to happen is another. 'On that dark, stormy night, as the wind howled through the trees, a figure emerged from the mist at the edge of the forest.'

Yes. You can start with a flashback. For example, 'As he sat in the empty room, he remembered the day his mother left.' This adds depth to the story from the start. Another way is to start with a symbol. 'The red rose in the vase was the only splash of color in the drab room.' It gives the reader something to think about. Starting with a contradiction can also be interesting. 'He was a rich man, but he had nothing.'