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!"
Writers, join us in the virtual classroom! Here's what's on the syllabus, and here's the link to register. Early bird fee: $199 before March 8.
Nationally Renowned
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 April 4-6, 2024. We are sold out, but invite writers to join our waitlist or register for Erma Home Schooling.
Scholarships and Internships
Thanks to the generosity of the Alumni Association, University of Dayton students receive free scholarships to attend the workshop. Internships for academic credit are available for communication and English majors.
When humor goes, there goes civilization.
Erma Bombeck
The Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop is sold out, but writers and Erma aficionados can participate in a number of free events leading up to the April 4-6 workshop.
Learn MoreA dozen randomly selected attendees will perform original stand-up material in front of three celebrity judges for the opportunity to perform live at the spring workshop. Join us for a night of free laughs!
RegisterA University of Dayton exhibit will celebrate the life and legacy of Erma Bombeck, trailblazing humor writer, bestselling author and syndicated columnist who found and developed her writing voice as a UD student.
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