Write by the Rails
Get Your Writing On Track
2011-2021
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If you are a writer age 18+, published or unpublished, and affiliated with Manassas, Manassas Park or Prince William County, consider officially joining.
Member Spotlight: Cathy Hailey
Photo by Katie Peterson
An award-winning poet, a teacher and an inspiring member of Write by the Rails - meet Cathy Hailey. Cathy teaches as an adjunct lecturer in JHU’s MA in Teaching Writing program and previously taught high school English and Creative Writing. She is also Northern Region Vice President of The Poetry Society of Virginia and organizes In the Company of Laureates, a biennial reading of poets laureate held in PWC. Her writing has been published in The New Verse News, Poetry Virginia Review, The Journal of the Virginia Writing Project, Written in Arlington, Stay Salty: Life in the Garden State (Vol. 2), NoVa Bards, Confetti, The Prince William Poetry Review, Gridpoems; her chapbook, I’d Rather Be a Hyacinth, is forthcoming in 2023.Read more about Cathy and her impressive work now: Cathy Hailey on Becoming a Poet
Monthly Writers' Enrichment Event
Join us online Saturday, May 14 at 10 a.m.
Crack Your Writer's Block
What causes writers' block and how can you move past it? Come for a lively discussion and helpful writing exercises to spur creativity in any genre. Get the Zoom link by subscribing to our newsletter. Click 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 at 7:00 p.m. Please revise work to a PG-13 rating prior to reading!

Write by the Rails Publications
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.