Neon sign with white and blue text that reads "Live by the Shelf" and a stylized shelf graphic with the number 33, on a black background.

Welcome

Live by the Shelf is for writers and readers who take life one story at a time

New Blog Posts & Book Reviews

Featured
Do I Need an MFA to Get Published?
Do I Need an MFA to Get Published?
Should Writers Play D&D?
Should Writers Play D&D?
Is Substack Good for Email?
Is Substack Good for Email?
2024 Recap
2024 Recap
Use Scope to Keep Your Novel on Track
Use Scope to Keep Your Novel on Track
Featured
Caste - Isabel Wilkerson
Caste - Isabel Wilkerson
The Last Murder at the End of the World - Stuart Turton
The Last Murder at the End of the World - Stuart Turton
Spring, Summer, Asteroid, Bird - Henry Lien
Spring, Summer, Asteroid, Bird - Henry Lien
The Art of Dramatic Writing - Lajos Egri
The Art of Dramatic Writing - Lajos Egri

Frequently Read

Live by the Shelf is for writers and readers who take life one word at a time. Below are some of the most popular blog posts, book reviews, and pages.

Book cover titled "As We Convene: An Anthology of Time and Place" edited by Lauren T. Davila, featuring a dark ornate floral pattern with illustrations of iconic American landmarks and symbols such as the Statue of Liberty, American ships, and elements resembling vintage botanical illustrations.

A New Short Story

“The Argus” is in As We Convene from Inked In Grey Press. 16 stories. 16 settings. If you love worldbuilding, this anthology is for you.

A person holding an open notebook with handwritten notes and sketches of mechanical devices, including a windmill and other engineering diagrams.
A futuristic doorway with a circular portal and robotic claw feet, emitting blue and orange lights.
A decorative glass bottle with intricate swirling patterns illuminated by blue light, placed on a wooden surface surrounded by candles and dried leaves.