What happens when 350 people, predominantly women, truck in from all across the U.S. to spend three full days laughing (and a little crying), eating (mostly desserts), and baring their souls to each other?
Magic. In a place called Dayton. That’s not a punchline.
Last week, the tribe of Erma gathered once again for the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. This is a bi-annual event and we had not been summoned since 2014. That’s a long time for tribe members to be out in the world without their safety net. The nice thing is that it’s a big net, and it’s strong enough to hold everyone.
Why am I sharing this? Because for those of us hanging out here in the middle-aged cheap seats, sometimes it feels a little lonely and the bleachers look a bit empty. A gathering such as the one last weekend reminds midlifers that we are not invisible; what we have to say has meaning, purpose, and validity (and that we can still party like rock stars).
Image provided courtesy of Flickr Commons, no known copyright restrictions, https://goo.gl/qdIIVO
This event was not all hugs and kisses and tequila shots. The conference was jam-packed with workshops, speakers, and keynotes. We began each day at 8 a.m. (I know, right?!) and the evening activities—dinners, speakers, book sales, and did I mention tequila shots?—often extended to way past this midlife gal’s bedtime.
In the conference sessions I attended, I could not scribble fast enough to capture all the writing, publishing, and comedy gold that was shared. However, I did manage to grab a nugget or two that I frantically scrawled in my workshop notebook. Here are a few gems:
Image provided courtesy of Gratisography, http://gratisography.com/
Kathy Kinney, famously known for her portrayal of Mimi on The Drew Carey Show, is also a wonderful writer. I’ve just started reading Queen of Your Own Life (which Kinney co-wrote with her best friend of over 30 years Cindy Ratzlaff) and I’m loving their wit and wisdom.
Jenny Lawson is a NYT best-selling author and talented blogger at The Bloggess. Her latest book is entitled Furiously Happy.
Image provided courtesy of Gratisography, http://gratisography.com/
Wendy Liebman, a gifted comedian (she’s been featured on HBO, Showtime, and Comedy Central), coached the brave Erma women (and a few men too) who performed stand-up the last night of the conference. This, in addition to her work as a presenter and panelist. Clearly a true believer in giving back to the community. New fangirl here.
It was a crazy thrill to listen to Alan Zweibel discuss the ups and downs of his amazing career. He was genuine, funny, and truly insightful. I also loved this quote from him regarding the writing process: “Working with a writing partner can be like having a deranged pen pal.”
Image provided courtesy of MorgueFile, http://mrg.bz/hWeLKU
Leighann Lord brought down the house with her delivery of the final night’s keynote. Standing ovation type of stuff. I highly recommend checking out her syndicated humor column The Urban Erma.
Brian Klems is one of my favorite folks to follow on Twitter–@BrianKlems. He dishes writing wisdom every day. Also check out his book Oh Boy, You’re Having a Girl.
Image provided courtesy of Gratisography, http://gratisography.com/
Gina Barreca’s new book If You Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down Your Blouse? was released just last week by St. Martin’s Press. Barreca delivers the battle cry for loud smart women everywhere.
From a conference rich in information and insights, my biggest takeaway by far was this: finding your tribe is life-affirming and feeds your soul. You can quote me on that.
Have you found your tribe? Is your mid-life tribe different from your tribe of younger years?
Cheers,
Kimba
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother says
April 17, 2016 at 4:48 pmI loved every second of the ERMA conference and feel honored that I was there to witness Parri take her first shot of tequila! So much fun and knowledge and sharing. Thrilled to finally meet you, Kim. We definitely need to get together when you are in Florida again!
Kim Dalferes says
April 21, 2016 at 7:41 pmMarcia, we are now tequila sisters for life! Promise to let you know next time I’m in your ‘hood.
Joyce Hansen says
April 13, 2016 at 12:48 pmI can only imagine how much you laughed. I truly missed Erma, but it’s great so many of you are filling the void.
Kimba says
April 13, 2016 at 3:00 pmThere are SO many funny women writers out there to discover, especially those sitting in the middle-aged cheap seats. EBWW helped me discover some new women of the tribe.
Roslyn Tanner Evans says
April 9, 2016 at 9:59 amI follow your facebook page so I can count on a laugh every now & then & when I read this, thought- much more fun conference than anything I’ve been to. No, I haven’t found my tribe & I’m not a writer, nor am I funny, but I really like people who are both.
So, for starters, I’m going to be using the memes you posted. I recently scheduled ones a bit different from my day posts during that lull in the middle of the night for any FB fans who awaken to check their feed. It has been interesting. Yours will show up during the week of April 19. The coincidence is we have used quite a few of the ame graphics with different quotes. Tx
Kimba says
April 13, 2016 at 3:08 pmThx Roz! It does my heart good that I make you smile every so often with the FB posts. I so look forward to your sharing the memes during the week of the 19th. The EBWW is indeed very unique, not your standard conference to be sure.
Sarit says
April 9, 2016 at 7:44 amGreat images 🙂 great quotes and great tribe to belong to.
You inspired me!
Kimba says
April 13, 2016 at 3:14 pmThx Sarit. It is a great tribe, I am lucky to have found so many funny women to hang with.
Millen says
April 8, 2016 at 4:11 pmLove your sharing, Kim! It looks like you found a wonderful tribe and enjoyed your experience with this talented and fun-loving group. Love your images and quotations!
Kimba says
April 13, 2016 at 3:21 pmI did have a blast at the conference. But I think it’s a good idea that it only occurs every other year – I need the recovery time!
Sue Kearney (@MagnoliasWest) says
April 8, 2016 at 2:42 pmWow, Kim, what a glorious gathering! I would go to one of these.
Thanks for sharing these inspiring (and funny) quotes.
Kimba says
April 13, 2016 at 3:30 pmSue I KNOW you would love to attend EBWW. Maybe you can join in the fun in 2018?
Marquita Herald says
April 8, 2016 at 12:40 pmTerrific images and quotations, and it sounds like a terrific experience Kimba. It sounds like a great “tribe” to belong to! I used to go to conferences at least a couple of times a year but it’s been awhile, and reading your post reminds me it’s time to get out there once again.
Kimba says
April 13, 2016 at 3:36 pmOh, please find a conference in your part of the world where I can come hang out with you!
Lisa Beach says
April 8, 2016 at 11:35 amSounds like a great conference, Kim! Thanks for the recap and highlights. Hope to make it in 2018.
Kimba says
April 13, 2016 at 3:42 pmYAY – I hope you do attend in 2018 Lisa. I promise you will love EBWW.