Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Amtrack Starts A "Writers Residency" Program in the USA



Gotta admit, this is a pretty cool idea!

From the Amtrack blog:
Amtrak is excited to announce the official launch of the #AmtrakResidency program.

#AmtrakResidency was designed to allow creative professionals who are passionate about train travel and writing to work on their craft in an inspiring environment. Round-trip train travel will be provided on an Amtrak long-distance route. Each resident will be given a private sleeper car, equipped with a desk, a bed and a window to watch the American countryside roll by for inspiration. Routes will be determined based on availability.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by a panel. Up to 24 writers will be selected for the program starting March 17, 2014 through March 31, 2015. A passion for writing and an aspiration to travel with Amtrak for inspiration are the sole criteria for selection. Both emerging and established writers will be considered.

Residencies will be anywhere from 2-5 days, with exceptions for special projects.

And it all started with an idea put out there on twitter... (That's inspiring in its own right.)

Check it out - and if you apply, let us know in comments!

Illustrate and Write On, and good luck,
Lee

ps - Thanks to Lesley for the heads-up on this one!

3 comments:

Elizabeth O Dulemba said...

I know there's been some grumbling over the rights they associate with the entries (although I just saw it as an opportunity to advertise). I think they're working on updating that as there was such a hoohah from the writing community. At any rate, everybody is in agreement it's an awesome idea and I applied. :) e

TheSmitlyJotter said...

I applied to the Amtrak Residency Program, a remarkable idea - I might take a train trip even if I'm not selected! But don't tell Amtrak that...

Laurisa White Reyes said...

Just wondering if meals are included.