First Day of High School, French Kisses and Thimbles

September 11, 2020 Vanessa Shields2 Comments

I have a fourteen-year-old son. Today he starts high school. These two sentences blow my mind into the kind of oblivion that's hard to stumble back from. I needed to go back in time, you see. I needed to remember where I was all those years ago when I started high school. Most days I… Continue reading First Day of High School, French Kisses and Thimbles

Classes · My Book · On Writing · Writing Life

Sew Songs

February 4, 2020 Vanessa Shields1 Comment

"Are you paralyzed with fear? That's a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it." Steven Pressfield,… Continue reading Sew Songs

My Book · On Writing · Publishing · Writing Life

Accumulation

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 Vanessa ShieldsLeave a comment

I've been gathering photos for you. Photos of things I've done...gathered...achieved...done to my skin. I've been accumulating things to tell you. Why has it taken so long to share these things with you? I don't know. Hesitation turned to later turned to tomorrow turned to now-it's-too-late. Why do I do that to myself? Why do… Continue reading Accumulation

Events · My Book · On Writing · Publishing

FROM A TO ZIFFERY ZANKS BOOK LAUNCH THIS SUNDAY!

December 4, 2019 Vanessa Shields1 Comment

Looking for a zany and gross but totally fun and wonderful gift for that special child in your life? Look no further - we are proud to announce the book launch of 'From A to Ziffery Zanks' - a collection of children's clerihew poetry. Words by me, Vanessa Shields, and pictures by the great Glen… Continue reading FROM A TO ZIFFERY ZANKS BOOK LAUNCH THIS SUNDAY!