An anthology of poems, short stories and art pieces formed by a group of creatives from around the globe is set to be launched this month in a bid to raise funds for charities across the kingdom.
The book was the brainchild of author and poet Fatima Saleem who wanted to give back to the community by inspiring others through words and artwork.
“Creating something like this had been on my mind for a very long time,” said 16-year-old New Indian School student who was born in Bahrain of Pakistani heritage. “I love helping people and I try to do it in whatever way and whenever I can.
“Originally, I was going to compile my own work into a short book and publish that, but I figured why not do something to give back, that gives back in itself? I wanted to give writers and artists the opportunity to have their work featured and published, alongside donating all the proceeds of the publication to charity.”
The 60-page Anthology- a Charity Publication book includes poetry, prose, short stories and art pieces from 15 scribes and more than five artists.
“To keep the cost as minimal as possible, each writer or artist was dedicated two pages for their work with a short bio to be featured,” added Fatima, who published a book entitled Unsaid earlier this year featuring short stories, poems and do-it-yourself solutions. “The stories and artwork featured are a series of beautiful submissions by the community.”
The work featured is based on a wide range of topics such as love, heartbreak, depression and more. According to Fatima, the art pieces selected are also just as enchanting.
“All of us involved in the project hope that this anthology helps out someone in desperate need of it,” she said.
All proceeds made from this book, which aims to be launched on July 25, will be donated to charities helping the young and elderly, as well as to sanctuaries such as the Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre and Rescat.
“We are, thankfully, fortunate enough to live a comfortable life but a lot of people are not. Along with animals that are voiceless and need us to take a stand for them,” she added.
“We hope this book reaches people and opens their heart to the gift of giving and helping. We are also open to suggestions from the public on whom else to donate to.”
People can purchase the book from Amazon, Book Depository and everywhere else books are sold in paperback and eBook format.