# data[].attributes.body
Vine Leaves Press emails a daily 50 word blip

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I love you so much, even my socks want to be near you. Martha Engber

# data[].attributes.body
A video tutorial on how to navigate this Padlet Page

# data[].attributes.body
Alternating Wednesdays, 9/10, 9/24, 10/15, 10/29, and 11/12, 6:00-9:00 PM PT, on ZOOM: https://tinyurl.com/Inlandia-Gurley

In this multi-genre workshop, participants submit poetry and prose for biweekly critiques and receive feedback from other group members. Discussions include the craft of writing and the challenges writers face. The workshop leader provides biweekly articles and links related to participants’ work, particularly to problems that were discussed in the previous session

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fall 2022 Creative Writing Workshops Begin September 6! Register today: https://tinyurl.com/Fall2022CWW Starting September 6, Inlandia will be offering more writing workshops than ever before! Explore poetry, prose, nonfiction, and memoir. Learn to appreciate Black art or discover the deliciousness of writing about food. Classes will be offered in writing for children and young adults, and [...]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fall 2022 Creative Writing Workshops Begin September 6! Register today: https://tinyurl.com/Fall2022CWW Starting September 6, Inlandia will be offering more writing workshops than ever before! Explore poetry, prose, nonfiction, and memoir. Learn to appreciate Black art or discover the deliciousness of writing about food. Classes will be offered in writing for children and young adults, and [...]

# data[].attributes.headline
✍️ Writing Prompt: Edit, Edit, Edit with The Things They Carried

# data[].attributes.subject
✍️ Writing Prompt: Edit, Edit, Edit with The Things They Carried

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
✍️ Writing Prompt: Edit, Edit, Edit with The Things They Carried

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Workshop and Other Events

In addition to the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, we host several other events and competitions. Learn more about what we have to offer, read through our workshop FAQ and contact us if you have additional questions.

About the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop

The Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop has been dubbed the "Woodstock of Humor." Another writer describes it as a "utopia" for writers - one "that only appears every other year, out of the mist, on the edge of the Great Miami River in Dayton, Ohio (like Brigadoon)."

We also offer virtual programs, host competitions and provide awards to writers with financial need - all in the spirit of helping aspiring and established writers improve their craft.

Our mission is simple: to encourage and inspire writers in the same way Erma Bombeck found encouragement and inspiration at the University of Dayton.

Our mantra is timeless: "You can write!"

The University of Dayton held the first workshop in 2000 as a one-time event to commemorate the Bombeck family's gift of Erma's papers to her alma mater. Erma's famous friends - columnist Art Buchwald, "Family Circus" cartoonist Bil Keane and author and ERA advocate Liz Carpenter - headlined the event. The workshop was so successful - and so much fun - that the University of Dayton decided to continue it, reconvening every other year.

The three-day event has grown immensely popular with writers across the nation and sells out quickly. Inspired by Erma's humor and humanity, writers gather to laugh and learn from the likes of Dave Barry, Anna Quindlen, Phil Donahue, Cathy Guisewite, Art Buchwald, Nancy Cartwright, Don Novello, Gail Collins, Connie Schultz, Roy Blount Jr., Mike and Peggy Rowe, Lisa Scottoline, Liza Donnelly, Amy Ephron, Laraine Newman and Alan Zweibel, among other celebrated writers and cartoonists.

It is the only conference in the country devoted to both humor and human interest writing. Through the workshop, the University of Dayton and the Bombeck family honor one of America's most celebrated storytellers and humorists. In 2019, The Writer magazine named it the best writing conference in Ohio and "THE conference for humor writers."

Workshop FAQ

We survey attendees after each workshop, and here are some of their recent comments:

"I was so energized and inspired while I was there that I was absolutely buzzing and dying to get my ideas out and onto paper."

"I thought the staff and volunteers did an absolutely smashing job delivering incredibly high-quality content and experience for the money."

This was my first Erma and it was WONDERFUL! It's clearly a well-oiled machine with top-notch speakers and lovely attendees. I would attend again in a heartbeat."

"Thank you for a well-planned, informative, full workshop. It ran so smoothly and had so many opportunities to learn and connect. This is easily one of the best writing conferences in the USA."

"I loved everything about this workshop. I learned. I laughed. I made connections. I was inspired. I was made to feel like a writer, even though this was my first time and I haven't published a book - yet."

"Thank you for all the time, effort and love that goes into this workshop. Erma would be proud of all of us. I'm glad her legacy lives on."

"You have created something truly unique and special - a gathering of like-minded people who want to do good in the world. Don't change a thing."

"It's good to be around like-minded, insane people."

"I've come away from Erma with a heart filled with joy, a mind filled with knowledge, incredible new friends and more inspiration than I thought possible and for that you have my undying gratitude."

"The cake, as always, was excellent."

I've attended plenty of retreats, conferences and workshops, and I usually feel a high after each one, but the high I feel after the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop is next-level. I feel like my brain is in a vortex, but it is a magical, life-affirming one.

The fact that you were surrounded for three days by nothing but supportive, positive vibes while amidst greatness among the keynote speakers and presenters was unbelievable.

There's a magic to this conference. It's the perfect balance of entertainment, education and networking.

The best part about the weekend is experiencing the Erma family feel, and getting to chat with the fabulous speakers and presenters.

(The workshop) is the most fun one can have as an adult.

There was an underlying feeling of positivity, joy, gratefulness and love throughout the whole event.

I love that the conference included sessions for writers of all kinds - fiction, memoir, screenwriting, oral storytelling, podcasting, stand-up and even song writing. I love that it covered the craft as well as the business side of things - getting published, finding an agent, marketing. The entertainment was stellar, the keynotes were excellent and the stand-up night was hysterical. Most of all, the supportive environment was amazing - that "Erma magic" was back in full force. ...The joy was palpable.

It was the BEST WORKSHOP EVER. The hospitality is spot on, everyone was so nice and friendly, and I feel as if I've spent the weekend with the most talented humorists in the country.

I've been writing for years. These few days changed my whole approach to this craft I so love. It is Monday evening and the only thing I've unpacked from my car is my computer. I've been sitting here pouring onto the page everything I learned from these experienced and skilled writers.

I will definitely come again - this was by FAR the best writers' event I have ever been to. WOW!

You can signal your interest by filling out a form that will be sent to all attendees of the in-person workshop.

In the first of several opportunities, a portion of those who want to perform at the close of the workshop will be chosen randomly to audition at "Erma's Got Talent: The Stand-Up Auditions," a virtual event. The winner and runners up will automatically be part of the Saturday night show. A dozen more will be chosen randomly after "Erma's Got Talent" and informed via email. The evening's host will select three more from a Stand-Up Comedy Boot Camp during the workshop. In all, the show will include 18 performers.

For the in-person workshop, registrations are 75 percent refundable with no cancellations after March 1, 2026. To request a cancellation, please email erma@udayton.edu.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Workshop and Events : University of Dayton, Ohio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In addition to the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, we host several other events and competitions.

# data[].attributes.body
Cedar Tree, Inc. transforms lives through reading and writing. We conduct literary workshops in prisons, detention centers, community centers, and schools for at-risk youth. Our mission is to offer under-served communities the tools to overcome obstacles to learning. Drawing on participants' life-based experiences, Cedar Tree, Inc. workshops change lives forever.

​

Cedar Tree, Inc., founded in 2004 by renowned, award-winning author Jimmy Santiago Baca, is an organization dedicated to transforming lives through writing and literature.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

Cedar Tree, Inc. transforms lives through reading and writing. We conduct literary workshops in prisons, detention centers, community centers, and schools for at-risk youth. Our mission is to offer under-served communities the tools to overcome obstacles to learning. Drawing on participants' life-based experiences, Cedar Tree, Inc. workshops change lives forever.

​

Cedar Tree, Inc., founded in 2004 by renowned, award-winning author Jimmy Santiago Baca, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through writing and literature.

"Cedar Tree came about when my wife and I were hiking in the forest one day and a gusher thunderstorm came out of nowhere, lightning and thunder and downpours. We found refuge under a cedar tree."
- Jimmy Santiago Baca

​

The mission of Cedar Tree is to improve the human condition; to advance knowledge through compassion and literacy, through excellence in learning, discovery and engagement; and to serve as diverse a community as we can, adolescents on the edge and incarcerated children and adults.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization Cedar Tree, Inc. transforms lives through reading and writing. We conduct literary workshops in prisons, detention centers, community centers, and schools for at-risk youth. Our mission is to offer under-served communities the tools to overcome obstacles to learning. Drawing on participants' life-based experiences, Cedar Tree, Inc.

# data[].attributes.body
WOW! Women on Writing hosts two quarterly contests: one for fiction writers and one for nonfiction writers. We’ve hosted the flash fiction contest since 2006, and the essay contest since 2017. We look forward to reading your work! Includes a FLASH CONTEST

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
WOW! Women on Writing hosts two quarterly contests: one for fiction writers and one for nonfiction writers. We've hosted the flash fiction contest since 2006, and the essay contest since 2017. We look forward to reading your work!

Click on the links below to jump to:
Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest Quarterly Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest
--------------------

FALL 2025 FLASH FICTION CONTEST
OVERVIEW:
WOW! hosts a (quarterly) writing contest every three months, and has done so since 2006. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, great writing, and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants. The WOW Contest has awarded over $145,000 in cash to writers since its inception. The contest is open globally; age is of no matter; and entries must be in English. We are open to all styles and genres of flash fiction, although we do encourage you to take a close look at our guest judge for the season (upper right hand corner) if you are serious about winning. Please make sure to download our Contest Terms & Conditions PDF below for complete guidelines. Get creative, and let's have some fun! Remember, we have limited entries, so enter early to ensure your spot. We look forward to reading your work!
Maximum: 750

Minimum: 250
The title is not to be counted in your word count. We use MS Word's word count to determine the submitted entry's word count.

OPEN PROMPT!

That's right, this is your chance to shine, and get creative. You can write about anything, as long as it's within the word count and fiction. If you're feeling inspired, write something new, or dig out those stories you started way back when and tailor them to the word count.

We're open to any style and genre. So, get creative, and most of all, have fun.
Click to Download the FALL 2025 FLASH FICTION Contest Terms & Conditions PDF
CONTEST DEADLINES:

FALL: September - November 30th 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) - NOW OPEN!

WINTER: December - February 28th, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) - CLOSED

SPRING: March - May 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) - CLOSED

SUMMER: June - August 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) - CLOSED

This is not a reading fee. Entry fees are used to award our 20 winners as well as administrative costs.

We are limiting the number of entries to a maximum of 300 stories. Please enter early to ensure inclusion. If we reach 300 entries, we will disable the PayPal buttons.

Buy Entry Only: $10.00

ADDITIONAL OPTION: Due to popular demand, we now have two options for your entry. For an additional $10.00 you can purchase a critique of your contest entry.

Upon the close of our contest, and after the winners are announced, you will receive a critique from one of our round table judges on three categories:

You will be provided with your scores (1-5) in each category, and personal editorial feedback as well. There's also an additional category that does not get scored: Overview. That is the general impression your story had on the reader. Please be patient upon the close of our contest and allow time for our editors to thoroughly critique your piece. We send out critiques after finalists are announced.

PRIZES: 20 WINNERS TOTAL!
FIRST PLACE: SECOND PLACE: THIRD PLACE: 7 RUNNERS UP: 10 HONORABLE MENTIONS:

$20 Amazon Gift Certificate

Name, state, and title entry published on WOW! Women on Writing

Click to Download the FALL 2025 FLASH FICTION Contest Terms & Conditions PDF

Please read the contest terms & conditions in full before submitting your entry. Please make sure you read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) before sending us an email.

Note: Previous winners who placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd ARE allowed to reenter this season. Also, if you placed as a runner up or honorable mention previously, you may enter again. Basically, everyone is welcome to enter!

Best of luck!

FICTION CONTEST JUDGING UPDATES:

We run quarterly contests back to back. For contests that have closed, we post all judging updates here. Please check back and remember to do a hard refresh of your browser to see the newest updates. The ones below are for the fiction contest. If you have any questions, you are welcome to email us at contestinfo[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com. Thank you!

Summer 2025 Flash Fiction Contest Update 9/1/2025: The Summer 2025 Flash Fiction Contest (Entry dates: June 1 - August 31, 2025) is now closed and in first round judging. The first round is the most intensive round of judging and lasts 1 month and 1 week. Judging is conducted by 12+ judges. We expect to have a list of finalists on October 7 - 8, 2025. We will post a list of finalists here as well as send finalists further information on their judging schedule. At that time, we will also send back critiques to writers who purchased one. Thank you for your participation, and we wish you the best of luck in the first round! If you have any questions, please email us at contestinfo[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We post updates here, so please check back on this page (be sure to do a hard refresh of your browser). You can also sign up for our email newsletter or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram. Thank you for sharing your work with us, and we look forward to reading it. Write on!

--------------------

QUARTERLY CREATIVE NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST
OVERVIEW:
WOW! is proud to introduce our newest essay contest! The mission of this contest is to inspire creative nonfiction and provide well-rewarded recognition to contestants. The contest is open globally; age is of no matter; and entries must be in English. Your story must be true, but the way you tell it is your chance to get creative. We are open to all styles of essay-from personal essay to lyric essay to hybrid essay, and beyond! Please make sure you download our Contest Terms & Conditions PDF below for complete guidelines. Get creative and have fun! We look forward to reading your work!
Maximum: 1000

Minimum: 200
The title is not to be counted in your word count. We use MS Word's word count to determine the submitted entry's word count.

OPEN TOPIC!

You can write about any subject you want to explore, as long as it's within the word count and nonfiction. If you're feeling inspired, write something new, or dig out those essays you started way back when and tailor them to the word count.
Click to Download the CREATIVE NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST Terms & Conditions PDF
CONTEST DEADLINES:

Q1: August 1 - October 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) - NOW OPEN!

Q2: November 1 - January 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) - CLOSED

Q3: February 1 - April 30th, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) - CLOSED

Q4: May 1 - July 31st, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) - CLOSED

This is not a reading fee. Entry fees are used to award our winners as well as administrative costs.

We are limiting the number of entries to a maximum of 300 essays. Please enter early to ensure inclusion. If we reach 300 entries, we will disable the PayPal buttons.

Buy Entry Only: $12.00

ADDITIONAL OPTION: Due to popular demand, we now have two options for your entry. For an additional $13.00 you can purchase a critique of your contest entry. Highly recommended!

Upon the close of our contest, and after the winners are announced, you will receive a critique from one of our round table judges on three categories:

You will be provided with your scores (1-5) in each category, and personal editorial feedback as well. There's also an additional category that does not get scored: Overview. That is the general impression your story had on the reader. Please be patient upon the close of our contest and allow time for our editors to thoroughly critique your piece. We send out critiques after the contest winners are announced.

PRIZES!
FIRST PLACE: SECOND PLACE: THIRD PLACE: 7 RUNNERS UP: 10 HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Click to Download the CREATIVE NONFICTION ESSAY CONTEST Terms & Conditions PDF

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDF. Download the latest version at https://www.adobe.com

Please read the contest terms & conditions in full before submitting your entry. Please make sure you read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) before sending us an email.

Best of luck!

NONFICTION CONTEST JUDGING UPDATES:

We run quarterly contests back to back. For contests that have closed, we post all judging updates here. Please check back and remember to do a hard refresh of your browser to see the newest updates. The ones below are for the nonfiction contest. If you have any questions, you are welcome to email us at contestinfo[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com. Thank you!

Q4 2025 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest Update 8/1/2025: The Q4 CNF Essay Contest (Entry dates: May 1 - July 31, 2025) is now closed and in first round judging. The first round is the most intensive round of judging and lasts 1 month and 1 week. Judging is conducted by 12+ judges. We expect to have a list of finalists on September 7 - 8, 2025. We will post a list of finalists here as well as send finalists further information on their judging schedule. At that time, we will also send back critiques to writers who purchased one. Thank you for your participation, and we wish you the best of luck in the first round! If you have any questions, please email us at contestinfo[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We post updates here, so please check back on this page (be sure to do a hard refresh of your browser). You can also sign up for our email newsletter or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram. Thank you for sharing your work with us, and we look forward to reading it. Write on!

Q4 2025 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest Update 9/7/2025: Our judges have just completed First Round Judging for the Q4 CNF Essay Contest (Entry dates: May 1 - July 31, 2025). We have a list of essays that are moving on to the final round of judging, which you can see here: Q4 '25 CNF Essay Contest - Final Judging List - listed by title only to keep things anonymous during final judging. We just sent an email to finalists with the rest of their judging schedule. If you do not see your essay's title on this list, then unfortunately, it did not advance. Thank you for sharing your work with our readerss and judges. We had a full season and there were so many excellent essays entered this season. Final results will be published in October 2025, and we will send everyone a link to the results if you're subscribed, or you can check back here. Thanks again for participating this season. Write on!

Q4 2025 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest Update 9/7/2025: Critiques were sent back to writers who purchased a critique. If you purchased one for Q4 Nonfiction (Entry dates: May 1 - July 31, 2025) and did not receive yours back, please check your spam folder, and if it's not there, email us at contestinfo[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com and we will resend it from a personal email address. Thank you!

--------------------
QUOTES FROM CONTESTANTS:
"Thank you so much for my critique! Even though I didn't win there was much valuable information shared that I know will make my story so much better. I will definitely take the guest judge's suggestions to heart and rework my story to submit next time. This is the best critique I've ever received! Thank you for running such an organized contest and supporting women writers!"
- Stacey Ray, San Diego, California
"Please thank the editor who critiqued my story. She pointed out several consistency errors and one major plot point I never would've noticed. I got more out of this one critique than years at my writers group! It's a big help because I plan on expanding this story into a longer piece. This wasn't the first time entering your contest, but it was the first time receiving a critique. My advice to others will be to spend the extra ten dollars because it's worth it!"
- Vanessa Chen, Casa Grande, Arizona
"I want to say how much I love getting the feedbacks and how helpful and inspiring they are. I have sent plenty of flash your way and a few essays as well. I always choose the feedback option and it is always so kind, so spot on. I have used it to rewrite several of my stories that have then gone on to be listed or to win other competitions, which is always a thrill. There is always something to learn in this gig. It is so much harder than I ever imagined, so much more fun. I can't even recall how I found WOW, but I am a regular now and enjoy the blog as well as reading winning stories and essays each quarter. Thanks to the team who work hard to pull it all together."
- Jo S., Brisbane, Australia
"Thank you for such a fun, wonderful contest. I thoroughly enjoyed writing 3 flash fiction stories for entry into your summer contest. This was my first time writing flash fiction. It was also my first time seeing, and entering, your contest. One of the things I enjoyed about the WOW contest is the ability to obtain critiques on my writing. I purchased the critiques for all three of my entries, and must say the comments were clear, thoughtful and detailed. The criticisms, when offered, were on the mark. Kudos to all those who write the critiques, and balance positive remarks with suggestions to improve. I appreciated the comments - good and bad - and think they will help make me a better writer. Thank you for running such a wonderful, supportive contest!"
- Linda K., Clifton, Virginia
"I wanted to thank you for the gifts from my honourable mention, which arrived yesterday. I was 'tickled pink' by the thoughtfulness behind every gift.

On another note, I want to congratulate you for the wonderful job you do every day. When I enter your website, a feeling of grace, kindness, and generosity of spirit prevails. It is inspiring to feel those sentiments when all I've done is punch a few keys to order the fiber optics to display your site."
- Evelyn Marentette, Ontario, Canada
"This award, and being published on the WOW website, made it feel official; I really am a writer!... a special thanks to the staff and editors of WOW...and reading the past winners' stories is an excellent way to hone your own writing skills."
- Donna Wilkins, New Mexico
"Thank-you so much again for the services you are rendering by running this website, the contest and all that you do. You have to be the most encouraging people I have ever met!"
- Jane Johnson, Kansas
"Your contests help spur some of us writers who have our hands full with so many other things to make out time for our writing."

- Ubong-Abasi Johnathan, Ontario, Canada

"Your site is so supportive and warm hearted, I feel like I have found the sisters I never had! Your personal attention to every detail makes it so special that I think even the most astute writer would have a hard time putting my heartfelt gratitude into words. Thanks again for everything. You have given me more than you know."
- Dianne Greco, Port Jefferson, New York
"Thank you for having a challenging word length. I also love the way you communicate with your writers. You really appreciate the time and effort that everyone puts into their entries. It's a pleasure to read your emails and your website."
- Mandy Vicsai, Australia
"I just wanted to send a quick note to say, "thank you". I was one of the Honorable Mention Winners in the Flash Fiction Winter Contest and the goodies y'all sent me as a prize were so wonderful and thoughtful. When I opened the package, the care and consideration were obvious and it was tremendously appreciated."
- Kristen Lamb, Texas
** Visit the WOW! Women On Writing Blog to keep up with the latest in contestant interviews on Sundays and Tuesdays!

** Please subscribe to our email newsletter to keep up with the latest contest info from WOW!

Do you have a question about the contest? Send us an email and we'll get back to you asap:
contestinfo[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com. Please make sure that the question isn't already answered in the contest terms & conditions. Thank you!

Are you an author who would like to donate copies of your book or e-book as a prize to all twenty winners? Or a company interested in donating products to our winners? If you would like to donate a prize to this contest, and be featured on this page, please contact us at contestinfo[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com with your request. We accept books, subscriptions, gift certificates, and other products upon approval.

Would you like to sponsor a contest? Contact us at contestinfo[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
WOW! Women on Writing Contests: Flash Fiction and Creative Nonfiction Contest

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We have two writing contests! A Flash Fiction Contest and a Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest. WOW's Fall Flash Fiction Contest awards $1350 in cash prizes. Our guest judge is Literary Agent Gracie Freeman Lifschutz with DG&B. Deadline: November 30, 2025. Also, WOW's Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest with $1250 in cash prizes is open with a deadline of October 31, 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
We welcome essays from anyone with a health care story, from doctors and nurses, to patients, children, students, and others. The most successful submissions for Narrative Matters have four key components.

A compelling story. We want to meet fully fleshed out human beings and find out what happens to them. When there’s a patient in the piece, we don’t want to be handed just a group of medical facts. Who is this person? To put it another way: make us care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Narrative Matters Requirements | Help for Authors | Health Affairs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Writing for Narrative Matters. We welcome essays from anyone with a health care story, from doctors and nurses, to patients, children, students, and others. The most successful submissions for Narrative Matters have four key components.

# data[].attributes.headline
Inlandia Institute's 25 Fall All Genres Workshop Session Three Work Folder

# data[].attributes.subject
Inlandia Institute's 25 Fall All Genres Workshop Session Three Work Folder

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Inlandia Institute's 25 Fall All Genres Workshop Session Three Work Folder