Hi there! I’m Elanor, and I’m a storyteller.

You may have bumped into me around the internet in one of my many guises — author, knit designer, Japanese culture expert — or you might have stumbled on this site by chance. However it was that our paths have crossed, I’m glad you’re here now. Let’s grab a cup of tea or a mug of hot chocolate before we settle in, and then you can get to know me better.

Stories, stories everywhere, but not a one to read…

If you’re here, you’re probably a reader and a lover of amazing stories, just like I am. I grew up consuming stories in many forms — movies, TV, novels, dance, short stories, anime, theater — but as I grew older, I found myself with a problem. There were stories I wanted to experience that I couldn’t find on the shelves.

It wasn’t that there were fewer books or movies being made, there just seemed to be fewer that spoke to me, personally. Stories started taking a darker view of the world, showing dystopian societies and “real” consequences. And those stories were good, but they weren’t what I wanted.

What I wanted were stories that inspire, stories that show that people can make a difference, that loyalty, courage, and kindness make the world better, and that people who choose to do the right thing will be rewarded in the end (even if the reward might not be what they thought they wanted).

…but I couldn’t find those stories.

Then, just when I thought the future was very bleak indeed, I found NaNoWriMo and started writing the stories I wanted to read.

Stories with heart…

My stories show a different view of the world, one colored by magic and optimism, but without ignoring the pain and suffering out there. They are escapism at their finest — journeys that both transport the reader far away from their troubles and help the reader return to the everyday world refreshed, with a renewed sense of wonder and humor and hope, eyes opened to the possibility of the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Once upon a time, there was a girl who spun stories from air and light and darkness…

When I first started writing in earnest, I kept the stories I created to myself. I would discuss premises or plots or characters with friends and family, but I wouldn’t show them my work because I didn’t think it was good enough. One day, I worked up the courage to show some of my writing to my mom, then to some of my family and friends. To my surprise, they liked it and they wanted more! Their interest and enthusiasm made me realize that there might be others like me out there, readers who wanted something a little different than what they could easily find on the shelf.

Now, I set my stories free into the world to find readers who will love them. I hope you find something here that you like, and that if you do, you let me know!

Happy reading! 

What’s that? You want to know more about me? Well…

• I am a Whovian! I started with New Who, but I’m making my way through what I can find of Classic Who too. Also the Big Finish audios, and I'm thinking of delving into the prose as well -- novels, comic books, etc.
• I may also be a hobbit. As evidence, I plan my vacations around food. One of the first things I look up when I know I’m going somewhere is where to eat the things the place is known for. Also, I generally carry a handkerchief with me.
• I am a Japanophile and an Anglophile. This means that I love anime, jpop, jrock, and jdramas, I grew up reading stories from England (Sherlock Holmes, The Secret Garden, A Little Princess…), and I watch a lot of British cozy mystery TV series. I must have watched Rosemary & Thyme all the way through a bajillion times. My heart broke when they took Marple off Netflix. Luckily, I found it elsewhere!
• I love dark chocolate, pizza, steak, honey, and a good cup of tea. Maybe not all at the same time. Pasta and ramen are pretty high on the list of comfort foods too. And cheesy garlic bread. And tomato soup. And cupcakes. And snickerdoodles and chocolate chip cookies. Okay. I really just love yummy food! (See “hobbit” note above.)
• When I grow up I want to be like Abby Sciuto or Donna Noble.
• I have only ever met one person who looked at the spelling of my first name and knew exactly where it came from and what it meant. That person was Ursula K. LeGuin.

Professional Bio

Elanor Sakamoto writes speculative fiction inspired by her many loves. She has always been a storyteller and an avid reader. Initially, she told her stories through the performing arts, participating in community theater and various dance productions. After becoming a knitter and a Whovian, and getting a BA in Japanese, she found NaNoWriMo. The writing bug bit, and she began telling the stories she’d always wanted to read, but couldn’t find in stores.

In her life, fiction has given her courage and hope, laughter and solace. It provides a space where she can escape her cares and forget her trials, at least for a little while. She hopes that her writing will do the same for others.

When she isn’t reading, knitting, power watching British TV and crime dramas on various streaming services, or playing with her pets, she can be found writing, hiding from the persistent California sun.