Elsa Polanco
Elsa Polanco is a seasoned author and screenwriter with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She has written an impressive collection of children’s books, adult novels, and screenplays, including Ithaca and the Golden Walnut, Angie, The Mirror, The Devil’s Door, and The Gypsy’s Handkerchief. Her creativity extends beyond books and films into television, as she develops The Adventures of Elsie the Piggy and Friends, an animated children’s series that blends music, storytelling, and life lessons to inspire young audiences.
In addition to her work as a writer, Elsa has a strong background in education, serving as an English teacher at Hunter’s Creek Tutoring Center while continuing her creative pursuits. She earned her Master of Arts in Playwriting and Screenwriting from Southern New Hampshire University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine and Studio Arts from Adelphi University. Passionate about storytelling in all forms, she recently expanded her creativity into fashion with the launch of The Elsa Polanco Collection, her own clothing line.
Fluent in multiple languages and deeply committed to sharing stories that connect with people of all ages, Elsa combines her talents as a writer, educator, and entrepreneur to leave a lasting impact on both the literary and entertainment worlds.
• Adelphi University- Bachelor's
• Southern New Hampshire University- M.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the encouragement I received after winning a writing contest at age eight, which inspired me to pursue storytelling seriously and ultimately led me to complete 20 screenplays and books while earning a Master’s in English and Creative Writing and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the entertainment industry is to respect others’ ideas, keep moving forward, and persist even when challenges arise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is that networking and getting published or produced can be difficult without the right location or industry connections.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family and honesty.