Perhaps jump right into you protaganist in a climatic completion of a "job", then give the explanation to what he is.  The action may lure one in without seeming "cliche".

Not a published author...and knowing I might never be....I probrably am not the best to answer this question for you. But,when has that ever stopped me from giving advice???!

I think it is best to write about something you know about, but few fantasy writers have ever met an elf, a wizard..... so there goes that theory

If you have a friend that would allow you to go on a cross country trip....or a friend of a friend....
That may give you the experience/knowledge you seek.

Or  hang out at a truck stop....having traveled a good bit I enjoy stopping at the many truck stops...truckers are somewhat isolated and though use to it, there are those that would like a chance to talk to someone during a break.

copy and paste?   delete what you don't want?

"Titles of major works such as novels, plays, movies, albums, magazines, etc. are underlined in typing and italicized on the keyboard.

Minor titles such as short stories, essays, poems, songs, articles in magazines, chapters, etc. have quotation marks around them. Length is the dividing factor."


http://en.allexperts.com/q/General-Writing-Grammar-680/Writing-titles-paragraphs.htm


Used google to find the above reference

I only started reading The Dresden Files books in the last couple of months.
I've never seen the series.
Have been looking for it, but I guess I missed my chance.
As far as books - into - movies go...the book is always better...imagination makes it so.

Thanks, Jim for the books...wonderful entertainment.  I am so envious of the ease you seem to have in writing them. Hope for many more.