I’m Lauren Orsini, a fandom-focused journalist who has been reporting on anime, video games, pop culture, and niche hobbies for over a decade.

My reporting has appeared on Anime News Network, CNN, Forbes, Kotaku, PBS, the Daily Dot, and numerous other outlets. I have written or contributed to several books. My most well-known book is Cosplay: The Fantasy World of Role Play.

I took an extended sabbatical in 2019 after I had my daughter and son. Now, I am returning to the professional work I am most passionate about. I am currently most active as a reporter and reviewer for Anime News Network.

I started Otaku Journalist in 2009 because I think being an otaku and being a journalist are two great tastes that go great together. Since then, my reporting has expanded to include other geek careers, too. You can find 16 years of career advice, fandom essays, and portfolio pieces in my blog archives.