Leamington shop helps Syria through the arts

Maureen Freely, a Turkish-American writer who regularly contributes to the Guardian and Independent newspapers, is headlining the shop’s books and music festival on Wednesday May 1 at 7pm, when she will talk about her writing life through her work as a novelist, translator, journalist and campaigner.

Other events include a workshop focusing on the influence of the goddess Venus on writing poetry and prose on April 23, a creative Haiku-writing workshop on April 25 and a session focusing on the art of song and song-writing on April 27.

There will also be an introduction to presenting autobiography through graphic novels on April 30, during which Clari Searle and participants will look at Speigelman’s Maus and works by Satrapi, Kochalka, Briggs, Ware and Thompson.

Shop manager Marian Lawrence, who has been organising festivals, talks and events at the shop in Regent Street since she joined the staff team four years ago, said: “All the money is going to Syria and we are hoping to raise as much as possible.

“I’m really excited about our line-up - especially getting Maureen Freely.”

Tickets for all events - which start at 7pm - cost £5 and are available at the shop, while donations on the nights will also be welcome. Places are limited to 15 per workshop.