The Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop has come home.
Now housed within the University of Dayton’s English department, the workshop couldn’t be in a more fitting place. It was here, as a student, that Erma Bombeck ‘49 first heard the three words that changed her life, “You can write!” spoken by her English professor, Brother Tom Price, S.M.
With that spark of encouragement, she went on to become one of America's most beloved humor writers, inspiring generations with her wit and warmth. The workshop, established 25 years ago, honors her legacy and offers writers of all experience levels that kind of inspiration.
The English department also houses the annual You Can Write! Creative Writing Retreat for students from any major with a passion for writing.
“Providing a home for the Bombeck Workshop will strengthen the English department’s connection to a global community of writers and provide experiential learning opportunities for our students and faculty,” said John P. McCombe, chair of the English department.
New Co-Director
In other workshop developments, Shannon Shelton Miller, associate director of news and internal communications for UD, will step in to co-direct much of the workshop programming with Teri Rizvi, the workshop’s founder. Sarah Alice Keiser will continue as event operations manager, and Natasha Baker will direct The Virtual Erma.
A dedicated workshop volunteer since 2016, Miller currently serves on the programming committee. Before she joined UD nearly 15 years ago, she worked as a journalist for the Detroit Free Press and Orlando Sentinel for a decade. In 2020, she edited The Dayton Anthology (Belt Publishing). She holds a bachelor’s degree in social relations and journalism from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.
Woodstock of Humor
Dubbed the “Woodstock of Humor,” the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop has been described as a “utopia” for writers — one that “only appears every other year, out of the mist, on the edge of the Great Miami River in Dayton, Ohio (like Brigadoon).”
Every two years, inspired by Erma’s humor and humanity, writers gather to laugh and learn from an all-star lineup of literary and comedic voices. Past speakers have included Dave Barry, Anna Quindlen, Phil Donahue, Cathy Guisewite, Art Buchwald, Nancy Cartwright, Don Novello, Gail Collins, Connie Schultz, Roy Blount Jr., Mike and Peggy Rowe, Lisa Scottoline, Liza Donnelly, Amy Ephron, Laraine Newman and Alan Zweibel, among many others.
In addition to the three-day in-person conference, the workshop offers virtual programs, writing competitions and awards to writers with financial need — all designed to help writers, both aspiring and established, improve their craft and find their voice. The vibe? Part education, part entertainment and 100% empowerment.
Registration for the March 26-28, 2026, Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop opens at noon (EDT) on Wednesday, Nov. 5.