Why subscribe?
The Ones Behind the Bookshelves is part personal reading journal, part spotlight on indie fiction you might not find elsewhere. I started this newsletter to finally work through the long list of stories I’ve been meaning to read; I want to pick up the reading habit I lost track of as life got in the way.
Each time I post, it’s my way of pausing to reflect on what I’ve read, think through it, and share that experience with others. I feature stories that catch my eye, make me feel something, or surprise me. If you’re also looking to rediscover the joy of reading, or just want thoughtful recommendations from outside the mainstream, you’re in the right place. You’ll find handpicked recommendations of indie stories that often go unnoticed. These are stories that slip past algorithms; voices that are just too strange or sincere for the mainstream.
You’ll find recommendations ranging from speculative fiction to fantasy, with a sprinkle of darker, atmospheric tales, and character-driven narratives. Whether it’s a twist on classic fantasy tropes or an exploration of the bizarre (bizarre to me means something like Fear and Loathing meets Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, or Harry Potter meets Kafka’s the Trial), I want stories that make me think or transport me into a different world. The more unconventional, strange, or surreal, the better.
I really like stories that challenge conventions or explore the human experience. Think: speculative fiction, contemporary fantasy, dystopian worlds, and anything that blends the real with the imagined. However, I’m particularly drawn to works that break away from the colonial, imperial, and domination-focused tropes. I look for stories that explore diverse perspectives, emphasize cooperation over conquest, and envision alternative futures where empathy and mutual respect take the lead.
These stories will be from platforms like Royal Road, Itch.io, Scribble Hub, Ream Stories, and other places where great fiction exists outside the usual Amazon-dominated space. Each post will feature stories that stand out, whether for their writing, originality, or intriguing premise. Some will be full recommendations, others will be stories I’ve added to my “to-read” list with a follow-up later if they stick with me.
If you’re a reader who loves exploring under-the-radar fiction, I hope you’ll subscribe.
Even more important: if you enjoy the stories I share, please support the writers by leaving a rating, a comment, or a review. A little encouragement goes a long way in the indie world.
And just so you know, this is a monthly(ish) newsletter, not a race. I’m doing this to reclaim my reading rhythm, reflect on stories that caught my attention, and move at a pace that feels right. Thanks for coming along.
Have a fic that you’d like to suggest?
Reader Submissions (No Limit). These recommendations will be placed in the section More from the Shelf: Readers’ Finds.
Readers are welcome to recommend any indie story (open to poetry too, especially verse novel) they’ve read and loved, regardless of length or format. If it made an impression on you, I want to hear about it. I’ll skim through submissions to see if it’s something I find interesting too. I can’t promise to feature everything, but if something gets under my skin in a good way, I’ll seriously consider it.
Why No Amazon/Kindle Books?
I’m focusing on highlighting indie books and short stories from platforms that often struggle with visibility. Amazon dominates the self-publishing world, but there are plenty of amazing works outside its ecosystem that don’t get nearly as much attention.
By curating stories from places like Royal Road and Itch.io, I want to help readers discover writers that aren’t tied to a single corporate marketplace.
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