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By Sheryl Stillman

I recently attended the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop in Dayton, Ohio, along with hundreds of writers and esteemed speakers, including Anna Quindlen, Wade Rouse (aka Viola Shipman), and Jacquelyn Mitchard. Authors of all genres came together to soak up Erma’s wisdom (posthumously, or rather post humorously) and find inspiration and solidarity in a medium often spent alone.

First-timers attending the event are anointed as EVs (no, not electric vehicles), Erma Virgins—and tiaras were highly recommended accessories, along with comfortable clothing for a jam-packed weekend of writing sessions and food galore. While leaving my crown at home, I packed my trusty notebook and returned with other jewels. Here are a few.

• When writing a personal essay, Elissa Bassist suggests asking yourself three questions:

1. What is my story about?
2. What sets this piece apart from others?
3. What makes this essay relatable?

• Jessica Strawser shared these tips: 

1. Be relatable and authentic.
2. Write as though you are talking with a friend.
3. Meet your protagonist right away.

• Mark Shatz explained that ChatGPT and other AI programs can be used for good and not evil when brainstorming topics, headlines, and other material for your writing.
• In a session titled “Improv on Paper…,” authors Kathy Kinney (yep, from “The Drew Carey Show”) and Cindy Ratzlaff offered excellent writing advice: “Reach up, grab it, and then get out of the way.”

Keynote speakers graciously gave their time presenting, sharing their journey, and mingling with the rest of us. I left the conference feeling as though I had met “my peeps” and that writing dreams do come true. 

The next Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop will be held March 26–28, 2026; check out their Facebook page.

—Sheryl Stillman

Sheryl Stillman is the proud mom to two young adults; executive coach and communications and change leadership consultant by day; freelance writer by night. Living between Minneapolis, MN and Fort Myers, FL, she finds and shares humor from the "every day." Work can be found at www.SherylOnline.com.