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Marta Kauffman, best known for creating the iconic, Emmy Award-winning sitcom “Friends” and the popular “Grace and Frankie,” will offer a keynote talk and converse with writers during “Get Your Funny On! The Virtual Erma” on Saturday, Oct. 21.

The half-day virtual workshop will run from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (EST) and include three interactive workshops on various aspects of humor writing.

“Who better to bring humor and joy to your writing than Marta Kauffman, one of the biggest names in comedy writing? She’s an entertaining and powerful storyteller, and we’re delighted to bring her to the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop to share her experience and insights with writers,” said Natasha Baker, director of The Virtual Erma and a University of Dayton communications faculty member.

The three workshops will focus on how to make young readers laugh; find the funny in tragedies (big and small); and craft a sharp, short piece that sparks laughter.

Award-winning children’s author Donna Gephart will lead a session, “Everything You Need to Know About How to Make Young Readers Laugh (without showing them your bank statement, photo of your first perm or the love poems you wrote to your crush in middle school).” She won the Sid Fleischman Humor Award for the funniest children's book of the year for As If Being 12-3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother is Running for President.

Janine Annett, author of the humor book I Am "Why Do I Need Venmo?" Years Old, will teach a workshop on “Turning a Negative Into a (Comedic) Positive.” She has taught humor writing at the Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute, Thurber House, Hudson Valley Writers Center and Gotham Writers.

Kristen Mulrooney, contributor and editor of The Beladonna, a satire and humor site, and the co-author of the best-selling Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook, will offer a “Short Humor Crash Course” that will include submission tips and self-promotion tricks. In 2022, she was one of the grand prize winners of A Hotel Room of One’s Own: The Erma Bombeck | Anna Lefler Humorist-in-Residence Program.

“Whether you’re new to humor writing or looking for ways to write and market funnier prose, the Virtual Erma will inspire you and help you hone your craft,” Baker said.

The early-bird rate is $89 before Oct. 1 and $99 after that. Learn more here. Register here — and feel free to attend in your PJs.

"Get Your Funny On! The Virtual Erma" is part of a series of virtual special events leading up to the April 4-6, 2024, Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop at the University of Dayton.

Pitchapalooza, billed as American Idol for books, only kinder and gentler, will be offered for free at 8 p.m. (EST), Monday, Oct. 9. It features Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, aka “the Book Doctors,” who are currently developing a new television series, “America’s Next Great Author.”

Twenty writers will be selected randomly on the spot to pitch their book idea during this fun, virtual event. The winner will receive an introduction to an agent or publisher appropriate for their book. Pre-registration for Pitchapalooza is encouraged. To register, visit the event site. If you’re interested in pitching a book concept, fill out this form by Oct. 2. You must be registered for the event and in the audience to be considered.

For more information, email erma@udayton.edu.