This is Erma Bombeck, writer, humorist, wife and mother extraordinaire (RIP). She's inspired many who dream to follow in her funny footsteps.
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She was my own first inspiration. I can't tell you how I became acquainted with her; whether it was with a book my mom owned, something from the library, or something entirely random. But oh, was I taken with her insight, her honesty, and her sense of humor.
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It was writing like hers I first tried to emulate, back when I began taking the craft seriously. I was a young married mom, looking for a creative outlet. And I wanted to pen casual essays and personal anecdotes, much like any found in her famous titles: If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?; Family - The Ties That Bind... and Gag!; The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank. Those books are where I got my fledgling start, tested the writing waters. My first paid and published essay was in the vein of her kind of writing.
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Now, years later, several women writers have banded together to form An Army of Ermas. And I'm one of 'em!
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Visit our new blog, linked above, to see what we're about. Please read my debut post, Gimme a Break (up today!), and leave a comment if so inclined. It's a different side to my writing, so different from my women's fiction, and I'd love your thoughts.
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Three cheers for (and many thanks to) Erma!
*photo from Erma's website
34 comments:
Very creative--I'll have to go read your entry over there.
Congrats to you for doing this! Another way to be creative:)
I think we all get started writing in the vein of an author whose writing we love! I'll go check out your post! :)
I've always loved Erma Bombeck. My mom used to read her all the time. I'm heading over to check out the new blog!
Will check it out! :O)
Kudos to you for expanding your writing horizons ... I always loved Erma Bombeck, she definitely captured her life in words.
Headed over.
Janna, you are amazing. And so was Erma...
Blessings to you in this new endeavor.
Your friend,
Patti
I can't wait to read some of your work. Your enthusiasm has piqued my interest.
I loved her so much. We DO need more women like her.
Oh don't worry about eating those blooms. I've taught edible flower cookery for years. You just need to know what NOT to eat. Salads used to be made of about 30 different ingredients.
Love this post,
Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island
Cool! I'm excited to look through that new blog. I love the idea.
what fun. i love Erma. haven't read her for years. maybe it's time to pick up one of her books and laugh.
I have always loved Erma Bombeck. I am so glad that you and the other writers are honoring her in this way. Kay Guest
This is interesting. I've heard of Erma before, but I haven't read any of her stuff. I suppose, since I've joined the army too, I should actually read her work! *Goes to Amazon to add a book to her cart*
Hi Janna -
Loved Erma Bombeck's books! I'll pop over and see your new blog. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Totally have to go check this out RIGHT NOW because I'm a huge fan of Erma. I was introduced to her books when I owned a bookstore years ago...and a bunch of them came in used. They caught my eye and I got hooked. Love her humor!!! Probably where I learned to be so snarky!! LOL!
Do we need a link to Gimme a Break, Janna?
All you need to do, Tom, is follow the link for An Army of Ermas.
Thanks - I worked it out as soon as I had pressed 'submit'... oh well, I'm there now.
Very well! :)
I LOVE Erma! I used to save my money and buy her paperbacks. I need to go back as re-read them . They've given me some of the best laughs. Huge congrats to you.
Sounds fun, Janna! I'll be sure to check it out. :-)
My Mom always loved Erma!
Well, I'll just have to hop on over and visit with The Military! Congratulations on your new endeavor!
That blog wouldn't let me leave a comment, so I'm doing it here!
at was SO good and SO true to life!!
That is exactly how I feel after time spent with The Capri's! The Family always manages and they appreciate me so much more.
Love the name. So cute. :) Heading over now to check it out.
Cool! I'll go check it out. :)
I love Erma and am thrilled she lives on in this way. I'm off to check out the new blog.
I loved your piece at Army of Ermas. It wouldn't let me leave my comment. Erma would be so proud!
That's awesome! I loved Erma's wit and take on life. I'm going to check it out.
Hi Janna. I couldn't leave a comment on your story.
Here is my comment: "Wonderful Janna! I was laughing and smiling throughout this piece. Love the fun:)"
Your new blog sounds very exciting! I will be checking it out:)
I love Erma! How cool! I totally need to check it out. :)
Janna, I am so proud to be your friend. You are amazing, you know that? Congratulations!!! And I cannot wait to visit with you there. Love and hugs to you!
I loved Erma's books. She spoke the language of homemakers everywhere and made our frustrations and tribulations a source of laughter.
My own inspiration came from Marjorie Holmes' writing but I haven't thought of her in a long time. Thanks for this reminder of our "roots"... I think I'll have to go dig up one of her books, but not until after I check out your new blog. :)
I've been over to the other site but couldn't leave a comment. The word recognition comes up but the bottom part is cut off so there is nowhere to record the word???
Anyway, what I wanted to say there was, "Wonderful tale, Janna. It reminded me of how important those sanity breaks were."
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