You can settle near monsters and not worry about their aggression! This is a huge, huge advantage.
Exploration and pioneers should be an early focus for you. A particular "dirty trick" is to settle outposts near difficult foes such as Troll Packs and Dragons, just to force them to leave their home and wander the map. This will make things more difficult for nearby AI's, but not for you! Note: AI Lady Irane will do this... often, so don't feel too badly.
When you are at 0 food, to get growth again build more buildings that increase your food per grain. Also, you can cast one of several spells (Gentle Rain - Water II + Air II being the best) if there is an essence enchantment spot on the particular city.