The Funny Convention

Written by Jen Friday, 23 April 2010 01:06

Blog

Two years is a long time to wait for a good laugh and a big piece of cake. Ok, I got a whole lot more than that from last week's Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop at the University of Dayton, dubbed "The Funny Convention" by my family. Three days packed full of information and a new outlook on what I want to do when I grow up made the adventure well worth it. Here's just a bit of what I took away:

1. Humor is underrated. Want to feel good? Meet writers who see themselves as the biggest joke. Trust me, they don't get paid enough.

2. It is perfectly appropriate to eat seven killer desserts in three days. Laughing keeps the calories from multiplying. (And even if this is a complete lie, is it really that important?)

3. Writing is a craft to be practiced and nurtured...and it takes WORK. Of course I knew this, but found it somehow cathartic to learn that I am not alone in being speechless when a cocktail party guest casually waves a hand and announces, "Oh, I thought I'd write a book someday." Yeah? And I thought I'd work on the space shuttle on my weekends.

4. I have no desire to write a book. I thought I did, or I thought I should. Quite frankly, I enjoy magazine work...and then there's that problematic attention thing. (Disclaimer: I reserve the right to amend this statement without explanation.)

5. Blogging is a big deal. Honestly, who would've thought that a word akin to "snogging" would be such a hit? But I get it. Finally. Social media in a variety of forms is the key to marketing your work. So read my blog and hire me already.

6. I can finally admit that I'm a writer. Getting paid to write should have been my first clue. Having the discipline to write when I'm absolutely uninspired is something I didn't know I had...or at least I didn't know it was anything all that unusual when you want that reward called The Check.

8. My husband is a really good guy for encouraging me to do what I love and for taking care of everything when I do, despite my nastiness when fighting a deadline. I should really be nicer to him.

So thanks to the organizers of the 2010 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, the many amazing writers I met and the speakers who shared their knowledge and their hearts. To my talented travelling companions who made it extra special, know that I'll be the first in line to sign your books someday.

Finally, thanks to the pastry chefs at the Dayton Marriott and the University of Dayton. I'll be back.