Erma Bombeck Writing Competition

The Erma Bombeck Writing Competition begins January 3, 2012 and ends at 7:30 AM, EST, February 14, 2012, so don't procrastinate. 

Here are some facts about the competition:

• The competition is held every two years.
• It is open to almost everyone in the world.
• It is sponsored by the Washington Centerville Public Library and the University of Dayton (Ohio).
• There are four categories: Humor (Global and Local) and Human Interest (Global and Local)
• There is a $500 prize for the winner in each category.
• There's a $15 entry fee.
• In 2010 there were only 651 entries.

For official information on eligibility, rules, and entering, check out the competition page at the Washington Centerville Public Library website.

Here are 5 facts about Ohio native Erma Bombeck:

• She was funny.
• As an American humorist, Erma Bombeck wrote nationally syndicated newspaper columns, magazine articles, and 15 books about suburban home life.
• She was a TV personality, contributing regularly to ABC's Good Morning America as well as being a popular guest on many talk shows.
• She was criticized by conservatives for her vocal support of the Equal Rights Amendment for Women.
• She was married and had 3 children, 1 girl and 2 boys.

Here are 10 quotes attributed to Erma Bombeck:

• There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.
• The only reason I would take up jogging is so I could hear heavy breathing again.
• Seize the moment. Think of all those women on the 'Titanic' who waved off the dessert cart.
• A child needs your love more when he deserves it least.
• There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.
• It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.
• Housework can kill you if done right.
• When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they're finished, I climb out.
• Marriage has no guarantees. If that's what you're looking for, go live with a car battery.
• When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'