Erma Bombeck Writing Competition Call for Entries

Writers around the world are encouraged to capture the spirit of famed Dayton columnist Erma Bombeck by submitting an entry in the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition, sponsored by Washington-Centerville Public Library in conjunction with the University of Dayton. The contest, now held every two years, was established in 1997 and pays tribute to hometown writer Erma Bombeck, one of the greatest humorists of the 20th Century. The contest opens for online entries ($15 entry fee) at 8 AM (EST) Tuesday, January 3, 2012, and closes at 7:30 AM (EST) Tuesday, February 14, 2012. Entries should be 450 words or fewer and cannot be published (either print or online) more than once in the calendar year 2011 (personal blog posts are allowed).
One Dayton, Ohio-area winner and one global winner will be awarded a $500 prize in each of two categories – “Humor” and “Human Interest” for a total of four prizes. One entry per person will be accepted and there is no age restriction. All winning essays will be published on the library’s website,
as well as in the Dayton Daily News. The top prize will also include a free registration to the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop to be held April 19-21, 2012 (value of $375), at the University of Dayton. The panel of judges includes authors, syndicated columnists, and experienced writers and some entries will receive feedback. Winners will be announced in mid-March with a Celebration event set for April 18, 7 PM, at Centerville Library featuring syndicated columnist and author Tracy Beckerman.