Jeanni Ritchie knew she had “the raw talent” to become a stronger writer. But after a divorce and with caregiving responsibilities, she had little money to invest in writing classes.
Earlier this year, Ritchie received the DC Stanfa Memorial Writers’ Award, which supports writers who demonstrate financial need and would benefit from the sessions and encouragement offered at the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop.
“The tips, resources and feedback from the workshop presenters and keynotes packed years of learning into one fabulous weekend. I left Ohio a better writer than when I arrived,” said Ritchie, a freelance journalist from Alexandria, Louisiana.
Since 2022, the award has helped emerging writers pursue their passion in honor of DC Stanfa, a writer, humorist and longtime workshop attendee who died unexpectedly in 2021. The endowment is funded by Stanfa’s husband, Tom Schonecker, and daughter, Cori Hedrick, with generous support from family, friends and the Erma community of writers. Each award covers the full workshop registration fee, along with travel and hotel expenses.
Building the Endowment
Workshop organizers hope to extend this opportunity to even more deserving writers through a Flyer Funder crowdfunding campaign designed to grow the award’s endowment. Schonecker has pledged to match every dollar donated, up to $5,000. To make a tax-deductible gift, visit the campaign, which will run through Nov. 21.
“Staying committed to your writing goals and investing in your development as a writer isn’t easy, especially when creativity doesn’t always pay the bills,” said Shannon Shelton Miller, co-director of the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. “We’re so thankful to DC Stanfa’s family and our Erma community for their generous support in helping more writers achieve their dreams by attending the workshop.”
A Boost of Inspiration
Past recipients say the award has provided more than financial assistance. It has renewed their motivation to pursue long-held writing ambitions.
Celeste Conner, a writer from Dothan, Alabama, received one of the inaugural awards in 2022. Earlier this year, she celebrated the publication of her first book, Don't Let This Get Out in Pinckard, a collection of essays.
“I always wanted to tell stories like Erma,” Conner said. “After years of plucking away at my keyboard, a compilation of my essays was published. From the workshop, I took away encouragement, reassurance, confidence, plus a big ole boost of cheer.”
Ritchie, one of three award recipients this year, described the three-day workshop as “a master class of epic proportions.
“I will forever be grateful to the DC Stanfa Memorial Scholarship for allowing me to attend the workshop, hone my writing skills and network with other writers.”