The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop

The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop has been dubbed the "Woodstock of Humor" and a "utopia" for writers — one "that only appears every other year, out of the mist, on the edge of the Great Miami River in Dayton, Ohio (like Brigadoon)."

The workshop's mission is simple: to encourage and inspire writers in the same way that celebrated columnist and author Erma Bombeck '49 found encouragement and inspiration at the University of Dayton.

Its mantra is timeless: "You can write!"


Mark Your Calendar
Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop

Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop

The Writer magazine has called the biennial Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop the best writing conference in Ohio and "THE conference for humor writers."

Our next workshop is slated for March 30 - April 1, 2028. Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to receive workshop information and learn about other events.

Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop

Additional Erma Events link-arrow link-arrow

Explore more events and competitions, including Erma Home Schooling and the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition.


Humor Writer of the Month
Keri Janton
Erma Bombeck Writer Workshop
04.01.2026

Humor Writer of the Month: Keri Janton link-arrow link-arrow

A longtime admirer of writers like Erma Bombeck, Nora Ephron and Rick Bragg, Keri Janton writes about everyday life with humor and heart. She's our Humor Writer of the Month for April.

When humor goes, there goes civilization.
Erma Bombeck

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Erma Bombeck Writer Workshop
4.11.2026
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Rise, Sally, Rise link-arrow link-arrow

After almost 37 years of marriage, the inevitable has happened…. My husband, Steve, has a new love interest.
Erma Bombeck Writer Workshop
4.9.2026
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How to Slay as a Humorist-in-Residence link-arrow link-arrow

It’s day 14, my last day in residency, and much like the weather here in Dayton, I’m facing the high/lows. It’s a lone high, getting back home to my family, imbalanced against a barrage of lows.
Erma Bombeck Writer Workshop
4.8.2026
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My Magical Robe link-arrow link-arrow

"I have been living on the fourth floor. I smile at the maids, ride the elevator, visit the gym, find different nooks in which to pull out my laptop and type my words. I walk along the river. I wrap myself tightly inside my magical robe," writes Debra Solomon Baker about her experience as a humorist-in-residence at the Marriott.