There is nothing like going somewhere special, then coming home and seeing the hundreds of blogs or columns written about it. Reliving and savoring the memories with each word. I went hunting for the words that spoke of a weekend workshop I attended, I agree with what they say, and more… here is my look on the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop held April 15-17 2010.
These kind of things don’t just happen when they officially begin. The excitement and action starts the very moment you decide to go.
This was my first writers workshop. I chose this one because of my love for Erma’s work, but I had found it quite by accident while surfing the web. Was it an accident? I am new to calling myself a writer, so I hemmed and hawed until there were only around 50 spots left. I am still wondering if it was a twitch or if I actually meant to submit my credit card information.
There is no point of reference for me to compare it to, and I fear now that other workshops and conferences have a lot to live up to. I was not even sure I should be there… I needed to convince myself that I should be there, since there was a no cancel or return policy… once I hit that submit button it was a done deal. I kept thinking… What Have I Done.
We flew into Dayton International Airport on a Continental Express out of Newark. I love sitting in the back seats, more often than not I get to stretch out my legs and put my purse on the seat next to me. Seat belt fastened, waiting for take off, the Captain comes on the P.A. “Would someone kindly agree to change seats, we need someone to move to the back of the plane.” My husband looks at me and we both get big eyed – Twilight Zone Movie flashbacks surface- and then we laugh, what else can you do when the plane you chose is nose heavy – we say its the Early curse, cross our fingers, and make plane crash jokes. The flight attendant continued to repeat the captains request until a generous sized man move to the seat in front of me. Whew!
Sweat starts to roll down my back as the plane lurches and takes off, and the thought that maybe I should not have lost those 10lbs before the trip sneaks in with my fear. All in all the trip was beautiful, the landing smooth and the flight home was not front heavy but full.
When I walked into the Marriott the crowd was already large, with name tag bouncing from a chain clutched in my hand, the voices roaring over each other I walk into the crowd with my own voice screaming in my head, Oh my gosh, what am I doing. I am there alone, unsure, and equally afraid of people. I sat down next to a pleasant woman, the only available seat and just started chatting like I knew what I was talking about. I think I scared her… she kept saying something about her friend is showing up soon, and scooting to the other side of her chair. That’s alright I thought, I don’t like everybody I meet either. So I focused my attention on the lovely woman across from me. Her book is about to be published she was saying… Her tag said she was Crystal Allen. She is a writer. How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won A Bubba-Sized Trophy will be available March 2011. 
She did not try to run when I spoke up. She was stuck with me now…
Once we got to the campus I followed the bulk of the crowd to the main hall we were to meet in. I was afraid I would get lost.
I was concerned about finding my way around, but there were signs everywhere with bright red arrows pointing the way. Not to forget to mention the hundreds of people holding tight to their Erma bags looking happy and eager with each step.
The sessions I chose were great. The speakers were fantastic. The ones I could not attend I look forward to listening to on mp3′s. I was learning a lot about not only writing mechanics, but how to be around writing. I found how important it is to gather with others and talk about writing. I did not know just how much I needed that until I had it before me. It is a simple idea, discussing your work with others who do the same. For a while there I thought everybody’s eyes turned white like my husbands when discussing writing. So I was enlightened with pupils of many colors.
What can I say about the food that would do it justice. It was good, I loved it, makes feel guilty that I do not eat more salads here at home. I even took this picture to share with you. Oh it was delicious.
I would like to return to the next Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop in 2012. It will be grand I know. But I won’t be walking in with the same eyes. There is nothing like a first time experience and I think I got a great start. Thanks to everyone involved for the time and efforts they offered, I had one of the most rewarding times of my life.
One last thought. I was heading back to the airport for the express flight home. I took this picture.
From this angle of the Dayton Daily News, it gives me the idea that this writing thing is going to be a uphill battle, but thanks to all the work Erma did, this one is worth the effort.
