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Dear Writers,
“Fantastic writing and delivery!” “So creative and clever.” “Hilarious storytelling.”
Nearly 200 writers flooded the chat with encouraging words during Virtual Essay Cabaret, a free open mic night hosted last month by Cindy Ratzlaff and Kathy Kinney — authors and the creative duo behind Queen of Your Own Life.
Ratzlaff and Kinney will return this spring to close opening night of the workshop with Erma After Dark: Essay Cabaret, an open mic event where writers share essays and short works-in-progress.
“This is not just a writers’ workshop. It’s a dream maker,” said Ratzlaff, a 30-year veteran of the book publishing industry told attendees that night. “People have left the workshop and had books published and their pieces appear in magazines. You will be engulfed by support.”
Added her writing partner, Kinney: “Here’s a guarantee — it’s life changing.”
(Those who missed the event can still register and watch the recording.)
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Join bestselling authors, publishing pros and hundreds of kindred spirits at the March 26-28 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, one of the most sought-after literary conferences in the country.
We welcome writers of all experience levels and genres who seek to improve their craft and build community.
“I’ve attended plenty of retreats, conferences and workshops, and I usually feel a high after each one,” one attendee said, “but the high I feel after the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop is next level. I feel like my brain is in a vortex, but it is a magical, life-affirming one.
Check out the amazing lineup of keynoters, presenters and sessions, and be poised to register at noon (EST) on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The $524 early bird registration fee includes all meals (and snacks). A link will be sent through our e-newsletter and posted on our social media channels at noon.
For 2026 attendees, we’re offering an exclusive, in-person, pre-workshop master class, "Self-Publish Like a Pro," with Eva Lesko Natiello, a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author whose self-published books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide. Cost: $75, and seats are limited. Find the details here.
| | Erma Home Schooling Returns | | | Seats available in the virtual classroom | | |
Can’t join us on the Dayton Riviera? Erma Home Schooling brings the heart and humor of the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop to your screen.
From the comfort of home, enjoy our popular keynote talks and four exclusive humor-writing workshops, thoughtfully designed for the virtual experience.
Registration opens on Friday, Dec. 5. Early bird fee: $175. After March 9, $199. Check out the keynoters, faculty and sessions.
| | The Quiet Magic of Clean Sheets | | | |
“I do my best work alone, in my jammies, with a carafe of coffee and a side of total desperation,” one writer confessed in a pitch to be selected for A Hotel Room of One’s Own: The Erma Bombeck Humorist-in-Residence Program.
Another wrote: “I once managed a six-room hotel in the desert (filled with quirky characters and stories), so I know the quiet magic of clean sheets, steady Wi-Fi and uninterrupted thought. As I settle into middle age, I’m learning to claim space for my own voice.”
In all, the 2025 contest attracted 254 applications from 40 states coast to coast, Washington, D.C. and four countries — Australia, Canada, Germany and Switzerland.
Heartfelt gratitude to dozens of preliminary judges who have finished reviewing all entries. Our finalist judges, bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron and nationally renowned stand-up comic Wendy Liebman, will select the two grand prize winners, finalists and honorable mentions. An announcement will be made later this month. Many thanks to the Bombeck family and the University of Dayton Marriott for sponsoring this year’s residency.
| | R.L. Maizes is the author of the newly published satirical novel, A Complete Fiction, a humorous story of two writers trying to navigate the minefields of modern publishing and social media. Maizes’s humor pieces have appeared in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The New York Times, The Belladonna, Electric Literature and elsewhere. | | Write for Writer's Digest | Have an idea for Writer’s Digest? Perhaps an author profile or a how-to piece on a writing method? “We consider completed manuscripts on spec, as well as original pitches,” the editors say. Pay: 50 cents per word, on acceptance, “for first world rights for one-time print use and perpetual electronic use.” | | The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers recognizes 12 emerging writers each year for their debut short story published in a literary magazine, journal or cultural website, and aims to support the launch of their careers as fiction writers. Deadline: Nov. 25. | | Matching gifts, changing lives | | |
“You can write!”
Three simple words from her University of Dayton English professor inspired Erma Bombeck. Now, thanks to Liz and Jamie Ryan, new generations of UD students are experiencing that same encouragement through the You Can Write! Creative Writing Retreat.
The Ryans are partnering with their alma mater to lay the groundwork for the establishment of an endowment for the three-day retreat they founded in 2023. Through a social media fundraising campaign that launches on Nov. 3, they will match, dollar for dollar, every gift of any size up to $7,500.
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Call it serendipity or call it Erma’s legacy in action.
The Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop changed Marissa Malson's life. After attending the 2024 workshop, she finished her book, published it — and is now sharing it with the world. Read her heartfelt journey and join us for a fun, magical experience!
Keep writing!
Teri Rizvi
Founder, Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop
P.S. Many thanks to New Yorker cartoonist and author Bob Eckstein, artist-in-residence, for his fun workshop illustration.
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