Gertrude's Writing Room Founder Vanessa Shields

This week’s Writer Wednesday features Vanessa Shields, a kindred writing room creator and our friend over the border. Vanessa is a writer, poet, mother and owner of the beautiful Gertrude’s Writing Room in Windsor. Her latest poetry collection, “thimbles,” comes out April 29, 2021. You can pre-order a copy here! Learn more about Vanessa and all her writing and entrepreneurial pursuits below!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

A fine question! I think I love all the parts...they each invigorate me in their own unique ways. I love the bustle of bursting ideas that flow in for new projects. I love the flurry of passion when a project sets fire and it’s easy to sit down and write. I love the revision process when a-ha moments help me make the project better. I love the sound of a super clackety keyboard, of which I have two. I also really love hand-writing my poetry first. It feels so natural flowing from my hand onto paper. I enjoy research as well; especially for poetry. It’s a very unique challenge to gather new information and re-contain in the body of a poem. And, finally, I just adore reading and that’s an important part of a writer’s life! 

What does your writing workspace look like?

I’m a bit of mover when it comes to my writing space! At home, since the shift in work life has occurred because of the pandemic (gosh, it’s still so bizarre to see that word written!), I’ve created a small writing area in our extra bedroom. I have a small, fold-out camping table that holds my laptop and keyboard, a cup of pens, some office supplies, a candle and some crystals; a tall, thin bookshelf that is constantly overflowing; and the single bed meant for resting has become my ‘pile’ space. I make a lot of piles for my work/projects/sanity. Piles are very important! I also move to the living room and write on the sofa under the light of front windows and/or the dining room for the big-table space and also the natural light. Lighting seems to be a trigger for workspace these days. 

I also write at Gertrude’s Writing Room, which is my favourite! The writing room has tables, comfy chairs, desks, and a pull-out sofa all in one 500-square-foot room. I write at a hand-made wooden desk facing a large old-fashioned window that overlooks a gorgeous mansion within a park. It’s totally idyllic and romantic and I feel like the kind of place Austen or Woolf would have written in many years ago. I’m always motivated to write in this space.

What has been your favorite part of running Gertrude’s Writing Room?

Definitely being with other writers in the space. The heart of the writing room is in our commitment to intimate, safe, small gathering for creative writing and creative expression. The “business” bit is the hardest part, especially with all the worrying, but the being in the space with other writers is extraordinary. Writing is a solitary sport! We need to share space and love and energy with each other not only to keep our creative juices flowing but also to keep our hearts and spirits validated and supported. I love decorating the space for different seasons/events. I love the book collection! We have close to 250 books of poetry alone! I love sharing meals and tea with writers….oh, I just really love everything about it! 

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

Um, is sleeping a hobby?! I kid. I kid. It may sound corny, but I’ve really grown to love physical activity — running, working out, yoga, meditation. I also am an avid journal writer. I’ve been writing in a journal since I was 9-years-old, and I just finished my 81st journal! Reading is super amazing. Oh, and talking to other writers. That’s something I’ve been committed to for years. Just, you know, talking. About life, the words, the books...it’s a really integral part of my own creative abundance — sharing the writing life with other writers by talking about it. 

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Writers read and writers write. The craft of writing is cultivated by practice, and there are so many incredible ways we can “practice” our craft. I don’t believe in writer’s block...having said that, I don’t deny that it can be very, very hard sometimes, but the ‘hard’ part of writing always elevates the craft. Pausing to play, rest, read, laugh, cry, dance and LIVE is essential for a writer to keep her heart, mind, soul and spirit creatively abundant. Paying attention is also a “must” for writers. Keep a journal or notebook for your ideas. Write them down when they arrive (many times they don’t stick around!). Be vulnerable. Be honest. Be gentle. Trust your intuition. Oh, and keep educating yourself. Read books/blogs that challenge your beliefs and understandings. Take a masterclass or workshop. Upkeep your personal learning, it helps your writing so very much. 

What writing projects are you currently working on?

I’m about 75% done with the first draft of a young adult novel. I’m writing a poem every day for the entire year and posting it on my blog. I’m working on a collaborative novel with a writer friend from Toronto. I’m writing poems for submissions...this is on-going! A screenplay adaptation of my friend’s memoir is waiting patiently for me to get back to it. I’ve got a couple new ideas for my next poetry collection percolating...And...dah-dummmm! My new collection of poetry “thimbles” officially launches April 29, 2021! It’s about my beautiful grandmother’s life, love and legacy. 

You can follow Vanessa on Instagram at @shieldsvanessa and @gertrudeswritingroom. Also check out gertrudeswritingroom.com to see all her writing workshops and offerings! Vanessa also interviewed DWR founder Stephanie Steinberg. You can check out that interview here.