It's Official: I'm a Top Ten Finalist in the 2014 Erma Bombeck Writing Competition

Although I learned about my Erma Bombeck contest finish days ago from a friend on Facebook, I've been waiting for confirmation before posting this announcement on my blog.

Late yesterday afternoon I received official e-mail notification from Debe Dockins, with the Community Relations Department of the Washington-Centerville Public Library.

I'm thrilled to announce that my essay, "Remembering Miss Tobin," was a top-ten finalist in the 2014 Erma Bombeck Global - Human Interest Category.

The Erma Bombeck Writing Competition is hosted every two years by the University of Dayton and the Washington-Centerville Public Library in Centerville, Ohio, "where Erma wrote the books and columns that launched her national fame."

According to the Humor Writers Organization website, The 2014 Erma Bombeck Writing Competition attracted 853 entries from 48 states and 13 countries. (Note: That is total entries; I don't know how many were in the category I entered.)

Included in my e-mail notification were judges' comments and suggestions. Because most of my blog visitors are writers who want to improve their craft, I thought I'd share excerpts of the judges' comments here:

One judge remarked that "This is a wonderful human interest story, written with a strong clear voice. It needs a bit of the subtle humor that Erma would have brought to this story . . ."

Another commented my piece was ". . . a celebration of youth and decency and strength. I like the detail, the warmth and the soul here, so, so tender. . . ."

I'm grateful to the Washington-Centerville Public Library and the University of Dayton for keeping the memory and accomplishments of Erma alive through the competition and workshop. 

I'm also grateful to the judges, not only because they found merit in my essay, but also for taking time to give such thoughtful and encouraging feedback.

Most of all, I'm grateful to the late Erma Bombeck for sharing her wit, wisdom, and heart-warming stories with millions of readers -- and for continuing to inspire writers like me.