Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop
Braughler Books, 2021
By Teri Rizvi
Edited by Julie Fanselow, illustrated by Julie Lonneman, narrated by Sheri Saginor
Named one of the best anthologies of 2022 by the Catholic Media Association
Finalist in 2022 International Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest in nonfiction: inspirational category.
Teri Rizvi, the founder and director of the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, brings a powerful, original voice to a collection of essays that shows why our dreams matter. Woven throughout her writings is a deep faith in what’s possible when we open our hearts.
A journalist and storyteller who has traveled widely, Rizvi writes with grace and eloquence about her marriage, which spans two cultures and two religions in a world that’s too often divided. Her lyrical writings illuminate our shared humanity through a series of small, everyday moments — a child’s T-ball practice, a socially distanced parking lot lunch with a friend — as well as recollections of major life milestones such as joyful weddings in foreign lands.
The book takes its title from a phrase that Martin Sheen uttered when he received an honorary degree from the University of Dayton: “Remember this above all: One heart with courage is a majority.”
Available through Braughler Books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, the University of Dayton Bookstore and Bookshop. It's also offered as an ebook and an audiobook. Read the prelude here.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
“Life’s lessons, lovingly taught.” — Craig Wilson, retired USA Today columnist and author of It's the Little Things: An Appreciation of Life's Simple Pleasures
“Teri Rizvi’s essays are the exact balm and spirit-lift we need in these trying times. Her essays are full of truth, joy and inspiration — a “SWAT team of love” — and a reminder that both our struggles and our connections matter. “ — Katrina Kittle, award-winning author of The Kindness of Strangers
“Through the lenses of an enlightened worldview and a resolute faith, Teri Rizvi’s richly insightful essays speak straight to the heart of a life — and times — eloquently examined.
— Anna Lefler, author Preschooled and The CHICKtionary
“One Heart with Courage chronicles Teri Rizvi's meaningful life journey to find purpose in her work, community, marriage and family. Each one is a gem.” — Matt Bombeck, screenwriter
In her debut collection of essays, Teri Rizvi tackles the big subjects of life — motherhood, marriage, friendship, work/life balance and faith. In lyrical prose and honest reflection, she reminds us to slow down and savor the moments of our lives. I found wisdom and comfort in the pages of this treasure of a book as I traveled Rizvi’s life journey with her. — Susan Pohlman, author of Halfway to Each Other and A Time to Seek
MEDIA COVERAGE
The Courage to Write from the Heart by Beth Anspach
Debut Book Adds New Chapter for UD’s Teri Rizvi by Lauren Durham
Author Interview: One Heart with Courage by Hassan Naqvi
Grief and the Difficult Art of Letting Go by Teri Rizvi
Online Magazines
Writing a Memoir? Your Stories Need a Heart, by Gina Barreca in Psychology Today
Where Are They Now? An Interview with Literary Mama Contributor Teri Rizvi by Christina Consolino
Writing with Courage and Heart by Rhonda Havig
The Art of Letting Go with Donna Cavanagh
Podcasts
Author, Can I Ask You? with Joni B. Cole
Entertaining Insights with Dr. Nancy Berk (interview starts at 29:43)
What's the Big Idea with Michele Tuck Ponder
Eat. Sleep. Write. with Adam Scull
Show Why Your Dreams Matter with Deirdre Pippins
Multiple Voices with Claudia Monacelli
Television
It’s All Write with Suzette with Suzette Martinez Standring
Blogs
An Interview with Teri Rizvi by Christina Consolino
Where Do You Get Your Ideas? Introducing Journalist Teri Rizvi by Trudy Krisher
One Heart with Courage Wins Catholic Media Association Award
Listen Anywhere: One Heart with Courage Available as Audiobook