My love for Erma Bombeck began when I was just a kid peeking over my dad’s shoulder while he was laughing and reading one of many of her books that we would collect over the years. I was hooked.
“My theory on housework is, if the item doesn’t multiply, smell, catch fire, or block the refrigerator door, let it be. No one else cares. Why should you?”
~ Erma Bombeck
When I heard there was a conference dedicated to humor writing in her namesake – Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop – I went berserk. And even more berserk when I found out it had just passed since it only happens once every two years!
So I waited months and months until the next round of Erma tickets came for sale. Tickets sold out in a matter of hours and I was one of the lucky ones heading to The University of Dayton, Erma’s alma mater, to get my funny on refine my craft.
It all started here.
This would be my home away from home for the next four days. After a long day of laughing and learning this is where I lay my sleepy head. Not hugging the bed’s edge like I usually do, but smack in the middle of the bed surrounded by mounds of white fluffy pillows. And – are you sitting down? – my very own TV remote!
It. Was. Heavenly.
During the day we went to classes and had cake.
Lots and lots of cake.
And I learned things from their amazing faculty.
Things like…
And…
Be ruthless in editing: Revise, polish, and then do it some more. Print out your work, but read it in a different location. Then read it out loud. ~ Anna Lefler
Humor is where you find it. Write it as you would tell it. And if it isn’t making you cringe it’s not good enough. ~ Lisa Scottoline
Your most personal post will be the most universal. You can’t write and have shame. ~ Gina Barreca
Try to be one of those people on whom nothing is lost. Keep a notebook with you at all times. Have a list of funny words. ~ Dan Zevin
And so much more that would fill volumes of notebooks.
Humor writers are a special breed. Of all the conferences I’ve even been to this was the one that made me feel warm and fuzzy I really found my people. I loved everything about it. It was small, it was cozy, it was casual. We shared french fries.
It was like family, only better!
I learned as much in the classes as I did during the lunches, dinners, and informal chitchats in the bar. And when Sunday rolled around I was sad to go. I didn’t want to leave all my new friends and all the exciting and wonderful comedic energy behind. That’s when it dawned on me – it was like summer camp for humor writers!
See you at Erma in 2016. Bring your funny. Fuzzy slippers optional.
It was a great time. Loved looking at your pics. And darn that dessert. It was everywhere. Too bad EBWW was during Lent and I gave up sweets this year. Hope to see you in 2016.
I’m ready to start packing now! Hope to see you in 2016 too!
It was so great to get to meet you! I look forward to getting together again soon.
Such an encouraging weekend! I wish it happened monthly.
Loved meeting you too! We’ll have to get together now that we figured out we’re both in L.A. 🙂
Loved your recap — and I feel the exact same way — can’t WAIT for the next one! :o)
Thanks, Darcy! It was so special.
Sounds like you had a blast. I would love to go to a writers conference. I’m a newbie/scaredy cat. Can’t wait to read all of the creativity that comes out of this conference for you!
Linda, What fun, sounds like something to get on our calendars early!
Yes! Hope to see you there in 2016 🙂
I so wish I could have been there with all of you!
That would have been great! Mark your calendar for 2016 🙂
Wow your pictures are great! You left out one quote that I loved of Lisa Scottoline (sp?). “Write drunk. Edit sober”. You and so many others were just delightful to finally meet. I am still glowing on the inside. Endearing and generous post!
It sounds like it was truly inspirational. Maybe 2016?
I’ve been so curious to hear the details! I don’t necessarily consider myself a humor writer, but I think I would love this one. Thanks for some details!
Sounds like you were in your happy place! Erma was one of the greats!
Excellent wrap-up! It was so wonderful. Glad we were able to spend time together and I’ll see you back there in 2016 (but hopefully before that).
I had SUCH a great time. I agree, it was unlike any other conference I’d been to. I was with my people. I love my people.
It was a very special event, due to the content, the staff, and the attendees. Lovely to see you!
You’re terrific and this is charming! Thanks for wave in my direction–I’m honored–and for doing such a wonderful job of captured the energy and enthusiasm of the event. xx Your fan, Gina
Ah, Linda. Thanks for keeping the memories alive. I hope I see more of you at camp next time. There is no other place like the EBWW.
Delightful! Why don’t I ever think to take notes and pictures? Thank god you did, and the writing too. Now I don’t have to. 🙂 Wish we had met, but then, there’s 2016. Till then!
Wish I could have gone. I found it two years ago just after the 2012 event. I’m determined to make it to 2016.
It sounds amazing! So happy for you! And now I want french fries and cake.
It was one of the most amazing weekends of my life!! Transforming! It was such a pleasure to finally meet you—you’re such a sweet person and SO FUNNY! And oh man, do I miss that CAKE! Cant wait to go back in 2016!!
I too have fond memories of reading EB at the kitchen table with my mom. Sounds like a love fest bonding with fellow fans who embrace the art of open self deprecation. Humor is life’s elixir!
Looking forward to continued entertainment from your posts … but now I’m expecting more chuckles from you. Sounds like a wonderful and productive workshop, Linda. Good for you!
What a great vacation–um, conference! I remember the “if life is a bowl of cherries” book VIVIDLY from my childhood. So cool that so many can gather to keep that ball of funny rolling! 🙂
I am so glad you included the quotes, so that we could learn along with you, even if just a tiny bit. Oh, and I like my fries on the crunchy, slightly overcooked side. Does that get me entree?
Camp for humor writers — you nailed it. This was one of the most special events I’ve ever attended. I learned so much and connected with so many new and wonderful people … and unlike other networking events, I didn’t feel like anyone had an agenda. It was such a non-competitive environment of support and encouragement. I left with enough fuel to carry me for months! 2016 can’t come soon enough!
Thanks for coming to our very special summer camp! So happy it was a great experience for you.