‘Tis the season for all the lists!
We make lists of things to do, gifts to buy for people, and food to make.
And, whether we like it or not, we are inundated with lists from the folks who like to make lists about ‘THE BEST’ – best books, best songs, best words, etc. The list goes on and on. (That’s quite a list in itself.)
My social media (also lists) and inbox (yet another list! mon dieu) have been filling up with lists that…well, let’s just say, can make a girl sad at the same time as it (they) can make her happy. Such is one of the grand paradoxes of living as writer. (Or artist.) We are happy for our peers, yet we are sad we are not ‘on the lists’. In any case, I’m being proactive about this as a [cheeky] way of making my self-confidence not completely disappear after a long-haul this year birthing and touring my new book.
Here are the lists I’ve topped this year!
BEST NON-AWARDED POETRY BOOK OF 2016!
Brought to you by all the authors of the world who know their work is wonderful but haven’t yet won an award!
LOOK AT HER by Vanessa Shields – POETRY
“This collection is blow-your-mind unawardable! It was a pure pleasure to read…and deserves a bright shiny sticker!” Hap. E. Reader
BEST FEMINIST POETRY BOOK OF 2016
Brought to you by all the feminists of the world.
LOOK AT HER by Vanessa Shields
“What a powerful book of poetry! It punches in the puss* so sweetly! Vaginas everywhere are called to unite after reading this one!” Cooter McGillicutty
BEST COVER DESIGN 2016
Brought to you by trees with roots.
LOOK AT HER by Vanessa Shields – POETRY
“We’re rooted in this decision. If you don’t love this cover right away, it’ll grow on you.” Forest Writiker
BEST TITLE OF 2016
Brought to you by the Mirror Foundation of Lookiloos.
LOOK AT HER by Vanessa Shields – POETRY
“What a grand reflection this poetry is! For all of us two-wayed seers – Look At Her gives us hope and pride in the poets of today!” Yousee Me
BEST READER-LOVED & AUDIENCE APPRECIATED BOOK OF 2016
Brought to you by YOU – all the beautiful people who have told me how they feel about my book!
LOOK AT HER by Vanessa Shields – POETRY
“The reviews are continually coming in! With each word – written or spoken – I am humbled and grateful. I write for the people, and no award can lift my heart like a reader who has been affected by my poetry! Thank you!” Vanessa Shields
Thanks for humouring me, friends!
If you’re interested, there are many lists that are important and helpful and valid – and real! – that can lead us to reading some wonderful books. Here are some…
The Writers’ Trust of Canada has put out its list of the best books of 2016 – Click here to read it.
International Festival of Authors – has a special event dedicated to their Best of List! Click here to see it!
Tightrope Books publishes an anthology of the Best Canadian Poetry each year. Here it is for 2016.
I know there are many more lists out there…perhaps we can share them on our social media? Continue to help support and share each other in recognition…or better yet – make your own lists – and share these too!
In all honesty, I’m hesitant to make any lists outside of these funny ones I’ve *made up*. I believe that each poet has extraordinary poetry to share. We are all on someone’s list somewhere – held in love and appreciation.
VANESSA SHIELDS, writer 