About Shelby

Shelby Lynn Lanaro is a poet, a photographer for fun, and a lover of good food.

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In 2017, Shelby received her MFA in Poetry from Southern Connecticut State University, where she currently teaches first year composition and creative writing courses. During her MFA program, Shelby primarily focused on writing narrative poetry, exploring how a poem can capture a story in minimal and precise words. Her poems have been published in various literary journals and anthologies, most recently in Wild Tongue, Young Ravens Literary Review, Verse of Silence, and The Wild Word.

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Shelby's first chapbook, Yellowing Photographs (Kelsay Books, 2021), highlights different memories from Shelby's life (and the lives of those around her) and uses emotion and the significance of those specific moments to connect with her readers through nostalgia. To buy a copy, click on the books tab at the top of the page.

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Along with writing, Shelby has also taken an interest in photography over the past several years. While she isn't a professional by any means, several of Shelby's photographs have been published. Much like in her poetry, Shelby appreciates how a picture can still an ever-moving and ever-changing life.

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Particularly during the pandemic, Shelby has spent a lot of time cooking and trying new recipes. She won't be opening a restaurant, but she's made some pretty tasty stuff!