Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re breaking down a first‑page excerpt from the fantasy writing subreddit and asking a deceptively simple question: what actually makes an opening work? Jon reacts in real time to a dark fantasy opening, unpacking why beautifully written prose can still fall flat without momentum, stakes, or a clear scene engine. And how to avoid starting your novel with pages of nothing happening.

Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord (https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2) and let us know what's on your mind.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on Cetera Magazine. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we&rsquo;re breaking down a first‑page excerpt from the fantasy writing subreddit and asking a deceptively simple question: what actually makes an opening work? Jon reacts in real time to a dark fantasy opening, unpacking why beautifully written prose can still fall flat without momentum, stakes, or a clear scene engine. And how to avoid starting your novel with pages of nothing happening.
Have a question or topic you want me to get into for the show? Email us at fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;join our Discord (<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)">https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2)</a> and let us know what's on your mind.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians&lsquo; host is&nbsp;<a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of&nbsp;The Pixar Theory,&nbsp;Killerjoy, and more. You can read some of his original short fiction for free over on <a href="https://ceteramagazine.com">Cetera Magazine</a>. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.
Intro music: "Adventures in Adventureland" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>

Whether you're a beginner fantasy writer or maybe even a barbarian, Fantasy Writing for Barbarians can help take your story to some exciting new worlds. Hosted by Jon Negroni and produced by Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock.

Whether you're a beginner fantasy writer or maybe even a barbarian, Fantasy Writing for Barbarians can help take your story to some exciting new worlds. Hosted by Jon Negroni and produced by Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians

InBetweenDrafts is a new destination for the endlessly curious. Founded by the former editors at The Young Folks, we cover the latest news and entertainment across film, books, television, games, music, and more.

InBetweenDrafts is a new destination for the endlessly curious. Founded by the former editors at The Young Folks, we cover the latest news and entertainment across film, books, television, games, music, and more.