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I am trying to write a fantasy novel, I have the setting and all my characters thought up, but I can't figure out how to start it. How do you start your stories, and what do you reccomend I do?

Consider not starting at the beginning. I rarely do. But I tend to get an idea for a scene before an idea for a story. I write the scene and then build off of it. Eventually the storyline just comes to me. Then I might go back and do a little planning for the beginning and the end. Then it's just a matter of stringing the pieces together.

If there's a scene that you think will be easier to write than the beginning one, or just a really fun part that excites you, write that. It'll get you going, and you'll start figuring things out about the characters and the world, and how they got to the point you're writing about.

I generally do start at the beginning, but sometimes I'll jump ahead to write a scene and then go back and work up to it.

I also rewrite my beginnings more than any other part, I'd say--just because of how much what I planned to do changes along the way--so try not to let yourself get hung up on getting it perfect the first time. The only thing you can't edit is a blank page. 3nodding

The general advice is "start where the story begins" meaning start at the inciting event that sets the story in motion. But when you're just trying to get some words down, start wherever you want. If you need to write a bunch of back story to get going, do it.

I usually start with a smallish event involving the main character and try to get in some dialogue as soon as possible because I think it establishes character quickly.

One of my books starts with a conversation between the main character and her mother as they watch something taking place outside their house. Another starts with a main character talking with her mother (hmmm, maybe that's a trend for me? XD) and the character is trying to provoke her mother into an argument because of an event taking place soon. And one of my stalled work-in-progress books starts with a boy trying to do a magic spell under pressure.

Oh, you might also try reading the first page or two of a bunch of books to get a sense of what other writers do. That way you can also get a sense of what kind of beginnings you prefer. Jumping into the action/slow scene full of dialogue/beginning with the setting/etc.