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If you are a writer age 18+, published or unpublished, and affiliated with Manassas, Manassas Park or Prince William County, join by completing an application here.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
Member Spotlight:
Karen Robbins
Congratulations to our member, Karen Robbins for her first place award in the Prince William Library adult fiction contest! Her story, The Kitty Visitor, can be read here! Well done, Karen!!
Shop Local, Read Local!
All of these authors are local and in our fabulous Write by the Rails group! If you want info on their books, please reach out to the Write by the Rails board.
Saturday, April 15
Writers' Enrichment
Gallery Write-In
Join us for a celebration of art and writing on Saturday, April 15 at 10 a.m. at McCall Studio Gallery in Old Town Manassas using art using art as inspiration. All writers 18+ welcome.
The gallery is upstairs at 9409 Battle Street, Manassas. Email writebytherails@gmail.com by 8 a.m. April 14 to reserve your spot as space is limited.
Much thanks to gallery owner and artist Denise McCall who is an avid supporter of local writers and the arts! www.dmvisualgallery.com
Please note, this event replaces our usual second Saturday Writers' Enrichment.
Didn't see our last Newsletter?
View and sign up for the Write By the Rails newsletter here!
March 11 Writers' Enrichment
Featuring Author, Editor Susan McCorkindale
If you missed this enrichment meeting on the ins and outs of press releases, media, and marketing, the recording is now available here.





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.