How I Snuck Into The 2026 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop

I’m sharing today how I snuck into the 2026 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop despite being unable to be there in person.

All the EBWW fans are saying, “Ha – you registered for the Erma Home Schooling sessions, right?”

Super idea. But … no …

Longtime readers know how much I love the biennial Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. I’ve attended every single one since 2016 and have waxed on about the glorious experiences; over and over. 

The fact I couldn’t go this year didn’t stop me from having itchy fingers on registration day.

You Always Remember Your First Time

I’d read the online rumors about the necessity to register early for this magical event. Everyone advised doing it immediately or risk missing out. The pressure was akin to that of acquiring Taylor Swift tickets. However, I encountered a wee complication. My two-year-old great nephew needed last minute babysitting.

I was gripped with visions of him innocently interrupting my frantic typing, enabling someone else to slide in and take my spot.

My niece knew differently.

“No worries. He just has to be kept busy doing equally important work. Plop him down with his watch and you’ll be golden.”

We settled in on the couch at one minute to 08:30. With my hands hovered over my laptop and his over the gigantic baked potato-sized timepiece, I held my breath and my great nephew giggled. 08:30 flashed on our screens and we got to work. He punched. I typed.

Sweat beads bloomed across my forehead.

As the alert flashed across my screen, I let out a joyous whoop. I was registered and had secured a hotel room.

“I’m in!” I shouted.

My great nephew frowned and held up a cautionary finger.

“Ssh, please. I’ll be finished in a second.”

Excellent.

Yes, I still had to book the three different flights required to get me from Vancouver, BC to Dayton, Ohio, but nevermind. The absolute necessities were booked.

Don’t Know A Soul At The Workshop? Fear Not

As all registrants will attest, you sense Erma’s magic the moment you enter the Marriott University of Dayton Hotel. Everyone is so cheerful, so happy to connect, and above all, acutely aware of the privilege to spend the next few days learning and laughing together.

However, I was nervous when I drifted into the hotel bar on Wednesday night. Would anyone talk to me?

My tablemate leaned over to share a bizarre tale of vacation bedbugs. Her subsequent stories about quirky cats and the joy of marrying later in life left me gasping with laughter.

Who was this funny gal?  Allia Zobel Nolan, another “2016 Erma virgin.” The next three days had us bonding over wine, yet more stories, and endless servings of delicious cake.

We’ve remained good friends ever since.

She continues to enjoy that Marriott cake …

The 2016 EBWW granted me something else very special. It cracked open the world of writing.

I credit it with my participation in several anthologies, including EBWW’s Laugh Out Loud anthology, and the publication of my humor memoir, Never, Never, Hardly Ever – A Mother/Daughter Story of Antiques and Antics.

Subsequent EBWW’s have continued to give me the tools and confidence to forge ahead with my writing. I’m forever grateful.

Of course, I’ve also met other soulmates over the next four workshops; writers I’ll be friends with for the rest of my life. It’s an Erma bonus I know every attendee understands and appreciates.

How I Snuck Into The 2026 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop

The timing of this year’s EBWW left me torn. Held this past weekend, it fell alongside the dates of a unique opportunity. Should I return to Erma or should I go on this once in a lifetime trip with my adult daughter? Oof. I finally decided on the latter.

When registration day for EBWW 2026 rolled around, the enormity of that decision sunk in. My beloved Erma chat group suddenly began spewing reams of ecstatic cries of “I’m in!”, “Me, too!” “Let’s book our flights!” And it hit me. I wasn’t going to EBWW 2026. I was missing out.

Could anyone else possibly understand how I felt? You bet. And she was determined to ensure I was present. Somehow.

So, gang, this is how I snuck into the 2026 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, all thanks to my pal, the prolific author, Allia Zobel Nolan.

My deepest thanks to Allia for creating “Kelly-On-A-Stick.”

While you say I was there, tucked away in your briefcase, Allia, I’m sorry wasn’t fully present for your well-received session, Breakfast and Basics: A Children’s Book Primer. You know I would have been there, front and center, if I could.

And a very special thanks, of course, to my other “Geraldine Sisters” who ensured I participated in some highlights of this year’s workshop.

Thanks to them, they also enabled me to finally “meet” someone I’ve only known online: Hi Katy!

And also to meet some new folks:

Proof that, yes, I certainly got around and, of course, laughed my head off:

Huge thanks everyone for ensuring I snuck into the 2026 Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. You’re the best. Cheers.

Now what kept me from favoring you all with my authentic presence?

Ahhh … Two restorative weeks in the wonder that is Costa Rica. Pura Vida.

I like to think Erma would approve.

As for EBWW 2028? Rest assured, I’m warming up my registration fingers.