The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop is the only one 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.

Over the past decade, the workshop has attracted such household names as Dave Barry, Phil Donahue, Art Buchwald, Nancy Cartwright, Cathy Guisewite, Laraine Newman, Don Novello, Gail Collins, Connie Schultz, Roy Blount Jr., Adriana Trigiani, Liza Donnelly, Amy Ephron and Alan Zweibel.

In 2019, The Writer magazine named the workshop the best writing conference in Ohio and “THE conference for humor writers.” The biennial workshop draws approximately 350 writers from around the country and typically sells out quickly.

The atmosphere is very supportive to both new and established writers looking for the kind of inspiration Erma received from University of Dayton professor Brother Tom Price, S.M.: “You can write!”

And you’re guaranteed to laugh. A lot.

Our next in-person workshop is April 4-6, 2024. Check out the incredible slate of keynoters and faculty, peruse the sessions and register starting at noon (ET), Nov. 15 — "E-Day" — at the one-day-only rate of $499. Register here. After Nov. 15, the fee is $524.