Analyze Opening 
The above image is a screenshot of the first page of this High Fantasy novella.
- Does it establish, for you, that the genre is High Fantasy?
- Is there urgency and attention-grabbing?
- Is there emotion-driven conflict?
- Is the theme evident?
In three days' time, you must be at the Shamlin Ruins to collect what he bequeathed to you.
You must travel united, helping and protecting one another.
There is a ticking clock of three days. A reason is presented for the main character to go. And there's a mystery of both who died and what was left.
- Is the main character's motivation clear?
It is spelled out fairly well.
- Do we know a description of Monoghan, the main character?
Great Wolf, dark brown fur
shifted from his natural wolf self into his human form
human form has light brown skin
- Is the setting evident?
The opening is obviously in a Forest.
- 😎📘 BONUS! Is there a hint this ties to the Existence series?
- Will a reader want to read more?
You tell me!
What do you think of this opening?
And do you enjoy reading fantasy?
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Sign-up for the challenge! https://forms.gle/41PjgHFL4zwnM2Am7
Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge a-to-zchallenge.com
My writing update is that I'm working on this project! I hope you'll join me for the challenge. Please check back as the month progresses.
Awesome beginning. Ans, yes, it inspires me to want to read more.
ReplyDeleteGood solid hook - actually several. The first is the wolf running TOWARD the fire - why? Which you immediately answer, but the answering provides several more hooks - which friend died (explicitly stated), who else is the wolf going to meet, how can they meet at a tavern (answered with a shape change), why is the forest scared and needs a protector (inferred). Plus world establishment with cultural clues - money is needed in "human" areas, the wolf has been there before, and death obligations exist. A wonderful start! - https://www.erinpenn.com/blog/
ReplyDeleteI thought the scene did a great job of establishing genre and introducing the main character. I would have liked a bit more of a hint about what's at stake to really give the piece a sense of urgency. I would probably read on though
ReplyDeleteDebbie
#AtoZChallenge
It certainly grabs you from the start that is certain. So yeah, I am looking forward to seeing what you do all month long!
ReplyDelete--
Tim Brannan, The Other Side blog
2024 A to Z of Dungeons & Dragons, Celebrating 50 Years of D&D
I love the opening. I hope you complete the book this month.
ReplyDeleteWell, to answer one of your questions, yes, I think I immediately thought high fantasy when I heard the Phoenix speak.
ReplyDeleteWhat intrigues me the most is the ticking clock situation :-)
Pretty intriguing. Agree with you on most - personally, the 'fire' didn't feel like an urgency. I don't know why but in my head I was wondering is this magic fire and maybe not harmful ha until I read further, but also proves it reads as high fantasy. I'd want to read more for sure.
ReplyDeletehttps://sheshamoka.com/
It was a solid entry into the story. I don't happen to really enjoy High Fantasy, but little bits at a time are okay. My favorite line in this one, that had the most emotional pull was the last sentence in the second to last paragraph: "it ripped at Monoghan with the same force as a father might feel when hearing his child scream with genuine terror in every begging cry meant to persuade the protector from leaving". I could feel that one.
ReplyDeleteOoh! I like this -- I definitely want to read more.
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for A: My Languishing TBR: A
Abominable Wraiths