Elyssa Writes
Elyssa (rhymes with Melissa) is a playwright, screenwriter, and children's book author. She is an alum of The Workshop Writer’s Group and a current member of the Alliance for Jewish Theatre’s Macher Playwriting Lab. Elyssa is also a writer for an upcoming children's narrative series on the Growth Podcast Network. Her children's book, Daisy Moves to America, was a 2021 Indies Today Semi-Finalist. She's a proud member of The Dramatists Guild of America and The Authors Guild.
Writer
✿ CLICK THE TITLE FOR SYNOPSIS ✿
+ Milk and Messages
Milk and Messages delves into the lives of four new birthing parents, from diverse backgrounds, who form a profound bond while navigating the joys and challenges of early parenthood. Initially thrown together in a virtual support group after their postnatal assessments, they eventually come together in person, illustrating the power of a supportive community during the newborn stage, and proving that real-life connections can flourish through the internet’s virtual threads.
+ The Convert
The Convert follows the journey of a young doctor who converts to Judaism, initially to align with her Jewish partner. However, her family's opposition forces her to confront profound questions about her identity. On her journey, she navigates family dynamics and relationship challenges while uncovering the enduring significance of love, faith, personal growth, and self-discovery.
+ Observance Pilot
A hard-partying secular Jew named Gabby faces expulsion from her university after grappling with a profound loss. She’s offered a fresh start at Emunah School for Girls at Maayan University — under the condition that she joins her Aunt Janet’s Orthodox Jewish group, Maimonidies. Though she initially clashes with her religious roommate and struggles to fit in at Maimonidies, she rapidly begins to find meaning and healing in Judaism. She transitions full-throttle into a Ba’alat Teshuvah, a non-religious Jewish person becomes traditionally observant. Her new observance creates shockwaves with her parents and boyfriend who have difficulty understanding her new lifestyle.
+ R.A.T. (Remote Access Trojan)
Planet Connections, Production
RAT is the story of a remote access trojan. 10th grader Jake Goldenberg hacks into his school's computer system "for fun" and discovers a major scandal in his district's administration. What does he do when the very people he knows are responsible for the scandal can determine his academic fate?
+ Observance
FringeNYC, Production
Gabby Goldblum is a hard-partying college student with a painful past and an anger problem. She says goodbye to her loving but overbearing family as she heads off to study abroad in Jerusalem (with weed cookies in hand). Though she initially clashes with her Orthodox roommate who has had little exposure to the secular world, Gabby rapidly begins to find meaning and healing in Judaism. She transitions full-throttle into a Ba’al Teshuvah, a non-religious Jewish person who returns to G-d and becomes traditionally observant. Her new observance creates shockwaves with her parents and boyfriend who have difficulty understanding her new lifestyle.
+ I Am My Beloved's
LMC Productions
After a painful divorce in her early 20’s and years of an unsatisfying career, Yael’s life is finally coming together. She is remarried to a rabbi and all set to start fresh in Israel. However, she is forced to rethink her whole life and all of her choices when a family member falls ill. “I Am My Beloved’s” is a story about Judaism, love, family, friendship, feminism, sisterhood, marriage, and the sacrifices we make for our loved ones.
Observance is a respectful, nuanced lens into ways that faith, for all its benefits, can do more to drive families apart than bring them together."
– Tablet Mag
+ Tangled Roots
Tangled Roots is a pilot that explores the intertwining lives of 3 couples navigating the intricate landscape of family creation amid infertility, LGBTQ+ issues, and assisted pregnancy. One couple sees their dreams and relationships tested when an adoption scandal disrupts their world. The series delves into universal themes of love, resilience, and unconventional paths to parenthood, examining the trials and triumphs that accompany the journey of forming families in defiance of societal norms.
+ Going Zero Waste
Zero Waste is a play that follows a young couple that attempts a Zero Waste lifestyle when they move in together amidst the climate crisis.
Children’s Book
Daisy Moves to America by Elyssa Nicole Trust
Illustrated by Alvin Adhi
Synopsis:
When Daisy Mae and her family move from England to America, Daisy is teased because of her British accent. Overwhelmed by the many words and phrases that are different, Daisy wants to speak just like her American classmates. Follow Daisy’s journey as she learns that her uniqueness is something to honor and celebrate. You may even learn a few new words along the way.
Watch the Trailer Below:
“A meaningful portrayal of cultural diversity as a reason for confidence and celebration.”
– Publisher’s Weekly
“A thoughtful story that emphasizes kindness and self-esteem.” -Kirkus
“Fun writing and warm illustrations that accompany every rhyme.”
– The US Review of Books
“An excellent selection to start off a discussion about bullying and appreciating those things that make each child different and special.”
– Readers' Favorite
“With such a wonderful, encouraging, and welcoming feel to it, this adorable book is reminiscent of the vintage Sesame Street Library book series of yore.” -Indies Today
Combining some gentle language learning with an important message about self-esteem, this book is sure to leave readers with a smile. -The Children’s Book Review
Children’s Book Writing Workshop
A Comprehensive Overview of Children’s Literature
I am so excited to delve into the magical world of Children’s Literature with you! Children’s books foster communication, empathy, and creative thinking. In our time together, you will learn about the craft of storytelling for children’s literature with a focus on picture books.
This workshop will cover:
→ The different categories of children’s books
→ Plot Progression
→ Characters
→ Point of View
→ Voice
→ Description
→ Setting
→ Fantasy
→ Theme
→ Revisions
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at elyssanicoletrust@gmail.com.