Amtrak searches for next crop of writers in residence

Amtrak is seeking participants for the second round of its writers in residence program.

The application consists of two questions and the opportunity to provide up to a 20-page writing sample, Amtrak officials said in a press release.

Amtrak will continue accepting applications until Jan. 11.

With the help of a panel of judges, the national intercity passenger railroad will select 24 writers to take part in the program, which offers participants a chance to travel the country by rail and "find inspiration from the diversity of landscapes America has to offer," Amtrak officials said.

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

"At Amtrak, we have been honored to play a small part in the stories created by our first 24 residents," said Julia Quinn, Amtrak director of public relations. "We want to build on the success of the initial launch of the program in 2014 by selecting another group of writers for the Amtrak Residency program and offering them the chance to travel across the country by train."