Bedside Table Books

So I’m back from Camp Erma much inspired and having learned a great deal – therefore  it was a success in my books. (punny, huh?)  I attended sessions ranging in topics from Paths to Publication to The Three H’s: Humour, Heartbreak, and Honesty. The speakers were exceptional and it was wonderful meeting them in person and jotting down the titles of their works in order to read more by them.  I’m a bit concerned that the list may take  more than a year to read through and is likely to distract me from their universally emphatic message which was if you are a writer then you’d best sit your beloved bottom in the chair and just write!

Here is a selection of the faculty’s work:

Craig Wilson–  (writes The Final Word column in USA Today) It’s The Little Things: An Appreciation of Life’s Simple Pleasures

Katrina Kittle – Traveling Light, Two Truths and a Lie, The Kindness of Strangers and coming soon, The Blessings of the Animals (will feature more on Katrina and her books in future posts)

Wade Rouse – America’s Boy, Confessions of a Prep School Mommy Handler, and At Least in the City Someone Would Hear me Scream (just plain wonderful ability to blend funny with poignant)

Gail Collins – (columnist with The New York Times) When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 ot the Present Wonderful sense of humour as she discusses quite serious topics.

Steve Dooce –  (Fox News morning news show host) Tales from the Dad Side

Christian Lander –  Stuff White People Like  ( a fellow Canadian and a great surprise – look forward to more from him) Book developed from his blog.

W. Bruce Cameron – 8 Simple Rules for Dating my Teenage Daughter and being released shortly, A Dog’s Purpose

Loretta LaRoche – Life is Short, Wear Your Party Pants  (this is a favourite I’ve already shared with several friends)

Erma’s three children were in attendance with their families and spoke informally and formally, lending an interesting perspective to her life and success.  University of Dayton adores its most famous alum and besides creating a lovely monument to her, have named a street in her honour.  My fellow attendees have provided me with entertaining writing prompts for years to come!