Enter your story in Erma Bombeck competition

Erma Bombeck started her writing career as humbly as one could expect. Having graduated from high school in 1944, she went to work for the Dayton (Ohio) Journal-Herald as what was then called a copygirl.

Four decades later, after having earned a college degree, delivered two children and learned a thing or two about life, she was a columnist whose work was syndicated in newspapers across the country. In addition, she was the author of several books of humor and even a screenwriter.

When she died in 1996 at the age of 69, Bombeck had become one of the most popular humor writers in the country.

Her legacy lives on in the contest that bears her name, the Annual Erma Bombeck Writing Competition.

Sponsored by Dayton’s Washington-Centerville Public Library, in conjunction with the University of Dayton’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, the 10th annual edition of the contest is accepting entries.

The competition drew more 1,500 entries from 31 countries and 49 states (plus Washington, D.C.) last year.

Entries must be submitted using the online entry form: http://entryform.humorwriters.org. Deadline is Jan 22. There is no entry fee and no age restriction.

One Dayton, Ohio-area winner and one global winner will be awarded $100 cash prizes in each of two categories: “Humor” and “Human Interest.”

Guidelines also are available by calling the competition information line at (937) 435-7375, ext. 457.

Grant us the favor

One of the best lines out of Tim Burton’s 1989 film “Batman” was delivered by Robert Wuhl. He’s talking to Bruce Wayne and he says something like, “Hey, Mr. Wayne. Can I have a grant?”

I’ve always wanted to use that line myself.

I could use it now, but I don’t live in Idaho. Which is too bad, because the Idaho Humanities Council is calling for grant proposals from Idaho residents with an interest in “American history, culture, diversity and character.”

Interested applicants should review the information on the council’s Web site, www.idahohumanities.org. Or call (888) 345-5346.

Deadline is Jan. 15.

Poets who know it

The folks at Mootsy’s Tavern want you to know that the final poetry reading of 2005 will begin at 6:30 tonight at the tavern, 406 W. Sprague Ave. Anyone interested in reading at the open mike should arrive by 6 to sign up.

Poets and other writers are invited to read three to five minutes of their best work. Given the season, “Joy” is the theme.

Special note: “Malcontents are encouraged to stay home. Mistletoe will be provided for everyone else.”

For more information, call Mootsy’s at 838-1570.

Book talk

•Poetry reading group (230-0950), 3 p.m. today, Auntie’s Bookstore, Main and Washington (838-0206).

•Auntie’s Book Group (“Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress,” by Dai Sije), 7 p.m. Tuesday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

The reader board

•Poetry reading, 6:30 tonight, Mootsy’s Tavern, 406 W. Sprague Ave. (838-1570).

•Rocky Barker (“Scorched Earth: How the Fires of Yellowstone Changed America”), reading, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

•John Garland (“God of Creation, God of Love”), reading, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

•C.C. Alick (“Wet Storage and Other Stories”), reading, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

•Children’s Author Roundtable (Chris Crutcher, Beth Cooley, Kenn Nesbitt, Mary Cronk Farrell, Kelly Milner Halls), signing, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

•Kenn Nesbitt (“When the Teacher Isn’t Looking”), reading, 1 p.m. Saturday, Auntie’s Bookstore.

•Karen Jean Matsko Hood (“Frost of Spring Green”), signing, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Lincoln Heights Hastings, 2512 E. 29th Ave. (535-4342).

•A.J. Kjack (“Window to the Palouse”), signing, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Auntie’s Bookstore.