Best Fantasy Writing Classes in 2025 (Free and Paid)
If you’re a fantasy writer—whether you’re just getting your feet wet or you’ve been weaving intricate worlds for years—you’ve probably stumbled upon the idea of fantasy writing classes.
And maybe you’re wondering: Do I need one?
The short answer?
They can be a game-changer. But it depends on what you’re looking for, your current skill level, and how much time (and money) you’re willing to invest.
In this post, we’ll explore the pros, the cons, and everything in between when it comes to fantasy writing classes. Plus, we’ll share a curated list of some of the best classes—both paid and free—to help you level up your craft.
Topic covered:
What you can expect from fantasy writing classes
First things first—what even happens in fantasy writing classes? No two classes are exactly alike, but here are some of the things you can expect:
1. Worldbuilding workshops
Worldbuilding is a cornerstone of fantasy writing. Without a believable, immersive world, your story will struggle to stand out. A good class will dive deep into this, teaching you how to craft unique cultures, histories, geography, and more.
For instance, they might challenge you with prompts like:
Design a festival unique to your fictional world. What’s being celebrated, and why?
Create a map of your world and think about how terrain influences your story’s politics or economy.
2. Character development deep dives
What’s a fantasy story without characters readers obsess over? A class can help you build more complex heroes, villains, and side characters by focusing on their arcs, motivations, and relationships.
Pro tip: If you’re stuck on fleshing out your characters, a quick hack is to spend an hour writing their backstories—even if most of it never makes it into the final book. This exercise often reveals their quirks, fears, and ambitions.
3. Magic system creation
Whether it’s spellcasting or ancient artifacts with strange powers, fantasy writing courses will often explore how to create a magic system that feels fresh and logical.
Want to start brainstorming? Ask yourself these questions:
What are the rules of your magic system? Are there limits or costs?
How does magic affect daily life in your world?
What happens when magic is misused?
Why take fantasy writing classes?
You might be wondering: Can’t I just figure this out on my own? Sure, you can, but here’s what fantasy writing classes bring to the table:
Feedback that actually helps
You know that awkward moment when you share your writing with a friend, and they say, “It’s good!” but you’re left wondering what that actually means? In a class, you’ll get detailed critiques from people who understand the genre. They’ll point out what’s working—and what’s not—so you can improve faster.
Example:
Let’s say you’ve written a battle scene. Your classmates or instructor might point out that your verbs feel too passive (he was fighting instead of he lunged, he struck).
Accountability and structure
Writing a fantasy novel can feel overwhelming. Classes provide deadlines and structure, making it easier to actually finish that manuscript you’ve been procrastinating on.
Networking opportunities
Fantasy writing can be a lonely business. Classes connect you with other writers who get your obsession with dragons and morally ambiguous mages. These connections often turn into critique groups, beta readers, or even lifelong friendships.
6 fantasy writing classes you can take today
If you’re ready to dive into some fantasy writing courses, here are six options to help you hone your skills. Whether you’re looking for a paid masterclass or a free course to get started, there’s something here for everyone:
1. Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing Masterclass by N.K. Jemisin (Paid)
Award-winning author N.K. Jemisin teaches this highly acclaimed MasterClass, sharing her insights into crafting immersive worlds, dynamic characters, and unique narratives. You’ll get access to pre-recorded lessons and writing exercises designed to challenge and inspire you.
Cost: $120/year (MasterClass subscription, which includes access to all other courses)
Where to find it: MasterClass
2. Brandon Sanderson’s Writing Lectures at BYU (Free)
Brandon Sanderson, the genius behind Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, offers his full writing lectures for free on YouTube. These in-depth videos cover everything from worldbuilding and character development to the nitty-gritty of writing a fantasy series.
Cost: Free
Where to find it: Brandon Sanderson’s YouTube Channel | Click here for lecture 1
3. Gotham Writers Workshop: Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing (Paid)
This online course focuses on writing speculative fiction, including fantasy and sci-fi. You'll get feedback from professional instructors and fellow students while learning how to build believable worlds and write compelling characters.
Cost: Around $439 for a 10-week course
Where to find it: Gotham Writers Workshop
4. Reedsy’s Fantasy Worldbuilding Course (Free)
This free 10-day email course throws you headlong into the world of fantasy writing. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling fantasy story from the ground up, with practical tips and bonus resources to guide you along the way. Lessons cover key topics like developing a story seed, building a world around your characters, choosing the best POV for your narrative, and creating magic systems.
Cost: Free
Where to find it: Reedsy Learning
5. Worldbuilding Workshop: Writing Great Fantasy by Udemy (Paid)
This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know about worldbuilding, step by step. With 4 hours of on-demand video, assignments, and additional resources, you’ll learn how to create believable worlds, from mapping natural and human-made features to developing cultures, creatures, and timelines.
Cost: About $100
Where to find it: Udemy
6. Autocrit: 10 Days of Fantasy (Free)
This free mini-course delivers 10 days of inspiring daily emails packed with tips, techniques, and creative concepts for fantasy writers. The course covers everything from worldbuilding and magic systems to crafting compelling characters and unforgettable stories.
Cost: Free
Where to find it: Autocrit
✨ Bonus resource: While you’re exploring these classes, don’t forget to check out our Fantasy Workbooks Bundle (below ⬇️). Packed with exercises for worldbuilding, magic systems, and character creation, it’s a perfect companion to help you get the most out of any writing class—or even if you’re going the DIY route.
How to choose the right class for you
Not all fantasy writing classes are created equal, so here’s how to pick one that’s worth your time and money:
Know your goals
Are you trying to improve your worldbuilding? Finish a draft? Learn to self-edit? Pick a class that aligns with what you want to achieve.
Research the instructor
Look for someone who’s experienced in fantasy writing. Bonus points if they’ve been published in the genre or have taught other successful students.
Check reviews and ratings
When possible, read reviews from other students who have taken the class. Look for detailed feedback about what they learned and how the class helped them improve. Reviews can also give you insight into whether the class lives up to its promises or not.
Check the format
Do you prefer in-person workshops, or is an online, self-paced option more your speed? Some people thrive in live settings where they can bounce ideas off classmates, while others love the flexibility of going at their own pace.
Watch for red flags
If a class promises to make you a bestseller overnight or feels suspiciously vague about what you’ll learn, skip it. Writing is a craft, and there are no shortcuts.
Tips to get the most out of fantasy writing classes
Okay, you’ve found a class and signed up. Now what? Here are a few tips to maximize the experience:
Come prepared to share your work. Even if it’s scary, you’ll learn a lot by putting your writing out there.
Take detailed notes. Writing advice can be overwhelming, so jot down everything that resonates.
Experiment with what you learn. Use the class as a testing ground to try out new techniques or styles.
What if fantasy writing courses aren’t your thing?
Not everyone thrives in a classroom environment, and that’s okay! There are plenty of ways to sharpen your skills outside of formal fantasy writing classes:
DIY learning: Check out blog posts like How to Write Sci-Fi Fantasy, which dives into blending two imaginative genres, or How to Write a Fantasy Novel for Beginners. These resources are packed with actionable advice to help you grow as a writer.
Invest in tools: Consider grabbing our Fantasy Workbooks Bundle (below ⬇️)—a set of five workbooks designed to boost your worldbuilding, character development, outlining, and more.
Read widely: The more fantasy (and sci-fi!) you read, the better your instincts for what works and what doesn’t.
Join a critique group: These can be a great (and free) alternative to paid classes.
Are fantasy writing classes worth it?
At the end of the day, fantasy writing courses are a fantastic resource, but they’re not a magic fix. They work best when paired with self-discipline, a willingness to learn, and a lot of practice.
If you’re serious about growing as a fantasy writer, give them a shot—but don’t forget to explore other resources like our How to Write a Fantasy Series post for even more guidance.
You’ve got this. Go write something magical. ✨
Frequently asked questions about fantasy writing classes (FAQ)
Do I need to have a story idea before taking a fantasy writing class?
Not necessarily! Many classes are designed to help you generate ideas and guide you through the early stages of story development. However, if you already have an idea, you’ll be able to apply the lessons directly to your project. Either way, you’ll gain valuable skills to shape your story.
Are fantasy writing classes helpful if I only write short stories?
Absolutely. Most classes focus on storytelling fundamentals like worldbuilding, character development, and plot structure, which are just as essential for short stories as they are for novels. Some classes even cater specifically to short-form writers, helping you pack a punch in fewer words.
How long does it usually take to see improvement in my writing?
That depends on your starting point and how much effort you put into applying what you learn. Many writers report noticeable improvements within a few weeks, especially if they actively complete exercises, revise their work, and seek feedback. Remember, writing is a journey, not a race—consistent practice is key.
