Sometimes something small turns into something grand. What started as a line in Alexander Chee’s interview in PEN Ten (and fueled by Twitter) has officially become an Amtrak program.
[quote text_size=”small”]The #AmtrakResidency was designed to give creative professionals that are passionate about train travel the opportunity to work on their craft in an inspiring environment.
[/quote]Amtrak has announced that Amtrak Residency will allow up to 24 writers to take Amtrak’s long-distance trains to work on their projects. The #AmtrakResidency was designed to give creative professionals that are passionate about train travel the opportunity to work on their craft in an inspiring environment. Round-trip train travel will be provided on one of Amtrak’s long-distance routes. Each resident will be given First Class Sleeping Car accommodations that come with a private room equipped with a desk, a bed and a large window to gaze at the American landscape that the train passes through. Routes will be determined based on availability. Residencies will be anywhere from 2-5 days, with exceptions for special projects.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by a panel. Up to 24 writers will be selected for the program running now through March 31, 2015. A passion for writing and an aspiration to travel with Amtrak for inspiration are the sole criteria for selection. Just starting out as a writer, not to worry, both emerging and established writers will be considered.
There is no cost to apply for the #AmtrakResidency program. For more information, official terms or to apply for the program, visit blog.amtrak.com/amtrakresidency.
