10 Best Ways to Start Your Fantasy Novel

[@Jed_Herne]

If you want to write a first chapter that instantly hooks fantasy readers, check out my First Chapter Mastery course: bit.ly/1st-chapter-course Here's what one student said about the program: "I started writing 20 years ago, but never stuck with any project I began. A year ago, I discovered Jed’s KZbin channel and since then I’ve been learning so much about writing. When I began writing my first novel, I didn’t like how my first chapter ended, so when I saw you had this masterclass in writing first chapters; I jumped into it immediately, and I am so glad I did. Every single lesson in this course has incredible value and I know that from now on, I will always rewatch it whenever I start a new book because I now know how to write an excellent first chapter." - Hector Elias

[@albinoreaper2949]

Hi! I’m very new to publishing, but not writing. So far I’ve written all of my (non published) works on Google docs, but I’ve been wanting to switch it up. What was the program the man at 16:22 was using?

[@AlexanderAshcroft]

If your writing a Horror Novel; making the characters likeable is a better move.

[@LDillon]

@@albinoreaper2949 I could be wrong, but it looks like it's just the Mac version of Microsoft Word.

[@ElaaraWylder]

Love the phrase "put me in the passenger seat when the motor is already running" . Instantly creates a picture of where some readers are looking for a novel to kick off. Some great responses to the survey!

[@Xobik1]

The Blade Itself starts with Logen Ninefingers fighting to survive. No magic, no villain. But setting the north, action, tension, blood, promise of a story with gore action and, finnaly, a hook with (SPOILERS ALERT) a fall. For me it's the best 1s chapter / prologue of a story.

[@weismanwriter9426]

The real answer to the question is to stop watching this video and actually write lol

[@quantum7046]

_i feel attacked_ . You're right tho

[@jhonroleda1050]

​@@quantum7046 hahaha couldn't agree moree.. lol😅

[@-a-MinhDuyNguyen]

True lmao :)

[@JR-gh5gc]

lol wise words

[@quandaIedingIe]

I come here when I need ideas because sometimes my brain goes empty trying to think of an idea

[@TheOtherSteel]

"Start in the middle of the story, in media res, but not in the middle of a scene." -- Damon Knight, author, editor

[@lionheartpublishing5653]

Or redefine what the middle is: star wars standalone to star wars episode IV 1977 😋

[@Alejandroigarabide]

That's a bit overrated. It works in certain stories but not in others.

[@Ammiad]

A great example of something similar is megamind, if you've watched it you should already know what im talking about, and if you haven't then you should

[@wilsonwilson7607]

Medias

[@certifiedretart161]

Ah, the Quentin tarantino method.

[@ZedMagnet]

I know people who dislike prologues so much that they flat out REFUSE to read them. There's a lot of hate out there for prologues and a lot of the advice novice writers get is "don't do a prologue". I always read them - you won't know if it's trash or pertinent to the understanding of the main story unless you read it. lol

[@DauraTHEEXPLORA]

Same here

[@BattleHippie2020]

I personally love a prologue

[@PeachKnot]

I tend to read the story, then come back and read the prologue

[@Xobik1]

The prologue and the epilogue can be used to create drama and stakes, a promise to be fulfilled in the final act or something so simple as scene with the Big Villain succeeding in some thing.

[@justwonder1404]

I remember once reading a book where a prologue didn't make much sense until well into the story, where it gave some important context. I don't understand this hate toward prologues, they're usually aren't even that long.

[@TheDoomKnight]

Jed, I would like to thank you for your videos. Because of all your advice (and another KZbin author), I have officially become a published author myself. So thank you for all your help! I always do my best to provide advice to other aspiring writers, and point them to your videos as well. Keep up the great work!

[@Chudi2000]

Congrats! That’s a huge accomplishment and I’m happy for you! What’s your story about?

[@TheZetaKai]

Congratulations, well done. Who is the other KZbinr who inspired you, and what's the name of your novel?

[@TheDoomKnight]

@@TheZetaKai The published work is a short story named Dark Angel in the anthology The Super Generation. My novel that I am trying to get published is The Doom Knight. The other KZbinr is The Critical Drinker.

[@andrewteichroeb8886]

Me too. Did you self publish or go through a publisher?

[@TheDoomKnight]

@@andrewteichroeb8886 It was a short story through a publisher.

[@novantha1]

“As you know, XYZ” “Wait what? I was supposed to know that? Oh shit” “…” lol

[@scribble9431]

Wow, I always start my stories with the antagonist, but I never knew it would resonate so much with readers. As an avid reader myself, I find it compelling and thrilling when the main villain opens the story, setting the stage for the other characters early on, which often keeps me on the edge. One example I find intriguing is the horror genre, where stories often begin by showing how the villain became so evil or they just randomly kill somebody. But of course, they aren’t just the villain; they’re the star of the show. Subconsciously, we know that ghosts and killers are dangerous, so the suspense is always there. I’m currently writing my new fantasy novel based on this idea-though it’s not horror, the essence is there. :)

[@dragondude7165]

I've written many different openings over a few years. All the same world, but I'm still new. I've been a writer of little bite-sized stories for a little bit. I'm intending to begin writing a full novel and your videos have been quite noteworthy. Largely appreciated and I'll probably have to attempt to get in on one of these workshops and such.

[@krimzonx]

Hey man! I just wanna let you know that your channel re-sparks the joy I have with writing novel. I used to hate my writing so much I don't want to continue. But now, after watching your videos along with other writing related channels, I now understand where did I go wrong and kickstart me to re-write what I've left off. Thank you so much for being the essential part of my journey to become a better writer! A lot of love from Thailand!

[@Goofy4841]

nuh uh

[@ayemc84]

I love the start of the Percy Jackson series because the way that the protagonist talks directly to you in the first page, talking about how he didn't wanted to be a half blood, how you should drop the book if you think you could be like him, and talking you about his weird school life, refering to himself as a "problem kid". I thinks this is great because: ✓It builds intrigue and suspense by giving the reader an small amout of info and wanting them with interest about what the heck is Percy talking about ✓It sets one of the main topics of the character building and development ✓It presents us the "normal" life of the main character, whicth is the start of the "hero's path" structure ✓it give us something interesing to then drop directly to the accion where the story starts ✓It conects perfectly with the end of the first series

[@lalaladybird]

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video. It gave me an idea for a bit of a strange prologue. It is the sacred texts of how my world begins, and I mean the VERY beginning. With a blurb and everything, it looks like referenced documents from within the world (and even a part of the text that is often excluded from it) and I LOVE it. I had written it MONTHS ago as a world building idea generating thing but never planned to actually use it for anything. But it basically sets up everything my main character is going to deal with, and who my main character is and UGH thank you thank you thank you Sorry for the rambling, I am simply very excited to finally feel so good about the beginning of this story.

[@Salsa4268]

This sounds like a fun premise!!! I love reading when things click for people, hopefully that happens for me too, the beginning of my story is still making me struggle 🥲

[@lalaladybird]

@@Salsa4268 Thank you! I hope you can figure it out too! I also struggle with the beginning, and then I end up getting too caught up in it to really make any progress. I wish you all the luck!!! 🙏🏼

[@gooseguyfilms4460]

That’s awesome! I love when stories actually have history and are important parts of the narrative. My prologue is very similar; my book is an in universe historical novel written by the son of the main character, so the prologue is essentially an authors note detailing pieces of history the reader should already know that he doesn’t have time to explain in the story. Essentially it sets up the “common knowledge”the reader needs.

[@Stormingblue-r2z]

Hi there I just started writing my first novel and I am really happy that I saw this now. And I believe that my first chapters have greatly improved after this. Just a thank you from a 14yr old that got help in a competitive world.

[@joeystett]

I typically never reread stuff, but I started rereading stormlight to get ready for the newest book. There's so much there that I didn't even realize I forgot or didn't absorb the first time. Great video dude.

[@reidchikezie1161]

Real. Started Way of Kings and it feels like a new book to me.

[@Jed_Herne]

It's wild how many hidden details it has

[@forgiven36511]

... It's also amusing that arguably the best fantasy series ever written, starts "In a hole in the ground"... Be your own writer. Take in all the advice. Keep what you can use and put the rest on the shelf, it may come in handy at a later date

[@harventure]

3:16 This really worked for me as a prologue, my antagonist's backstory fits perfectly as it shows what might come out of the story (themes, plots, settings) and it reveals the "Villain" as well as its goals and motives! Just wanna say thank you so much for making this vid that gave me this idea! (If u even read comments...)

[@mistermograph]

D&D world builder here! As per the advice of GM guru Matt Colville, #9 is a legit way to start a story. Introduce the villain/antagonist while the main character(s) are unable to do anything about them. I've done this for my campaigns and it works every time. It gives focus, creates intrigue and gives the main cast a potential sense of drive.

[@mirafeder7992]

To "As you know" dialogue... I like to twist it. begin with establishing a well-known fact, just to dive deeper into specialized knowledge not everyone has. "You might know, that the king of Sherben still hasn't an heir... but did you hear of the rumor that he might be fully unable to sire one?" It gives well-known lore to the reader, without coming across as the usual "spouting the obvious" that the trope often feels like.

[@JuliePokorná-w9v]

This video is amazing. I strugled to decide how to start my story for a long time and the idea to start with the villain actually fits perfectly into my story. Thank you so much for helping me get unstuck, because now I can finally go back to writing.

[@wavetactics13]

This and its companion video have been helpful for ironing out some kinks in two stories I'm writing. Thank you.

[@gernottiefenbrunner172]

"your main character needs to be interesting, not likeable" I mean, in principle, yes, but in practice your mc usually does need to be likeable. Not morally good necessarily, but likeable.

[@Foxferine]

I know you have said "usually" so this is a slightly unusual example. "Clockwork Orange" is fiction, not fantasy, but it tells the story of a mc who is morally wrong in everything and you hate them entirely as you start reading. You are forced to be with the mc for chapters but keep reading to get to his demise.

[@samreilly6602]

Mine starts with the mc briefly reflecting on a high stakes job he just completed while he prepares for another one. Him planning and considering outcomes helps set the scene/worldbuild a bit and you get into his head instantly. I feel like KNOWING something important is about to happen is a decent hook too. In the process, an unexpected chain of events occur that really set the story on track, hopefully keeping the reader invested through unpredictability/mystery. Edit: after posting i realised literally everyone posted theirs too, so on the off chance you read this, hope it gave you some ideas

[@angelhurtado55]

PROLOGUES FOR LIFE!!!!!

[@wyattstevens8574]

1:38-1:40 3 most critical words in story writing: Show, don't tell.

[@xaviercarmona4439]

Rewriting my first chapter as we speak so I am SO GLAD this came out today! Good looks Jed!

[@carlosdeandres4774]

Hi! I know it isn't that related to this video but I wanted to ask for two videos that could be REALLY healfull. 1. A video about fantasy worlds where magic is present almost constantly/is extremely common but not a main point in the story (like, it's "mechanics/characteristics" being less relevant than thry usually would) 2. A video about fantasy races/species writing

[@useeee616]

I been really struggling with the beginning of my chapter. I feel like…. boy walking down mountain, angry at tue strange old man who rescued him, confused at new world he is in, explodes in (magic system) old man has to calm him down and explain to the boy the world he is in now. Boy starts to go easy on old man, begins learning from him, boy and old man attacked in wilderness by demons, old man is mortally wounded, boy must survive on his own and learn how to survive without the old man in the new world. Close chapter one. I just been struggling whether or not it feels like a good full chapter.

[@giovannijacobs4496]

I actually like slow beginnings so I can get to know the characters, so when going gets tough i can root for them because i know them.

[@monh.pr0]

Literally what i needed most

[@eyeamthei1801]

You gave me a bit of confidence in my first chapter when you said "if it is a novel with a lot of dialoge between the characters, then I probably want an opening which has a lot of dialoge in it". I never heard this advice before and I kinda worried about my first chapter which is basically my protag talking about bussiness [and recent events in the world] with his druglord friend while getting high in a shady cellar of a tavern. My protagonist is kinda weak, so he mostly solves the issues with talking [or with some clever tactics at best]. So the whole novel is really heavy on dialoges.

[@arkemiffo]

At some point in my life I'm going to sit down and start typing out the story I have in my head. The only problem though is that it has changed and morphed so many times listening to you. For once I feel that what I have in my head is what you described under a few points here anyway, so I think I'm getting closer. :)

[@t.b.cont.]

The best thing to start a story with is what you want the reader to see first. Whatever that is, whatever you want the hook or interest to be, it should be something you want to show that sets up expectations that you plan to promise in on or subvert later. This applies to every single one of the things listed in this video

[@plasmiusphantom]

The first 3 prologues in "A Song of Ice and Fire" introduce magic and antagonists (all 5, actually). They're all awesome, though I think the first prologue is some of the tightest writing I've seen.

[@plasmiusphantom]

There is also heavy foreshadowing in these prologues.

[@plasmiusphantom]

That first prologue sets archetypes that appear throughout the epic, on all sides of the conflict.

[@anthonywritesfantasy]

The Varamyr chapter is insanely good.

[@RamBam3000]

Former US Navy SEAL Richard Marcinko always started his thrillers in media res, then there was always a backspace to explain how, once again, Ricky is in his best party clothes, a MP5 in his hairy paw and sneaking and peaking, not back home at Rogue Manor and relaxing. Marcinko also introduced me to the concept of describing character through his eyes. And for one of the best opening sentences in all fantasy: "The king of Vendhya was dying." Robert E Howard "People of the Black Circle"

[@tearstoneactual9773]

Thank you, Jed. I recently started a cyberpunk story with a detective parked outside of a club, waiting, but already a feeling of something off in the air. Then two cars pull up and dump 8 gang members out, who open up on the club in a hail of automatic weapons fire. Detective responds, of course, down ing a few and getting a kid out of there was wrong place wrong time. Bots show up as backup, and they take one into custody, and the last two escape. At first this seems like a random setup, but in truth, it's connected to another mystery that's about to kick off, both attached to the main thriller plot of the story. You have mystery, you have action but not just for action's sake. It characterizes the character, but also there's some Save the Cat in there. I think it's doing a lot of things right, especailly after watching this video.

[@GenLiu]

Reacting to the Prologue coming up in both the best and worst way to start a novel: it's interesting to see that, at the end of the day, it all boils down to the author's skills. For example, I personally love when a book introduces some form of mystery in its early setting, but it's very easy for a writer to get carried away and not deliver with the solution of said mystery, either by giving an unsatisfying one or not addressing it at all (and yes, for those who thought of the TV Show Lost, that's precisely the example I had in mind). Likewise, starting with action or dialogue can be incredibly gripping if done well, but it can also get boring if the action/dialogue is too confusing or simply too devoid of tension/conflict. Knowing how to create an interesting story or three-dimensional characters is far more important than imagining a good set up for a scene, imo. Once you've gotten this knowledge, you can basically start your story the way you want.

[@MitchT97]

I may have a few new books to add to my reading list now. I have had a story idea on my mind for a while and getting started has been difficult creating a strong hook. So thank you for the tutorials it gives me just a bit of confidence I can make something worth someone’s time! Also the part about starting in the middle of the action made my mind immediately go to a scene of yelling and chasing followed by a freeze frame “You’re probably wondering how I got here”.

[@tamd5670]

I’m not really a fan of magic systems with tons of limitations and hard rules. It stops feeling like magic. I’m probably on my own for this, but I prefer magic to be limited only by what the characters moral compass or what they specifically are capable of. And what their limits are, as well as how those limits can be manipulated to have a greater affect than his limits would suggest

[@anthonywritesfantasy]

Me too! What are some of your favorite moments of magic?

[@jasminv8653]

Same! A more folklore-esque, softer magic is much more interesting to me than what amounts to super powers at the end of the day.

[@Yattayatta]

I'd love to be of that mind, but it always creates such massive plotholes that I have to give up on the story. I can't stand characters that are too stupid to realize their "rewind time by 15 minutes" magic could be used to save every single bad thing in the book.

[@calebneumann3757]

I agree with you, magic is supposed to be magical. It’s magic bc of the idea that with it anything is possible, if its normal then it’s just an ability (like animals being able to see in the dark, or things glowing in the dark. that’s not magic that’s just apart of how they are)

[@SophiaLin-wi9fe]

I just want to say some advice, I love when the antagonists change throughout a series, and as a writer, I'm definitely going to do that. It's my life's dream to be an author, and I think I'm fairly good. These videos have helped me a lot so far, and I want to thank you for making these. What I've done in some of my first drafts is I've made this scene where these two sorcerers are facing off, one being the villain, and it shows how one of the side characters that's pretty important came to be. Another scene was where the antagonist was making a plan, but the perspective was set in one of the people who worked for the antagonist, who is now not sure of what they're doing.

[@KutWrite]

I like starting with the antag. In my upcoming sci-fi novel, "World in Exile," a current-day archaeologist finds a distress message from the future sent by the protag, who's been kidnapped by Big Ruby's motley men to torture him. A corollary to your "As you know, Bob..." device is the "Had he/she/I but known..."

[@artsveiman7776]

In the Fellowship of the rings movies, Peter Jackson introduces the villain, the threat he is capable of, and how he was defeated, but also the threat and effect of being the ring bearer, thus providing the set up for what the heroes will have to do to defeat Sauron and the challenges they will face.

[@AuthorHoshiChan]

One of my favorite Amazon novels is Salvos, and it starts with the antagonist and then shifts into an interesting idea of a demon larvea needing ro survive in a desolate land filled with hostile entities. It is the series that inspired me to write.

[@TheDawn15]

In regards to what the opening is about. My story is about identity. This is the first and second paragraphs of my story: Lightning flickers across the sky as Ariel gazes out the window. Thunder roars in the distance as the train chugs towards its destination. The setting brings her mind to the moment. Despite her platinum blonde shoulder-length hair and fair skin, she considers herself a Tapraleon, though her traits are a rarity among those who are born in Tapral. She turns her attention away from the window to glance around her surroundings while a pair of passengers walk by.

[@rogeralix-gaudreau2401]

By my reckoning, my WIP has 1,2,3,4,7,8,9, and 10. :-) Great list! Thanks for this. It's interesting to note the tension within the Fantasy readership about prologues and starting with action.

[@josephrowlee]

Very nice! I have to say I'd still rather give more time to get to know the MC before everything goes crazy. See who they are, what their life is like, THEN something happens now that we know the MC and what they want/care about.

[@houseaccount3293]

This was the perfect video for me to see today, as I have been debating writing a new first and second chapter of my book where I start off with the antagonist not my main character. I think I am going to start that today now.

[@shadowrodney]

I see I've been here before xD but I like always reminding myself of the many tips and feedback the writing/reading world provides. 8:18 actually gave me an idea... what if the main character of your story... was the villain? And he got defeated right at the beginning making it all about his comeback and the journey that might either reforge the villain into somewhat of a good guy, or if his fuel for revenge and persistent ambition that drives his villainous side might keep him as a villain.

[@mbdzel]

My favorite book opening is.. "The building was on fire and it wasn't my fault." Jim Butcher. Dresden files, Blood rites.

[@dangerbook4807]

LOL and if you read the series, he carries out the promise of setting things on fire and having people assume it was him who burnt things down - most of the time, correctly.

[@ts25679]

With the volcano example, I just want to write a story where the volcano looms in the back of the readers mind just enough not to be forgotten, just so I can have ot explode at the end once the plot has resolved...

[@stephenking1218]

Prologues are to writers what cilantro is to chefs. Some of us with developed, mature palates appreciate a bit of cilantro brightening our dishes, while the less cultured utter primitive angry growls at the wonderful herb. I think the major difference between the two creative efforts, though, is that you generally don't have accomplished chefs teaching newbies that "this is the ONLY way that writing should be done, because writing should ONLY be done this way," which is basically what I heard from Agents-on-High at my first writing conference, where I learned that Prologue Bad, No Write Prologue Ever.

[@Celebwen21]

Did you know some people have a genetic trait that makes cilantro taste bad? It’s not a case of immaturity if your genes are to blame!

[@josiahkeroff9965]

I struggle with this with one of my books, because the magic system is overall unknown to all except to the main villain.

[@fatimarizvi8401]

Thank you for adding my response ❤ 20:26

[@bxrdo650]

Can you perhaps create a video explaining how to pace a multiple book series? Or even just books with multiple arcs? Also, a video explaining how to layer a book with multiple character’s storylines.

[@RampidWarthogStudios]

I always get pumped after your videos. But when I sit down to write I'm always exhausted from work or my mind is completely blank. I'm trying to find a way to keep that fire without getting discouraged immediately when I sit down

[@Bloobz]

"As you know" Dialogues are great, you use that A LOT in real life when you explain something to someone. But you need it to convey an additional information after that. "As you know the Evil Magician live in the tower to the North and we should avoid it... And that why we will go there because nobody will expect us to be hidden over there." "As you know water boils at 100°C. But if the pression of atmosphere is lower, the boiling point will be lower"

[@intellectually_lazy]

so, watcha think about this? i figured out, over years of writing this character, a telepath, he really doesn't know who he is when he's alone. i start with him waking alone on a bus realizing his companion is gone and has taken his drugs, so he tries to scam the next best thing from a pharmacy, loses his concentration and fails, successfully scams the store cashier for supplies, and breaking into a house he believes abandoned, attempts to make a drug, with skills he taught himself reading old alchemy texts and chemistry textbooks. you don't learn his name or vital stats until chapter 2 when he meets someone else. the telepathy was a nice hack for the problem of describing appearance too

[@scottcrysel]

Love the vids! Tons of great content to fuel my writing hobby

[@benparrish672]

In The Norseman Saga Caelan Erikson is bestowed powers/abilities & becomes Heaven's Procurer. Caelan Erikson wields the Hell-Forged Spear & Glacius Axe & Trinity Shield while trying to procure Divine/Unholy weapons before The Fallen can tip the scales to Darkness

[@Namorat]

When you talked about likability I immediatey thought of Glokta :D He is monstrous but so fascinating.

[@guillaumejoly6469]

Thank you Jed!

[@DaedricDelight]

I'm starting my first novel and I'm thinking of doing something like number 9. However, instead of introducing the antagonist, my current draft for my prologue introduces his right-hand man. My villain is deeply connected to the protagonist, so I'm worried that introducing him too early on could hint at a certain twist I want to implement. I like to think of it as a Lord of the Rings scenario, like how Tolkien introduced the Nazgul long before we saw the bigger villains like the Witch-King or Sauron. I always try to look at my novel through the lense of a reader, and as a reader, I really like this kind of introduction. It can show extent of an opponent's power, create tension because you wonder how the hero can possibly defeat the villain when his servant is this powerful, create a knowledge gap between the reader and hero (as long as you don't start with the hero, like in Game of Thrones with the almost immediately dead members of the Night's Watch), and if you sprinkle in a little bit of magic, it can show some of the limits of the magic system.

[@morganblanks4134]

Always appreciate your videos, thank you!

[@leoleuchtkanonelinus1374]

I value the consideration of "information and lack of it" greatly. For me at least it helps a lot with creating conflict in a fantasy setting without always having to pull out magic, rather how the characters perceive upcomming or past events, and their part in them, or how they see it from third perspective. When characterizing a character, I imagine stepping in their shoes, imagining the feelings they feel, the worldview they have, and the experience they gain and won. As planned, In my story, first act, episode 1, two of the most important brother characters die because of their curse being shared wounds. Their death shows the conflict they have after death, since they are super powerful primordial beings who shape the events of the story. Where do I go with all this? Well, the two witness their deaths differently, therefore later on, one of the two doesn't even know the other is alive, even being fully confinced he didn't get revived like himself. Only this little detail of lack of information changes their entire conflict. In my story, where there are a lot of characters, "villains/antiheros" you could consider "sympathetic villains", which have been overdone since a decade with minor meaningful ones. For these types, it is most important to me to give the viewer a sense of understanding the character's mind, their mental dilemma. It is much more powerful to me that one character being fully confinced that killing thousands of men out of cult reaons, in order to get to the boss to kill him is okay because it's for the future of people's lives, without remotely realising what monster he became himself, as to Steven Universe "It's okay she says she's sorry".

[@heatherkline6766]

I have possibly said this before, but one story I am working on begins with a miniature version. I reveal some key assumptions that are part of the protagonist's worldview, set up motivations for one antagonist going forward, and highlight changes that will likely take place in the book. And as Jed mentioned I do not have the main character win; in fact, they have a moment where the plot armor is quite thin. The resolution of this also gives a hint at the final conclusion. A story example of giving prologue that does not occur at the same time as your story but gives context and important information is Green Ember by S. D. Smith. In the last or second-to-last book, there is a prologue which features the creation of the place of the dragons and then toward the end of the middle of the book two characters end up in with these dragons. LOVE the payoff.

[@perlanera3402]

Congratulations for the 100,000 subscribers Jed!!! 🥳🥳🥳🎉🎉

[@AnyaC.Rawlins-vz3dl]

A replacement for the “As you know” dialogue is “Just so you know” dialogue. With the latter, there is a character learning with the reader about something that isn’t common knowledge. We’re treated as students, not idiots. 19:37

[@CRAFT7445]

GLADIATOR still has THE BEST (movie) opening scene. The calm before the storm, a farmer turned soldier admiring a field of crops, and then you get the greater picture of what he’s in the midst of.

[@culturewarsdiplomacy]

Another reason to start with the villain is to avoid the weak opening of started with the heroes normal life. Some stories we do need to see where the hero started, what is he fighting to keep, or what he has lost ect and not bore the audience before you get to the conflict.

[@lionheartpublishing5653]

I almost did this. I wanted a quiet relaxing wake up by the alarm clock in a peaceful bustling neighbourhood, but added the hackers getting everything ready in psyber war: I started mine with the antagonist's minions (not the cute twinkie guys unfortunately 🍌), never showing the actual antagonist until the prime minister is kidnapped. - Psyber War Lionheart The other main book I wrote started with the secondary main characters who are later on trial for a crime that happened during the opening (they are US tsa agents). - shutdown republic lionheart Lastly, my third one opened with a few teens living in an TV park dropping hints in setting and dialogue that something very bad had happened (eg fetching water from a hand pump well, smartphone with cracked screen and only access to saved music and videos rather than the internet, shootout between rV park residents and invaders dropping the hint about lack of govt ("what police?). - horizons

[@lionheartpublishing5653]

Rv park, not TV park

[@tbhgodrick6120]

The prologue to my current novel is from several years in the past where the strongest hero is slain by a strange villain who then wreaks havoc on the royal capital with a devastating curse. Sets the tone for sure. 🤣

[@alexeinuville2555]

This is validating,. I'm doing freaking aaawesoooooooome!!!!!!!!!!

[@cst.9552]

I don't know if it's good or bad that if I have 7.5/10 of these and arguably I do the other 2 as well. The .5 is for "Introduce the main character" as the prologue deals with the villain talking to one of their underlings about the birth of one of the two POV characters - since that POV character was just born and is the "chosen one" and such.

[@thenoremac2685]

In a short story I wrote several years ago the protagonist was a supernatural bounty hunter styled as a wild west gunslinger, but I started off the first scene from the perspective of the guy he was hunting. I thought it would give the protagonist a much more menacing feel as he's pursuing this guy like the Terminator.

[@filipgaecki5480]

I started my novel in a very.....unconventional way. I began with merging 3 things. Introducing the main character,mystery and something people hate which is a dream sequence. Why? Becouse I wanted to play with the formula. In that dream MC hears a voice. But as he is about to uncover it's source....he wakes up. The plot twist is that the voice he heard is a voice he hears all the time inside his own head since he was born. Everything in that dream? It's real. But introduced in a dream sequence. It sets up the MC,adds mystery (what is that voice? What is it's source? What does it want? Why?) and all of that is done in a dream sequence.

[@aurthurpendragon1015]

I think the reason so many people say that characters need to be likeable is because there's a more specific piece of advise that I've heard before which is that characters need to eb relatable, and it's pretty difficult to relate to unlikeable characters.

[@anticlaws4105]

..well...

[@justwonder1404]

26:10 - one of the reasons I loved Six of Crows is the way the main characters, especially Kaz and Inej, are introduced as competent and capable characters (some would say, too competent for their age). I feel like especially in fantasy or sci-fi, it pays to give your main characters skills as well as flaws from the start. A romcom protagonist may start just as a quirky lovable loser, but I'll need a practical reason to see why your fantasy lead is worth rooting for.

[@emmanuellopez9226]

I'm making a book; and this video has been a great help, Thanks

[@unicorntomboy9736]

My WIP dark fantasy novel starts with a flash-forward scene, showcasing some key wordbuilding details, specifically about the twin monochrome moons that loom in the skies, like ever-present deities, and that the world is set in an eternal night and darkness, which sets the foreboding, ominous tone. Then I introduce the main protagonist, a fallen princess wielding a cursed, sentient sword, conducting a violent interrogation against one of the antagonist's lackeys, who she has tied up in a chair, presented as a means to find said bad guy, her tyrant uncle. We to find near the end of that chapter that it was just all for her own amusement.

[@lionheartpublishing5653]

I started mine with the antagonist's minions (not the cute twinkie guys unfortunately 🍌), never showing the actual antagonist until the prime minister is kidnapped. - Psyber War Lionheart The other main book I wrote started with the secondary main characters who are later on trial for a crime that happened during the opening (they are US tsa agents). - shutdown republic lionheart Lastly, my third one opened with a few teens living in an TV park dropping hints in setting and dialogue that something very bad had happened (eg fetching water from a hand pump well, smartphone with cracked screen and only access to saved music and videos rather than the internet, shootout between rV park residents and invaders dropping the hint about lack of govt ("what police?). - horizons

[@user3oQ4gh7bk]

​@@lionheartpublishing5653same with you actually. I started with MA minions killing MC's father when he's only born and giving hint, that crow. (Literal crow) is the main villain, but not showing him properly.

[@aoexbasment78]

I started mine with the portags and one of plot points involves the Code the villains of my story

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@aoexbasment78 I made my protagonist as. Female Anakin Skywalker

[@thewarden1398]

I hope it works for you. I generally dislike flash forwards, because a lot of the time they just end up being extended versions of "So I you're probably wondering how I got here". And that can neuter a lot of your tension, because if a character appears in the flash forwards, we know that up until we reach that point, he's gonna be fine. It can also place curbs on your writing flow because you might write yourself into a corner where this character now needs to die, or something shown in the flash forwards needs to be retconned, and unless you're just going to have the story admit that you lied to the reader in the beginning, you can really screw yourself. This is especially true if you're writing a series and that flash forwards happened in an already published book.

[@m.j.johnsonbooks7856]

Less than 2k from 100,000. Let’s Gooooo!

[@vongolafamiglia3233]

I like the number 1 suggestion. My first book, Beast of the Bronx, is a slow start but picks up by Chapter 9. I want to change that in my next book and bring the reader in by introducing the main villian and starting with a massacre (all in Chapter 1).

[@NorisSpecter]

I prefer the first person, so dialogue and the inner thoughts of the MC are most important to me. I will be in his head for the rest of the story; if MC's actions and thought process are intriguing, anything else is just an additional flavor.

[@bigbossvi429]

My story starts with a one page Epilogue. The world has ended and it’s my main character’s fault. Don’t elaborate as to why or how. Thoughts?

[@TheManInBlueFlames]

Brilliant!

[@劉炎-p9z]

So... Start with prologue and don't start with prologue. I think the message I receive is that it is impossible to satisfy all readers, just stick to what you do best.

[@michasokoowski6651]

"start with a villain" Yep, exactly what im planning to do and since villain existence is connected to magic, i will also explain a bit of magic... just a bit, while i want to have consistent magic and so i need to do it fully, i dont think i will ever explain it completely.

[@MichaelCaswell-q5w]

Considering I was just going start writing tonight, this was highly convenient

[@MysteryRoseWriter]

I love these survey videos so much! Ther are insanely helpful!❤

[@YountFilm]

In a sense, it's almost more important to make your reader *not* like the main character -- but only up to a certain threshold. Social media shows: people respond and pay attention to things that irritate them.

[@YountFilm]

Re: "Stop watching videos and get writing!" I listen to these videos while on my work commute, and it generates reflections on my writing, which I then record to myself in voice memos. Anything can be a boon or distraction; it's all in how you use it. [Posting here instead of as a reply comment.]

[@iResonate]

Step 1: be Jed Herne

[@Elia-fn8jv]

😂

[@AmarothEng]

I find it funny how many of these boxes the Way of Kings prologue mess ticks. And boy, did I love to read through that mess. Btw, try to read the prologue from the past in this book after finishing each of the Stormlight Archive books. That's how you get to see the progress you as a reader make in between the books.

[@Alejandroigarabide]

I started my novel with the main character as a child witnessing how his father is killed by the main antagonist. The rest of the story the main character is an adult. The first act is about a seemingly unconnected adventure with its own beggining, middle and end. The main antagonist does not appear, but there is a minor antagonist. At the start of act 2, the minor antagonist is contacted by a misterious figure who turns out to be the main antagonist from chapter 1. The minor antagonist becomes the main antagonist's minion from then on, and aspects from the first mini-adventure forshadow aspects of the main adventure. Imagine almost not escaping a challenge, and then finding out that such challenge was just the tip of the iceberg.

[@MorgottofLeyendell]

Might be better if you divide the secondary story from the first act, it could be jarring to switch perspective so drastically in a single book, but if you can pull it off, more power to you.

[@Alejandroigarabide]

@@MorgottofLeyendell You have the same perspective all the way, that of the main character. He finds out along the way (and organically) about the antagonist's side of the plot.

[@MorgottofLeyendell]

@@Alejandroigarabide Ok, sounds good.

[@nagillim7915]

I intend to have a prologue simply because without it i feel like i'm mis-selling my story to readers. My protagonist is almost being introduced to the setting with the readers and the central conflict doesn't even get spelled out to her until the midpoint. The first half of the story is a sort of coming of age/found family narrative with mystery elements. The midpoint is where those mystery elements come to the foreground and she gets thrust through the inciting incident of the series (having earlier gone through the inciting incident of her own story). And after the midpoint the story becomes a much more epic narrative of magic, conspiracy, gods and monsters. My prologue will foreshadow the midpoint twist for the readers by pov'ing the character that i introduce to my protagonist at the midpoint who gives her the plot twist. And i'll sprinkle a few breadcrumbs for the readers into the first half of the story so the twist doesn't feel like i'm randomly redirecting the narrative in a way that hasn't been earned.

[@svartrbrisingr6141]

Funnily enough the book im writing hits a few of these. I have a prologue set in the point of view of the antagonist. It shows off a bit of my world magic system. Not enough to overload them with details just showing off bits of how it works. Give people thinking "how exactly does this work?"

[@Auscher]

Hey Jed, before writing this I just want to say thanks. As a young individual who loves to write fantasy, your videos have helped. Both in the writing way, but also because I saw it as a weird thing, that as a 14 kid who writes. But the question I want to ask, is how I can make a character balanced if you get me? Like; how can I make a character that is not “too” good. Because having no downside is just boring imho. But I can never find a real way to give the character an actual arc. Like a balanced personality. So he’s not just a joy and good for everyone, but bot like hated either. Because as a person who is working on 3 different projects, it’s kind of hard to not just give them all the same personality. I hope you read this, and good luck hitting a 100k.

[@lionheartpublishing5653]

I started mine with the antagonist's minions (not the cute twinkie guys unfortunately 🍌), never showing the actual antagonist until the prime minister is kidnapped. - Psyber War Lionheart The other main book I wrote started with the secondary main characters who are later on trial for a crime that happened during the opening (they are US tsa agents). - shutdown republic lionheart Lastly, my third one opened with a few teens living in an TV park dropping hints in setting and dialogue that something very bad had happened (eg fetching water from a hand pump well, smartphone with cracked screen and only access to saved music and videos rather than the internet, shootout between rV park residents and invaders dropping the hint about lack of govt ("what police?). - horizons

[@lionheartpublishing5653]

Rv park, not TV park 😂

[@SteelRainz1]

In the Crystal Shard by RA Salvatore, he also starts with the antagonist murdering his mentor. Really good opening.

[@Andrewtr6]

The intro of my story really has me stuck. I have an outline in my mind for what could happen but idk if it's good enough. Before I get into it, I should divulge that my story is not a novel but rather a comic series or possibly graphic novel. I just like the idea of a fantasy comic. My current idea for the start of my story doesn't introduce the villain, conflict, a mystery, or even the magic which is a big part of the story. Instead, I introduce my main character who isn't doing anything exciting. My idea was to introduce the character and the current state of her mind. She recently experienced a traumatic event which she is still getting over. Some people might ask, why don't I start with this traumatic event? The reason is I don't want to. Specifically, I want to save that for flashbacks so the story can get into the main plot. I also wanted to start this story in a different way than I typically start my stories. Usually, I go with media res and have some kinda action in the first few pages. This just didn't make sense for this story. Honestly, I'm not really sure what I should do with the start. I have my main character, the setting, magic system, and plot. My main character is a 12-year-old girl who can see ghosts. Her whole family has this gift as they are natural necromancers in the divination sense. After her sister is killed by an evil spirit, she is sent to another realm to learn magic. While Harry Potter inspired this story, I don't want it to be too similar. This is one of the reasons I based my magic school in another realm instead of just somewhere on Earth. For a similar reason, I was planning on opening the story with my MC in a waiting room still on Earth instead of at home. It's the middle of the night during a snowstorm and she's waiting to be sent to school. I'm planning for the scene to set up that 1) my character is still dealing with something 2) she's going somewhere/waiting for something 3) can see ghosts. I'm just not sure if this will be enough to capture the reader's attention.

[@intellectually_lazy]

i had a prologue, but i decided to drop it. it was descriptive of the central conflict but a bit navel- gazey. besides, at the time i was thinking, when i use the first-person narrative, which i only do for the one character, it was described from a future perspective, but now i think, he just thinks that way in the present, because he's read a lot of books. i know i do, and i have

[@georgekatkus5162]

Of the 3 books I've written, the 4th one I'm writing, setting the mood for a series comes first. Mood snd world. For singular books, I don't know.

[@Sazzxdndandmtg]

my book starts with a series of seven chapters that seem unconected as i introduce the readers to different groups of charactures some good some evil most unknown alinement just open opposition to others and then in chapter 8 these charactures start coming together or meating eachother

[@dravenloki9287]

Eragon also started off with the Villian pov, with Durza and the urgals, ambushing Arya