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Recurring themes that rear up prior to every EBWW involve questions about proper attire, how intimidating it all feels to newbies, how funny attendees are expected to be, and the anxiety introverts feel facing a social gathering of such magnitude.

All valid. All addressed by supportive people who have previously attended, or newbies seeking other virgins to cling to in sisterhood, on the attendees' Facebook page. (What a gift.)

Here is what needs to be brought into focus - this conference affords writers, writer wannabes and total unknowns access to some of the best people in the business. The stellar keynote speakers and all the staff teaching valuable sessions are, by far, the most accessible professionals any writer can dream of. Any attendee has the opportunity to meet and learn from others who have greater experience, wonderful advice and professional achievements that go well beyond many attendees' dreams.

THIS is what this conference is about. You have opportunities that simply do not exist anywhere else in the world. This conference is smaller than many other writer-focused gatherings and truly sets up attendees to be able to meet and mingle with incredible talent. You can fawn, you can laugh and, most importantly, you can actually engage with people you would never have had the chance to meet.

So express all your concerns, laugh at your fears, but know what this tribute to Erma Bombeck is really about. Erma was one of a kind. There will never be another. And this conference mirrors that incredible uniqueness. Teri Rizvi and everyone who contributes to putting it all together have created a magical environment of women supporting women (men included), that will inspire, elevate and enervate anyone who attends. Networking with the tribe of people at this sacred conference offers a chance to share your wisdom and gather more.

So put your worries to rest, and start thinking not about what you bring to the conference and how you fit in, but of what you have to gain. It. Is. Limitless. Take every opportunity that is offered. You will return to whatever life you have with a new perspective and sparked creativity that will translate into your writing, along with many other aspects of your life.

Think not of what you can do for this conference, but what this conference can do for you. It all goes hand in hand to make the world a better, more joyous place. Just like Erma wanted.

- Amy Hartl Sherman

Amy Hartl Sherman is a writer, improv comedian and cartoonist. More of her writings can be found at http://krankykitty.com/ and http://witfaced.com. She has been published in Feisty After 45, The Heron's Nest, It All Changed in an Instant: More Six Word Memoirs and Laugh Out Loud: 40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now.