I've been doing workshops, school visits, and speaking engagements since November 2011. I've done workshops for:
- ONEBOOKAZ
- Maricopa County Libraries
- SCBWI-Arizona
- SCBWI-Japan
- Desert Rose RWA
- ANWA
- Girl Scouts
- TechPHX
- Gangplank
- Phoenix Comicon
- Saboten Con
- Con-nichiwa
- Taiyou Con
I do workshops for kids, teens, and adults. Want me to come do a high-energy, hands-on, interactive workshop with your class or group? You can see a list of the workshops I offer here. Please email me for rates and availability.
Events
Sara Fujimura
January 11-13, 2019
Mesa Convention Center
Phoenix Marriott Mesa
200 North Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
The Obento Lady will have a table at Taiyou Con for the first time this year. More info soon!
September 28-29, 2018
SCBWI Arizona Regional Conference
Phoenix Marriott Mesa
200 North Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
Come join our chapter of SCBWI for a weekend of writing craft with industry professionals. I'm not presenting, but I will have copies of BREATHE for sale in the conference bookstore.
August 31 - September 3, 2018
Sheraton Grand Phoenix
340 North 3rd Street
Phoenix AZ 85004
Come join me for everything anime/manga/cosplay/Japanese pop culture-related at Saboten Con this long Labor Day weekend. I'll be in the Vendor Hall most of the weekend as The Obento Lady, but I will also be teaching two workshops. I will have TANABATA WISH boxes available. As always, if you show me that you attempted to make an obento for the con, I will give you free chopsticks (while supplies last).
From Fan Fiction to Paying Gig
Tired of people throwing shade at your fan fiction writing? Whether you want to work for a book packager, write spec scripts for established TV shows, or use your Wattpad success to attract agents to you, let me show you how to take your "little hobby" and translate it into a paying gig.
Saturday, 9/1
1 p.m.
Camelback B
Itadakimasu: Let's Throw a Summer Party
Throw on your yukata, buy some hanabi, and grab your tomodachi. It’s time to throw a summer-themed party for your cosplay/anime friends. As always, The Obento Lady sends you home with cooking knowledge, cultural tidbits, goofy stories, and free recipe cards. Itadakimasu!
Monday, 9/3
11:30
North Mountain
May 24-27, 2018
Phoenix Comic Fest
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
I'm shining up my Wonder Woman bracelets and heading down to Phoenix Comic Fest Memorial Day weekend. I'll be signing Tanabata Wish all weekend at the Amazing Wyked Writers' booth, aisle 1201/1300. I have some fun, interactive plans for con-goers that weekend, so stay tuned to my social media sites to be in the know.
April 7, 2018
6th Annual Drop Everything and Write Day Event
(formerly known as Rock the Drop-Phoenix)
12:30-4:00 p.m.
Southeast Regional Library
775 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234
*FREE** but you need to register in advance here
Phoenix-based writing teens: Come join us for the 6th Annual Drop Everything and Write Day Event. Our name might have changed, but we're still bringing you all the awesomeness you've come to expect from our five previous Rock the Drop-Phoenix Kick-Off Events. As always, there will be writing craft workshops with local YA authors, free books to take home for "Drop Day," prizes, snacks, a chance to network with other writing teens, and more. Go to our official page HERE for all the details.
9:30am-5:30pm
Tucson, AZ
I will be in Booth #109 for most of the weekend. I have two special events on Saturday, March 10th.
- Ten-Minute Tent Talk: 1:40 p.m. at the Indie Author Pavillion
- Special Signing: 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Indie Author Pavillion's YA Booth
December 9, 2017
2pm-8pm
Downtown Mesa, Macdonald St. between Main and 1st Ave.
December 2, 2017
Red Mountain Library Holiday Book Sale
Red Mountain Branch Library
635 N Power Road
Mesa, AZ 85205
1:00-4:00 p.m.
November 9-11, 2017
American Association of School Librarians Conference
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, AZ
**ticketed event**
I will be reading and signing TANABATA WISH at this year's AASL Conference when it rolls into Phoenix.
- Friday, 11/10 at 3:30 p.m. signing
- Saturday, 11/11 at 10:30 a.m. reading
- Saturday, 11/11 at 11:00 a.m. signing
October 27-28, 2017
475 E Lincoln Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
I will be there as The Obento Lady selling both obento boxes and things to make your lunch fun. I will also have copies of TANABATA WISH and cookbooklets from my ITADAKIMASU: LET'S MAKE... series to sell.
October 21, 2017
Historic Fifth Street School
401 South Fourth Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
Hey, Vegas, Shonna Slayton (CINDERELLA'S DRESS) and I are going on a road trip to come visit you for the LVBF! I'll be signing all day and have one panel:
"Who's New in 2017"
11:00 a.m.
Melissa Perez speaks with authors who made their debut this past year: Sara Fujimura, Axie Oh, Chelsea Sedoti, F.C. Yee and Ibi Zoboi.
October 3-8, 2017
Fall 2017 YA Scavenger Hunt (YASH)
I am on the GREEN Team.
September 22-23, 2017
SCBWI Arizona Conference
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Scottsdale
4415 E. Paradise Village Pkwy South
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
**SOLD OUT**
Come join our chapter of SCBWI for a weekend of writing craft with industry professionals. I'm not presenting, but I will have copies of TANABATA WISH for sale in the conference bookstore.
September 1-4, 2017
Sheraton Grand Phoenix
340 North 3rd Street
Phoenix AZ 85004
Come join me for everything anime/manga/cosplay/Japanese pop culture-related at Saboten Con this long Labor Day weekend. I'll be there mostly as The Obento Lady, but I'll be teaching one writing-related workshop that weekend and signing TANABATA WISH, too. As always, if you show me that you attempted to make an obento for the con, I will give you free chopsticks (while supplies last). I'll be in the Vendor Hall for most of the con, but I'll also be teaching:
- "Itadakimasu: Let's Make Anime Food"
Friday, 9/1
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Camelback A
Whether you want to eat katsudon like YURI!! ON ICE or onigiri like
they do in FRUITS BASKET or simply want to make chahan like they
eat in TIGER AND BUNNY, this workshop is for you. As always, The
Obento Lady sends you home with cooking knowledge, some fun
stories, and free recipe cards.
- "Ten Ways to Offend People in Japan"
Saturday, 9/2
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Laveen A
Japan is a harmonious nation for a reason. There are rules for
everything. Whether you are going as a tourist, doing a homestay, or
teaching English, here are ten ways you can potentially embarrass
yourself and/or offend your hosts in Japan. From toilet shoes to
desecrating your rice, I'm here to help you bust the Rude American stereotype one visit at a time.
- "Seven Stories in the World"
Monday, 9/4
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Maryvale B
If you boil them down, there are only seven stories in the world. In this hands-on, interactive workshop, I will teach participants how to
put a unique, specific spin on a universal experience to create a story
that the audience hasn't heard before yet can still connect with on a
subconscious level. Whether you write fanfic, books, screenplays, or
plot-heavy videogames, this workshop is for all kinds of storytellers.
June 1-4, 2017
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Scottsdale
4415 E. Paradise Village Pkwy South
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
I am so excited to be attending, presenting, and signing at my first Desert Dreams Conference in Phoenix. Diana Gabaldon (Outlander ) is our keynote speaker on Friday night! On Saturday, I will be participating in the Reader Day Experience Book Club. Participants will go on a mini virtual vacation to Japan through my YA Contemporary novel Tanabata Wish. No passport required! Starting at 2:00 p.m., you can find me moderating the two YA panels during the YA Reader Experience. Finally, I will be signing in the afternoon at the giant book signing event. Can't come to the whole conference, but want to participate in the Saturday daytime events? Find out more and buy your $10 ticket here:
YA Reader Experience (for teens and teens-at-heart)
May 25-28, 2017
Phoenix Convention Center
100 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
I'm shining up my Wonder Woman bracelets and heading down to Phoenix Comicon Memorial Day weekend. I'll be signing Tanbata Wish all weekend at the Amazing Wyked Writers' booth. I have some fun, interactive plans for con-goers that weekend, so stay tuned to my social media sites to be in the know.
May 2-7, 2017
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
265 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
I won't be presenting or signing at this convention, but you'll see me in the audience at many of the YA-related events.
**Librarians, teachers, and booksellers: I will have Dropcards with a free electronic version of Tanabata Wish on them. I would love to send one home with you!**
March 18, 2017
Creating a Treasure Map to Your Story Workshop
10:00 a.m. - noon
Green Valley Library
2797 N. Green Valley Parkway
Henderson, NV 89014
Viva, Las Vegas (well, technically, it's Henderson)! I'm going on a road trip to visit my RWA sisters in Nevada and teach my workshop, "Creating a Treasure Map for Your Story." Do you have a dozen story ideas that start out strong and then promptly die? Do you have a tantalizing opener and a kick-butt ending, but have no idea how to get through the sagging middle? Let's create a map for your brilliant story idea during this hands-on, interactive workshop. **Bring your favorite writing equipment to this event.**
February 25, 2017
Creativity Boot Camp
Saturday, February 25, 2017
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Mesa, AZ
Please go to https://arizona.scbwi.org/events/scbwi-az-creativity-boot-camp/ to register for this event.
**Fee-based**
Start your year off on the right foot by joining like-minded kid lit people for an afternoon of hands-on, interactive workshops guaranteed to relight your creative spark. Bring your favorite writing/art equipment for a day of idea generating. Learn how to connect with your creative self and refill your well with Michael Hale (UP UP UP). Find your unique story with a universal appeal with Sara Fujimura (Scholastic’s SCIENCE WORLD). Discover your voice and tighten your dialogue with Tom Leveen (SICK, PARTY). We’ll also have mini specialty sessions for illustrators, PB writers, and MG/YA writers, including a crash course on reweaving old tales with multiple Zoni winner, Kathie McMahon. Whether you want to *finally* finish your first project or find a new project for 2017 or explore a whole different genre in kid lit, this SCBWI boot camp is for you! To register, go here.
February 17-19, 2017
UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle
16000 N Maricopa Rd
Maricopa, AZ 85139
**Fee based**
I will be participating in my very first film festival. My short screenplay KITSUNE MASK was chosen as a finalist in the COPA Shorts Screenplay Competition and won a table read. I will be floating around Friday and Saturday enjoying all the short films, panels, and networking events. Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., my work will be performed by local actors (Mom brag: My son will be reading the part of Hikaru) in the table read session for the top five screenplays.
KITSUNE MASK: When biracial, futuristic police officer Jay Yoshikawa went to Japan to pay her respects to her deceased grandparents, she didn’t intend to bring home the family’s secret and unleash it on the citizens of San Francisco. Now, this highly-trained cop must release her control to a yokai-fighting, nine-tailed fox entity to become Kitsune Mask and defeat the soul-sucking ice demon Yuki-Onna (Snow Woman) before she takes the lives of Jay’s best friend and her love interest.
February 4, 2017
February 3-5, 2017
Downtown Glendale, AZ
Saturday, 2/4 at 10:00 a.m.
Glendale Civic Center Annex, Room B
*FREE*
"All the Feels: Teen Romance 101"
TWILIGHT. ELEANOR AND PARK. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. Young adult romance has come a long way since SWEET VALLEY HIGH. Today’s teens crave swoony heroes, complicated heroines, strong plot lines, and a fresh story, along with their happily ever after. Come learn from local YA authors Ginger Scott (THE HARD COUNT), Abigail Johnson (IF I FIX YOU), and Sara Fujimura (TANABATA WISH, April 2017) how to create stories for teens (and the young at heart) to give them “all the feels.”
**Insider secret: Though I won't be signing books, I'll be in the romance authors' tent from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. helping out. If you tell me your favorite anime or show me you brought obento, I'll give you a free pair of chopsticks as a prize (until I run out).**
January 8, 2017
January 6-8, 2017
Mesa Convention Center
263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
**Fee based**
Come start 2017 on a creative note at Taiyou Con in Mesa. The Obento Lady won't have a booth this time, but I will be around all day on Sunday, January 8th. As always, if you show me that you brought obento, you receive a free pair of chopsticks for your effort. Want to start making obento in the new year? I'll teach you!
Sunday, 1/8
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Pomeroy Robson Room
November 11-13, 2016
Little America Flagstaff
2515 East Butler Avenue
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Calling all anime/manga/cosplay/Japanese pop culture enthusiasts! This will be my first time up north at Kikori Con in Flagstaff. I don't have any panels scheduled this con, but I will definitely be in the Vendor Hall all weekend as The Obento Lady.
November 5, 2016
11th Annual Scottsdale Civic Center Library Workshop
10:15 a.m.-4:50 p.m.
Scottsdale Civic Center Library
3839 N Drinkwater Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
*FREE*
Come join the members of the Desert Rose Chapter of RWA for a day of writing craft and camaraderie at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. I will be doing my hands-on, interactive workshop "The Universal Specific" at 11:30 a.m. Come learn how to make your stories richer by mining your past for authenticating details. Though this is a local RWA-sponsored event, writers of all levels and genres are welcome.
October 23, 2016
October 21-23, 2016
Phoenix Convention Center
I am shining up my Wonder Woman bracelets and getting ready to battle illiteracy at Phoenix Fan Fest with my favorite literacy organization, Kids Need to Read. I will be hanging out in their booth on Sunday, 10/23 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and handing out free HIGHLIGHTS magazines to the kids. Come by, say "Hi!" and buy a raffle ticket or two. We can also discuss the finer plot points of THE FLASH and SUPERGIRL, if you'd like.
October 8, 2016
5th Annual Rock the Drop-Phoenix Kick-Off Event
1:00-4:30 p.m.
Southeast Regional Library
775 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234
*FREE**
Phoenix-based writing teens! Come join us for the 5th Annual Rock the Drop-Phoenix Kick-Off Event. As always, there will be writing craft workshops with local YA authors, free books to take home for "Drop Day," prizes, snacks, a chance to network with other writing teens, and more. Go to our official page HERE for all the details.
September 2-5, 2016 (Labor Day Weekend)
Sheraton Grand Phoenix
340 North 3rd Street
Phoenix AZ 85004
Come join me for everything anime/manga/cosplay/Japanese pop culture-related at Saboten Con this long Labor Day weekend. I'll be there mostly as The Obento Lady, but I'll be teaching one writing-related workshop that weekend, too. As always, if you show me that you attempted to make an obento for the con, I will give you free chopsticks (while supplies last). I'll be in the Vendor Hall for most of the con, but I'll also be teaching:
- "Ten Obento Hacks"
Friday, 9/2
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Estrella Room
Obento, or boxed meal, is an art form in Japan, but what if you don't have an hour to make your lunch each day? The Obento
Lady has 10 tricks to help take your obento to the next level even
when you are short on time.
- "Painless Plotting"
Saturday, 9/3
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Camelback A Room
Do you have a dozen stories that start out strong and then
promptly die? Do your fanfics get zinged as being pointless?
Learn how to find the energy markers in your story and create a
a plot map to get you to a satisfying ending. All storytellers are
welcome, whether you are writing fanfic, a book, manga, anime, a
screenplay or even a plot-heavy videogame. **This is a hands-on,
interactive workshop.**
- Itadakimasu: Let's Throw a Dinner Party
Monday, 9/5
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
North Mountain Room
Last year, The Obento Lady taught you how to make a romantic,
authentic Japanese dinner for your sweetheart. This year, I'll teach
you how to throw a party for your cosplay group. If you can make
pancakes, then you can make Kansai-style okonomiyaki. This
workshop includes take-home recipes for a complete meal,
including dessert. Nom!
August 26-28, 2016
Arizona Dreamweavers Retreat
Pine, Arizona
**closed event**
I'll be joining a bunch of YA writers for a weekend up north creating, bonding, trouble-shooting, and hiking. I'm so excited to see what a spark of an idea between four friends in March has become in six short months.
June 4, 2016
Phoenix Comicon
June 2-5, 2016
Phoenix Convention Center
I am shining up my Wonder Woman bracelets and getting ready to battle illiteracy at Phoenix Comicon. I will be hanging out in the Hero Hall on Saturday 6/4 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. participating in the Arizona Avengers' raffle for my favorite literacy-promoting organization, Kids Need to Read. Come by, say "Hi!" and buy a raffle ticket or two. We can also discuss the finer plot points of THE FLASH and character arcs in X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, if you'd like.
February 28, 2016
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Pirate Invasion Weekend/KNTR Event
February 27-28, 2015
12601 East Highway 60
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
Ahoy, me hearties! It's Pirate Invasion Weekend at the Ren Faire. I will be hanging out all day Sunday, 2/28 with my literacy-promoting friends from Kids Need to Read. If you bring a NEW book to the KNTR booth on either Saturday or Sunday, you will receive one free child's admission (5-12 y.o.) to the faire that day. Come by and let's talk books!
February 6, 2016
21st Annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire
February 5-7, 2016
Murphy Park
58th & Glendale Avenues
Glendale, AZ 85301
Chocolate, romance books, and free writing workshops...Can you ask for a better day? Local RWA authors will be signing their books all weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be FREE writing craft workshops during the day. You can see a list of signing authors and workshop descriptions at the official Glendale Chocolate Affaire site.
**I am a last-minute sub, so you won't see my name on the presenters list. I will be doing my hands-on, interactive writing workshop "Music to Massage the Muse" on Saturday 2/6 at 4:00 p.m.**
November 14, 2015
10th Annual Scottsdale Civic Center Library Conference
Sponsored by the Desert Rose RWA Chapter
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Civic Center Library
Bottom level
Scottsdale, AZ
Come join local RWA authors for a day of FREE writing craft workshops. No preregistration is required and doors will open at 10:15. I'll be doing my writer's block-busting, music-based workshop "Massaging the Muse" at 2:00 p.m.
September 22, 2015
"Music to Massage the Muse" AND "Creating a Treasure Map to Your Story" sponsored by ONEBOOKAZ
11:00 a.m.
Fairway Library Branch
Sun City, AZ
Ready for a crash course in writing for kids, teens, and adults? First, we'll learn how to bust through writer's block and be inspired every time you sit down to create. Second, we'll create a plot map for your story and learn how to deal with sagging middles. Both are FREE, hands-on, interactive workshops. **Please bring your favorite writing equipment.**
September 19, 2015
"Creating a Treasure Map to Your Story" sponsored by ONEBOOKAZ
Noon
Queen Creek Library Branch
Queen Creek, AZ
Do you have a dozen story ideas that start out strong and then promptly die? Do you have a tantalizing opener and a kick-butt ending, but have no idea how to get through the sagging middle? Let's create a map for your brilliant story idea during this hands-on, interactive workshop. **Bring your favorite writing equipment to this FREE event.**
September 17, 2015
"Music to Massage the Muse" sponsored by ONEBOOKAZ
Noon
Florence Community Library
Florence, AZ
Do you suffer from writer's block? Learn how to get unstuck and be inspired every time you sit down to create with this hands-on, interactive workshop. **Bring your favorite writing equipment to this FREE event.**
September 12, 2015
"Music to Massage the Muse" AND "Creating a Treasure Map to Your Story" sponsored by ONEBOOKAZ
11:00 a.m.
Goodyear Branch Library
Goodyear, AZ
Ready for a crash course in writing for kids, teens, and adults? First, we'll learn how to bust through writer's block and be inspired every time you sit down to create. Second, we'll create a plot map for your story and learn how to deal with sagging middles. Both are FREE, hands-on, interactive workshops. **Please bring your favorite writing equipment.**
September 4-7, 2015
Saboten Con 2015, Labor Day Weekend
Come join me at Saboten Con 2015 at their new location inside the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown to celebrate all things anime/manga/cosplay/Japanese pop culture.
- Friday, 9/4 at 4:00 p.m.
"Obento 101"
- Saturday, 9/5 at 11:30 a.m.
"Everyday Obento"
- Sunday, 9/6 at 7:00 p.m.
"Itadakimasu! Japanese Food You Can Make at Home"
August 27, 2015
"Creating a Treasure Map to Your Story" sponsored by ONEBOOKAZ
Noon
Southeast Regional Library
Gilbert, AZ
Do you have a dozen story ideas that start out strong and then promptly die? Do you have a tantalizing opener and a kick-butt ending, but have no idea how to get through the sagging middle? Let's create a map for your brilliant story idea during this hands-on, interactive workshop. **Bring your favorite writing equipment to this FREE event.**
August 15, 2015
"Music to Massage the Muse" sponsored by ONEBOOKAZ
11:00 a.m.
White Tank Branch Library
Waddell, AZ
Do you suffer from writer's block? Learn how to get unstuck and be inspired every time you sit down to create with this hands-on, interactive workshop. **Bring your favorite writing equipment to this FREE event.**
July 18, 2015
Teen Lit Fest
Southeast Regional Library
Gilbert, AZ
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*FREE*
I will be joining other local YA authors for a day of panels, movies, crafts, and more at the Southeast Regional Library. I'll be teaching my interactive workshop "Music to Massage the Muse" from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in Conference Room A. Hope you will come join me! Don't forget your favorite writing utensils. This special breakout workshop is FREE, but registration is required because of space limitations. Go here to register.
April 11, 2015
Rock the Drop-Phoenix Kick-Off Event
Southeast Regional Library
Gilbert, AZ
1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
*FREE*
This year, we are partnering up again with the Southeast Regional Library for another great kick-off event. As always, there will be hands-on writing workshops, door prizes, food, and books to take home to "drop" on April 16th for YALSA's Celebrate Teen Lit Day. This event is free, but pre-registration is required to make sure we have enough supplies for everyone. Want to see who is presenting this year? Check out our Rock the Drop-Phoenix webpage or our Facebook page.
January 16-18, 2015
Taiyou Con 2015
Come join me for the first time at Taiyou Con in Mesa, AZ to celebrate all things anime/manga/Japanese pop culture. I will be presenting one hands-on, creative writing workshop.
- Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
"Unleashing Your Creativity"
Copyright © Sara Fujimura. All rights reserved.