Write by the Rails
Get Your Writing On Track
Write by the Rails (WbtR) is the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Writers Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We aim to raise the profile of the local literary community and explore ways we can nurture writers no matter where they are in their writing and publishing journey.
We strive to be an integral part of the larger arts community and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors of the area by providing opportunities to participate in events and activities that promote writing, literacy and self-expression.
If you are a writer age 18+, published or unpublished, and affiliated with Manassas, Manassas Park or Prince William County, join by completing an application here.
What's New With WbtR
Time to renew your membership!
Membership dues are due January 1. Sign up to become a member or renew now by clicking here. Benefits of membership include:
- Access to free and reduced-cost educational workshops, panels, and presentations.
- Collaboration with other groups like the Chamber of Commerce, PW Arts Council and Spilled Ink
- Access to networks of literary professionals and enthusiasts
- Members-only online discussions
- Opportunity to submit to club contests and anthologies
- Opportunity to sell books at select events
- The chance to propose and lead projects that fall within the group's purview
- Opportunity to share your writing news along all of our available channels
Payment can be made via check or PayPal.
Congrats to the Golden Nib winners!
WbtR is thrilled to announce THREE of our members are Virginia Writers Club, Inc. 2022 Golden Nib winners! VWC is our parent organization. This is a state-wide contest with two tiers of judging, both at the chapter level and the state level. Congratulations to John Dutton, Alyce Campbell and CL Bledsoe! https://www.
John Dutton, III, "The Season of the Lost Summer" - Nonfiction, 1st place
Alyce Rita Campbell, "Death on National Paperclip Day" - Fiction, 2nd place
C.L. Bledsoe, "Barley and Vegetable Soup"- Poetry, 3rd place
Didn't see our last Newsletter?
View and sign up for the Write By the Rails Newsletter here!
ScribbleCon23 for Tweens, Teens, Parents/Guardians of PWC
Teacher, #WbtR board member, writer, and Spilled Ink (Virginia) founder John Dutton II has organized this creative day for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS). Many of the planned sessions will be facilitated by our member writers who will also have books on hand for signing.
Are you in #PWC? Want to write with your middle school or high school kids? Click here to register now and share this invite with PWCS middle and high school teachers in your network!




Spilled Ink
Spilled Ink is an open mic night that celebrates the written word. Join local authors, poets, and scribblers as they read their work. All are welcome to listen or read. The event is held every second and fourth Friday of the month in the evening. Please revise work to a PG-13 rating prior to reading! Visit the Spilled Ink website for details.

Write by the Rails Publications
Steam Ahead!
It’s 2023 - and we're moving full steam into a bright future! This collection of members' stories, poems, and photos have been inspired by the glimmer of light on the horizon, the promise of dawn, and the heart-warming feeling of coming together with others to celebrate a new year. Hop aboard, settle in, and join us as we Steam Ahead!
Confetti
Writing in a time of turmoil takes enormous energy – more so than the usual reservoir of vigor it requires to produce a work of art. Yet, these members of Write by the Rails (WbtR) have done just that, even in the midst of the unrest and uncertainty that characterized 2020 and 2021. Welcome to Confetti, an anthology of diverse written word!
#BackOnTrackNow
In this unique anthology, Write by the Rails showcases Twitter-friendly writings by 22 members and friends who took part in a three-month social media campaign in 2019. #BackOnTrackNow serves as a reflection of the times and an effort to change the discourse of social media.
New Departures
An anthology, New Departures reflects the diverse ideas and creative work of Write by Rails's membership. In this first WbtR publication, members offer poetry, fiction, nonfiction and even a merge of genres.
No Additional Postage Necessary
The product of Write by the Rails's first Rising Writers Workshop for young adults, No Additional Postage Necessary inspires, surprises, amuses and raises some eyebrows, too.