Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop

The University of Dayton held the first workshop in 2000 as a one-time event to commemorate the Bombeck family's gift of Erma's papers to her alma mater. Erma's famous friends — columnist Art Buchwald, "Family Circus" cartoonist Bil Keane and author and ERA advocate Liz Carpenter — headlined the event. The workshop was so successful — and so much fun — that the University of Dayton decided to continue it, reconvening every other year.

The three-day event has grown immensely popular with writers across the nation and sells out quickly. Inspired by Erma's humor and humanity, writers gather to laugh and learn from the likes of Dave Barry, Anna Quindlen, Phil Donahue, Cathy Guisewite, Art Buchwald, Nancy Cartwright, Don Novello, Gail Collins, Connie Schultz, Roy Blount Jr., Mike and Peggy Rowe, Lisa Scottoline, Liza Donnelly, Amy Ephron, Laraine Newman and Alan Zweibel, among other celebrated writers and cartoonists.

It is the only conference in the country devoted to both humor and human interest writing. Through the workshop, the University of Dayton and the Bombeck family honor one of America's most celebrated storytellers and humorists. In 2019, The Writer magazine named it the best writing conference in Ohio and "THE conference for humor writers."

The University of Dayton hosts an in-person workshop every other year. Under the workshop's umbrella, we also offer virtual programs, host competitions and provide awards to writers with financial need — all in the spirit of helping aspiring and established writers improve their craft.

More than 350 beginning and professional writers of all genres attend the biennial writers’ workshop, which attracts attendees from across the United States, Canada and other countries. Many writers credit the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop with providing the knowledge, inspiration and connections that brought their writing and publishing success to the next level.

We survey attendees after each workshop, and here are some of their recent comments:

• "I was so energized and inspired while I was there that I was absolutely buzzing and dying to get my ideas out and onto paper."
• "I thought the staff and volunteers did an absolutely smashing job delivering incredibly high-quality content and experience for the money."
• This was my first Erma and it was WONDERFUL! It's clearly a well-oiled machine with top-notch speakers and lovely attendees. I would attend again in a heartbeat."
• "Thank you for a well-planned, informative, full workshop. It ran so smoothly and had so many opportunities to learn and connect. This is easily one of the best writing conferences in the USA."
• "I loved everything about this workshop. I learned. I laughed. I made connections. I was inspired. I was made to feel like a writer, even though this was my first time and I haven't published a book — yet."
• "Thank you for all the time, effort and love that goes into this workshop. Erma would be proud of all of us. I'm glad her legacy lives on."
• "You have created something truly unique and special — a gathering of like-minded people who want to do good in the world. Don't change a thing."
• "It's good to be around like-minded, insane people."
• "I've come away from Erma with a heart filled with joy, a mind filled with knowledge, incredible new friends and more inspiration than I thought possible and for that you have my undying gratitude."
• "The cake, as always, was excellent."
• I've attended plenty of retreats, conferences and workshops, and I usually feel a high after each one, 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.
• The fact that you were surrounded for three days by nothing but supportive, positive vibes while amidst greatness among the keynote speakers and presenters was unbelievable.
• There's a magic to this conference. It's the perfect balance of entertainment, education and networking.
• The best part about the weekend is experiencing the Erma family feel, and getting to chat with the fabulous speakers and presenters.
• (The workshop) is the most fun one can have as an adult.
• There was an underlying feeling of positivity, joy, gratefulness and love throughout the whole event.
• I love that the conference included sessions for writers of all kinds — fiction, memoir, screenwriting, oral storytelling, podcasting, stand-up and even song writing. I love that it covered the craft as well as the business side of things — getting published, finding an agent, marketing. The entertainment was stellar, the keynotes were excellent and the stand-up night was hysterical. Most of all, the supportive environment was amazing — that "Erma magic" was back in full force. …The joy was palpable.
• It was the BEST WORKSHOP EVER. The hospitality is spot on, everyone was so nice and friendly, and I feel as if I've spent the weekend with the most talented humorists in the country.
• I've been writing for years. These few days changed my whole approach to this craft I so love. It is Monday evening and the only thing I've unpacked from my car is my computer. I've been sitting here pouring onto the page everything I learned from these experienced and skilled writers.
• I will definitely come again — this was by FAR the best writers' event I have ever been to. WOW!

The writers' workshop faculty usually includes more than two dozen experienced writers and publishing professionals. They're chosen for their ability to entertain while they educate. Most have taught at other writers' workshops. You won't find this type of lineup at any other writers' workshop.

Your sense of humor, first and foremost. And, of course, your desire to be a better writer. We recommend comfortable clothes (including walking shoes), a notebook and a water bottle for the daytime sessions. We suggest business casual attire for the evening events.

You can signal your interest by filling out a form that will be sent to all attendees of the in-person workshop.

In the first of several opportunities, a portion of those who want to perform at the close of the workshop will be chosen randomly to audition at "Erma's Got Talent: The Stand-Up Auditions," a virtual event. The winner and runners up will automatically be part of the Saturday night show. A dozen more will be chosen randomly after "Erma's Got Talent" and informed via email. The evening's host will select three more from a Stand-Up Comedy Boot Camp during the workshop. In all, the show will include 18 performers.

We welcome sponsors, and offer a number of opportunities for the 2026 event. Email us at erma@udayton.edu with your interest.

For the in-person workshop, registrations are 75 percent refundable with no cancellations after Feb. 20, 2026. To request a cancellation, please email erma@udayton.edu.