Written By
Mary Elder
Mary Elder is an author, screenwriter, and novelist. Named one of ISA's Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2024, she is a two-time Hedgebrook Fellow, an Athena Film Festival Lab Fellow and the recipient of an Alfred P. Sloan Award. Mary's projects have advanced to the second round of the Sundance Feature Film Development Program three times. Mary's original screenplays have been acquired by Warner Bros., Paramount and Disney. Her debut novel, is currently being prepped for submission to publishers.
Bio
Mary Elder was born in Dublin, New Hampshire. She grew up tapping maple trees, climbing Mount Monadnock, and contra dancing. She attended Cornell University where she graduated magna cum laude. She spent the first decade after college in creative positions in radio, newspapers, magazines, and interactive media. Mary has written numerous screenplays, three of which have been acquired by major Hollywood studios. In addition, she's written two television pilots, and is now finishing a huge labor of love: her debut novel.
Mary lives with her husband in Seattle. Their two sons are off having adventures in Oakland and Brooklyn.
First thing every morning Mary can be found at her writing desk, her golden retriever/Great Pyrenees "puppy" Quigley at her feet.
News and Updates
Signed with super-agent, Felicity Blunt
I'm thrilled to announce that I'm now repped by—and working closely
with—the world's greatest literary agent, Felicity Blunt at Curtis Brown, London.
Juror at the 2026 Seattle International Film Festival
I was honored to serve on the New American Features jury at SIFF 2026. I loved presenting the Golden Space Needle Award to Lucky Lu (Directed by Lloyd Lee Choi) and the Dan Ireland Prize to Ramzi Bashour for Hot Water. Congrats to all.
Stand Up Comedy
After taking a hiatus to concentrate on revisions of my debut novel, I'm finally returning to writing stand up sets so that I can get back on stage. Stay tuned!
Substack?
I've got a fun idea for a Substack. It would serve as a mailing list and a quick sugar hit of happiness for anyone who wants to stay in touch. If you're in, subscribe for free here!
