Best Fantasy Writing Classes in 2026 (Free and Paid)

Q: 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.

Best Fantasy Writing Classes Free and Paid

I went down the rabbit hole of fantasy writing classes when I first started.

Paid ones. Free ones. Courses, workshops, masterclasses—everything.

Here’s where I landed:

Nothing teaches you faster than reading tons of great fantasy novels and actually paying attention to why they're great.
But there are a few solid fantasy writing classes that can sharpen your skills and fill in the gaps.

It all 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, I share a curated list of some of the best fantasy writing classes out there (both paid and free) to help you level up your craft.

What to 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 practically synonymous with fantasy writing. Without a rich, 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, religions, geography, politics, and more.

For example, 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.

✨ If you want a head start, check out my Ultimate Fantasy Worldbuilding Guide for tips on building layered, unforgettable worlds.

2. Character development deep dives

A fantasy writing class that focuses on character building can help you build more complex heroes with real motivations, nail villains arcs, and create interesting side characters who don't only act as filler.

Pro tip: If you’re stuck on fleshing out your characters and their backstories, you can use this free fantasy character template in Notion.

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's consistent 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?

6 fantasy writing classes I recommend

If you’re ready to dive into some fantasy writing courses, here are six options to help you hone your skills. I've tried most of these (including the paid masterclass sitting at #1), so you'll get a true overview of what each of them offers.

1. Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing Masterclass by N.K. Jemisin (Paid)

N.K. Jemisin - Fantasy Writing Masterclass

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, plus a downloadable course pack you can keep handy while writing.

Cost: $120/year (MasterClass subscription, which includes access to all other courses)
My recommendation: 3.5/5 because she went a little off topic and focused on publishing too much. If you're signing up for a MasterClass anyway, I also highly recommend Margaret Atwood's class on writing fiction. Two birds, one stone.
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
My recommendation: 5/5. 1000%. You must. now.
Where to find it:
- Brandon Sanderson’s YouTube Channel
- Click here for lecture 1

3. Gotham Writers Workshop: Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing (Paid)

Gotham Writers - Fantasy and Sci-Fi Writing

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 workshop
My recommendation: I haven't enrolled myself, but based on the workshop outline + reviews (both Google (4.8/5) and Reddit), it seems people find it extremely beneficial
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
My recommendation: 4/5 (it's fun to get these emails in your inbox daily, you've got nothing to lose, and they share genuinely good advice on writing fantasy)
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
My recommendation: I haven't personally taken this course, but it has a 4.3/5 rating (out of 1,335 ratings). From the description, it sounds like it's a great fit for beginner writers.
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 to magic systems to crafting compelling characters.

Cost: Free
My recommendation: 4/5 — similar to the Reedsy email course. It's nice to get these delivered to your inbox, and if you don't like them, just unsubscribe.
Where to find it: Autocrit

✨ Bonus resource

While you’re exploring these classes, don’t forget to check out my ebook on Fantasy Writing for Beginners. It's packed with lessons and mini exercises for your premise, worldbuilding, magic systems, character creation, outlining, drafting, and more.

Cost: $9.99 (USD)
My recommendation: 5/5 (obviously 😅)
Where to find it: Quill&Steel

How to choose the right fantasy writing class

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 (Reddit is a goldmine for this). 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.

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 (comes with a video tutorial too). These resources offer actionable advice to help you grow as a writer.
Invest in pro tools: If you're serious about writing fantasy, consider grabbing pro tools like this Worldbuilding & Story Planning System (below ⬇) designed to help you flesh out your entire world, characters, magic system, creatures, cultures, and plot—all in one place.

Fantasy Worldbuilding & Story Planning System by Quill&Steel

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.

Final thoughts: 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—at least the free ones. You've literally got nothing to lose.

FAQ about fantasy writing classes

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?

Sure they are! 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. But always remember that writing is a journey, not a race.

Rita Melkonian

Writer, Worldbuilder & Founder of Quill&Steel

Rita is an aspiring fantasy author with a B.A. in English Literature, a soft spot for morally gray characters, and a serious case of Notion nerdery. She reads fantasy obsessively, builds writing systems for fun, and helps fantasy writers turn messy ideas into finished drafts through Quill&Steel.