

Age Range | ages 9 and up |
Class Type | Live |
Start / End Dates | Wednesdays 9/15- 11/17 |
Class Time | 1-2pm (Mountain) |
Class Size | 6-12 Learners |
Pricing Information
10-week course | $275 Per Student |
Save even more with all three Fantasy Classes! Fantasy Map-Making, Advanced Fantasy Map-Making, AND Adventures in Fantasy: $495 |
This class is for fans of fantasy fiction who want to begin, or continue, writing their own stories. Over the course of 10 weeks, students will learn how to build a compelling story, create interesting characters, design maps to guide the reader, and how and when to illustrate their work. We’ll also be exploring the history of the fantasy genre and drawing inspiration from famous examples of art and literature as each learner creates their own fantasy novella, illustrated and hand-bound, by the end of the class.
Note: Fantasy Map-Making and Advanced Fantasy Map-Making are not required for this class, but are highly recommended. They can be taken before or concurrent to this class.Â
This 10-week class runs from 9/15-11/17 on Wednesdays 1-2pm (Mountain).Â
Time Commitment
Time spent outside of class will depend on each learner’s experience, working style, and commitment to writing and illustrating.
Students do not need prior experience in fantasy writing to take this course, just an interest in the subject!Â
Each student will receive individual feedback based on their goals and level of experience from the instructor. They will also have opportunities to share and discuss ideas with the group.
Note: Fantasy Map-Making and Advanced Fantasy Map-Making are not required for this class, but are highly recommended. They can be taken before or concurrent to this class.Â
Individual Support
Families and learners are welcome to share any information about their individual learning preferences and needs and instructor will make accommodations that are helpful to the class.
Materials List:Â
List of materials needed will be provided on the Teachable website, which includes basic drawing and painting supplies. Cost of class includes book-binding kit.
Class Interaction:Â
Live sessions will be best experienced with a camera and microphone. Parents will need a Zoom account (free). Students may also get a free Discord account for access to a class-specific server.Â


Samantha Matalone Cook, MAT
Samantha is an educator, historian, writer, maker, and speaker. She has almost three decades of experience in education, program development, and the arts and is a dedicated mentor and lifelong learner.Â
Similar Courses
We have thoroughly enjoyed ancient history with Sam Matalone Cook and would love to continue following the history courses under her instruction. Michelle’s writing workshop was a welcomed addition to our semester and the ease of adding on a quick workshop to the semester was appreciated. I do wish that I could take classes, too. The great selection makes me jealous; Fairy Tales and Feminism would be so incredible to join in and to learn with Sam! And the LGBTQ+ history and US courses! Blair’s enthusiasm for science comes across strongly and is encouraging for the young learners. So many great classes- so little time.
Sheila and Elisa
So many great classes- so little time.


Research Boot Camp was a fun & engaging workshop that covered import skills I’ll use throughout my academic career. L.C.
Research Boot Camp was fun & engaging
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook

This was an awesome class — Sam (the instructor) really engaged the kids, inspiring them and supporting their interests (and quirks!). There was quite a bit of material covered in the four sessions, with a great balance of demonstration, discussion, and tasks to complete on their own. Sam was also available for answering questions between sessions and posted the material (including video recording), which was very helpful. Our son loved this class and really looked forward to it every week. All the best! Ariel
Sam really engaged the kids, inspiring them and supporting their interests (and quirks!)
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook

Thank you! Thank you! Your fantasy map making class was fantastic. What my kids enjoyed is that it was in-depth, messy, and tactile. It was not elementary or overly cautious. It utilized real art materials and challenged them to think creatively and concretely about their ideas.
Your high school research class was informative, clear, and concise. Maya is now utilizing the tools she learned from you in her high school and college classes. I’m going to look for any class you are teaching in the future; and I’m going to recommend you to my friend circle. I’m so glad we found SEA online. If you teach on any other platform, I’d love to know.
Thanks again for great classes!
Degania Fortson