Amtrak picks second crop of 'writers in residence'

Amtrak has selected a second round of writers for its "writers in residence" program, the national intercity passenger railroad announced last week.

As part of the program, the 24 selected writers will complete long-distance train journeys across the country while working on creative projects. About two writers per month will travel round trip on selected Amtrak routes. Together, they'll cover all 15 of the railroad's long-distance routes, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

Applications were reviewed by a panel that included Amtrak Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications Joe McHugh, writer and teacher Jessica Gross, and other published writers.

"We are excited to build on the success of the residency program and offer a second group of writers a creative environment to focus on the work of their choice," said Julia Quinn, Amtrak director of public relations.

In March last year, Progressive Railroading covered the program's inaugural run.