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By Teri Rizvi

"That was by far the smoothest online gathering I have attended during the pandemic in terms of technology and flow. BTW, I’m still having LOL aftershocks,” wrote one attendee on a survey rating the 2020 Virtual Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop.

“As an Erma virgin, I didn’t know what to expect. I was delighted by the warm, welcoming attitudes and the general hilarity,” another offered.

Finally, “the workshop always has heart and soul” and “thank you for bringing us this brightness during dark times.”

Those reactions were among nearly a dozen pages of write-in responses about the Oct. 29-31 workshop, our first in the virtual world after the pandemic prompted the cancellation of two in-person workshops this year. In all, 677 writers from across the nation, Puerto Rico and a number of countries — Australia, Singapore, Spain, Germany, Pakistan, the UK and Canada — registered for what one writer called “a working cruise ship sans the pool and deck.” More than a few showed up in pajamas, bathrobes, Halloween masks — and the occasional tiara.

The audience included 37 presenters and a record 50 University of Dayton students, faculty and staff. In addition, donations from attendees supported the registrations of a number of underrepresented writers, others hit hard financially by the pandemic, two facing cancer and an aspiring writer in the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

As a bonus, New Yorker cartoonist Liza Donnelly drew, in real time, illustrations of the keynoters for social media, and “Cathy” cartoonist Cathy Guisewite donated a commemorative cartoon.

To date, more than 150 attendees have completed the online survey, with the overall workshop’s program and its cost vs. value netting scores greater than 9 (out of 10). Nearly nine out of 10 respondents said the workshop’s benefits will cover the cost — or far more than the cost — of attendance. About the same percentage say they’re likely to attend the next workshop.

Here's a sampling of what attendees had to say about the keynote slate and the emcee:

Peggy and Mike Rowe: “Some strong encouragement and a little star power got things off to a great start.”

Wendy Liebman: “Beautiful soul and a fabulous cheerleader for those of us who fear our writing.”

Annabelle Gurwitch: “Love her candor, honesty and genuine enthusiasm.”

Sophfronia Scott: “I have no words. Sophfronia was phenomenal. I hope she could see me as I stood and gave her a standing ovation. Wow, just, wow.”

Mike Reiss: “Hilarious and he proved the point that no subject is off limits in humor, but you have to be like him, incredibly talented and sharp.”

Patricia Wynn Brown: "Her scene-stealing intros were genius, and she channeled Erma in a way no one can.”

Pitchapalooza, always a workshop favorite, did not disappoint. Billed as the “American Idol for books, only kinder and gentler,” the event featured one-minute book proposal pitches from writers in front of publishing pros Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, also known as The Book Doctors. “They are the BEST. Period. I learn so much from them,” one attendee wrote. “They are always fabulous, and the fact they were virtual this year did not take away from the energy and excitement. …Also, David and Arielle are both hilarious. A great finale to this amazing conference.”

Writing partners Kathy Kinney and Cindy Ratzlaff, described by one attendee as “two sisters from another mother,” kicked the workshop off in their pajamas at the virtual cocktail/networking hour. Their banter and attire set “the mood and excitement and sense of community,” one attendee said. “I learned I was overdressed for cocktail hour,” discovered one writer, who vowed to show up the next day in her “Vera Wang nightie.”

A new, free pre-workshop feature — “Erma’s Got Talent: The Stand-Up Auditions” — also received high marks. A dozen randomly selected contestants performed two minutes of their original stand-up material in front of three celebrity judges — comedians Brian Kiley, Wendy Liebman and Leighann Lord. Nancy Berk, host of the podcast “Entertaining Insights,” served as emcee. “I was impressed by the entrants — all of them,” one attendee wrote. “So brave, and mostly funny. The tips from the judges were kind and helpful.”

A sampling of other survey comments:

“I admit that I was skeptical of the virtual Erma’s ability to capture the wonderfulness of the conference. But it far exceeded my expectations.”

“I have updated my status from an Erma virgin to an Ermite.”

"I conduct conferences virtually on my job. These are not easy to do. Holding the audience is tough if you're not delivering, and I want you to know that you held me every minute of the 2 1/2 days."

"I ended the conference feeling more encouraged and growing in confidence that I am a writer and can succeed."

"The workshop provided a turning point for my writing career, which had been stagnant."

"I have to give you all a standing ovation for doing a virtual conference that knocked it out of the park. It far exceeded my expectations, and how everyone conveyed LOVE and encouragement was amazing."

"You really leaned into the virtual environment to make the conference fun."

"The workshop was a Vitamin B shot for me."

“Keep the pajama theme going!”

Writers offered constructive suggestions, too. Attendees want hybrid offerings — some virtual, some in person. They’d appreciate greater diversity among the presenters and attendees. And several mentioned that, for new attendees, there needs to be a more conscious effort from workshop organizers and longtime attendees to prepare them for the workshop’s traditions and help foster greater inclusivity.

The next Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop will be held March 24-26, 2022, but it’s not too late to register for this one because all the recordings will be available on Crowdcast through the end of 2021. To view the program and to register, click here.

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