Apply for an Unforgettable Writer's Residency Experience at the Erma Bombeck Humorist Program

Embrace Your Inner Comedian: The Erma Bombeck Humorist Program

The University of Dayton is rolling out a unique opportunity for aspiring humor writers through its esteemed Erma Bombeck Humorist-in-Residence Program. Imagine finding yourself in a cozy hotel room, dedicated solely to transforming your half-baked ideas into a riotous masterpiece. With the program emphasizing the importance of humor, it's time to grab your bathrobe and get ready to write funny and order pancakes – all while relaxing in comfort.

Designed for humor enthusiasts, this program provides talented writers with the chance to escape normal life and focus on their creative pursuits. The residency, nicknamed A Hotel Room of One's Own, offers two grand prize winners two entire weeks at the University of Dayton Marriott, which includes housekeeping, room service, a delightful breakfast buffet, and yes, a plush, custom-embroidered bathrobe. Who wouldn’t want to make an entire book proposal from the comfort of a bathrobe?

The latest call for applications started on September 2 and will close on October 6, 2025. Judging will be conducted anonymously by a panel of notable writers, including W. Bruce Cameron, a bestselling humorist known for A Dog's Purpose, and Wendy Liebman, a prominent stand-up comic. They will sift through submissions to select the most entertaining proposals among a myriad of applications.

But what does winning actually mean? Apart from luxury accommodations, winners will benefit from uninterrupted writing time that many have deemed the most significant reward. Alongside the all-expenses-paid residency, participants will receive complimentary registration for the upcoming Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop from March 26 to 28, 2026.

Not only the winners but also finalists and honorable mentions will walk away with cash prizes of $250 and $100, ensuring that everyone has something to cherish for their efforts.

The application process is straightforward to encourage all budding humor writers to participate. To enter, candidates must submit a brief description of themselves along with a snapshot of their writing project, and include a writing sample of up to 1,250 words. The catch? At least 47% of this piece must be genuinely funny! There is a $30 application fee involved, but considering the grandeur of the program, it's a minor investment for breakthrough creativity.

According to Teri Rizvi, the founder of the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, “If your creative muse tends to show up in a bathrobe – this could be your moment.” This sentiment is echoed by the feedback received, noting that the residency has grown into perhaps one of the finest writer's residencies in the United States. It has garnered a reputation so distinguished that Forbes has dubbed it as possibly the best writing residency in the nation.

Whether you’re working on a novel, comedy essays, sitcom scripts, or any humorous project, the Erma Bombeck Humorist Program welcomes writers from all backgrounds and comedic voices. Emerging writers are especially encouraged to put their talents to the test and showcase their unique perspectives.

So, seize this golden chance to disconnect from everyday distractions, revel in your creativity, and take your writing to the next level. The winners will be announced in November, so there’s still time to polish your funniest work!

For more details, FAQs, and to submit your application, visit the official website of the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Don't let this opportunity slide away – your dream of cocooning in a hotel room, clad in a bathrobe, may just lead to your most impactful piece yet!