To highlight the importance of the local groups run by our volunteer members, this is the first in a new series looking at the different places across the UK and beyond that are united by an author community. In this piece, co-coordinator of the Warwickshire group Ignaty Dyakov-Richmond shares his thoughts on Warwickshire.

Best place to write? 

​We are blessed with many independent coffee shops and libraries here in South Warwickshire, most are well suited for writing sessions. Among my favourite places are Esquires Coffee and Desa Cafe in Leamington Spa town centre, first floor in Caffe Nero’s (well, they are not independent) on The Parade in Leamington Spa and in Warwick as well as The Craftsman in Warwick. Indeed, we run our monthly creative coffee mornings (two hour long writing sessions on the second Wednesday of each month) in Desa Cafe. All of these are easily accessible by public transport, and most have cycling racks nearby – always a bonus.

Favourite library?  

Leamington Library is probably the best place to work as there are ample desks on the first floor (with lift access) and they run many events too. It is open seven days a week, has an art gallery (if you need some time away from your laptop to recharge your creative battery) and a cafe – all in the same building, two beautiful parks are on the doorstep too.

Your bookshop of choice?  

Kenilworth Books is probably the most popular independent shop here. They are always welcoming and supportive of local writers, run many events, and no request is an issue for them.

Find out more about a local group near you, or reach out to localgroups@societyofauthors.org if you’re interested in starting your own.