Today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, we’re diving into another first-page critique, breaking down what makes an opening scene compelling, immersive, and effective. Particularly when you're using first-person narration!

We dig into the first page of a YA fantasy novel from an author looking for feedback on their voice. And then I take a look at what’s working, what could be tightened up, and how the author can refine voice, pacing, and tension to create an irresistible first page. Along the way, we discuss the importance of grounding readers in the "now," avoiding too much exposition, and ensuring your opening scene serves as an invitation into the world of your story.

Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. 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 diving into another first-page critique, breaking down what makes an opening scene compelling, immersive, and effective. Particularly when you're using first-person narration!
We dig into the first page of a YA fantasy novel from an author looking for feedback on their voice. And then I take a look at what&rsquo;s working, what could be tightened up, and how the author can refine voice, pacing, and tension to create an irresistible first page. Along the way, we discuss the importance of grounding readers in the "now," avoiding too much exposition, and ensuring your opening scene serves as an invitation into the world of your story.
Email your own advice prompt to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a> and let us know what's on your mind. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/fantasywriters/comments/1itphkr/beneath_the_surface_crossworldportal_x_magic/">right here.</a>
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. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options&nbsp;<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.

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