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© Brave New Bookshelf (Stephanie Pajonas and Danica Favorite)
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Are you intrigued by the fusion of technology and creativity? Does the potential of AI in reshaping the narrative of storytelling fascinate you? Then Brave New Bookshelf is just the podcast for you!
Hosted by authors Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite, each episode takes you on a journey through the dynamic intersection of AI and literature. From the way AI is revolutionizing the creative process of writing and publishing, to its ethical use in augmenting the human touch in storytelling, our candid discussions and expert interviews debunk myths and uncover the groundbreaking role of AI in the literary world.
Whether you're an author, reader, or technophile, join us for insightful talks, practical tips, and a shared exploration of this exciting frontier. Tune into Brave New Bookshelf and be a part of the conversation that's shaping the future of books. RSSVERIFY
66 Episodes
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In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we are joined by fantasy author Amy Campbell to explore the surprising ways AI can assist authors in the physical world. Amy shares her "boots on the ground" experience using ChatGPT’s vision capabilities to design an optimized table layout for a recent convention, ensuring maximum visual appeal and customer flow in a limited space. Beyond aesthetics, the discussion delves into using AI for deep-dive market research, calculating event ROI, and even troubleshooting hardware issues on the fly. Whether you are looking to conquer your next book signing as an introvert or simply want to learn how to use AI as a 24/7 technical consultant, this episode provides actionable strategies for bridging the gap between digital tools and live reader engagement. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sit down with Jay Rosenkrantz, co-founder of Plot Drive, to explore how AI is revolutionizing the novelist’s workflow. Jay shares his fascinating journey from professional poker and screenwriting to building an AI-powered workspace that helps authors manage complex story contexts and break through creative blocks. They dive into the results of a unique "bookstore experiment" regarding reader perceptions of AI prose, the power of "Co-writer" as a developmental editor, and why author intuition remains the most critical element in the age of generative technology. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sit down with Cassie Alexander—a veteran author, nurse, and AI pioneer—to discuss the undeniable parallels between technological shifts in healthcare and the publishing industry. Cassie shares her unfiltered journey of navigating intense "anti-AI" backlash, explaining how she utilized the "Streisand Effect" to turn online criticism into a boost for her career and sales. From her meticulous million-word writing process for her book Guarded by the AI to using tools like Midjourney for diverse character marketing, Cassie provides a pragmatic and empowering look at why AI is an inevitable tool for the modern author. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Tanya Hales, a classically trained illustrator and the visionary founder of the AI Art for Authors Facebook group. Tanya shares her fascinating journey of integrating generative AI into her professional workflow, illustrating how tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT can act as a powerful "art assistant" for world-building, "photo bashing" book covers, and managing complex creative projects like her Animal Magica series. The discussion explores the emotional landscape of being an artist in the age of AI, drawing thought-provoking parallels between today’s technological shifts and the historical backlash faced by the Impressionist movement. From using AI to support neurodivergent brainstorming to leveraging it for successful Kickstarter campaigns, Tanya offers an inspiring look at how human taste and technology combine to create the new avant-garde of storytelling. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Kimberly Gordon, the Director of the Ink and Code Society at Future Fiction Academy, to explore her revolutionary "story is code" philosophy. Kimberly shares her unique journey from a military and IT background to becoming a prolific fantasy author, explaining how she leverages coding applications like Antigravity and advanced features like Claude Skills to deeply personalize her writing process. From drafting at incredible speeds to using AI as a vital assistive tool for neurodivergence and preventing author burnout, this conversation highlights how technology can amplify the creative talent already inside every writer. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode, we welcome back prolific author and entrepreneur Dana Sacco to discuss her thriving new business venture, First Drafts. Dana reveals the technical secrets behind her "codexes"—comprehensive story bibles and outlines built using an intricate 50-prompt automation workflow in N8N—and explains how she uses tools like Antigravity and K-Lytics to ensure every story is market-ready. From managing high-demand flash sales to involving her family in the creative process, Dana provides a masterclass on how authors can use AI to scale their output, diversify their income, and turn a surplus of ideas into a booming publishing empire. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sit down with award-winning author and mentor Coral Hart to discuss the "tsunami of change" currently hitting the publishing industry. Following a high-profile feature in the New York Times, Coral opens up about the intense backlash she’s faced and why she remains a steadfast advocate for using AI as a "ninja tool" to accelerate the creative workflow without sacrificing craft. From challenging common myths about copyright and environmental impact to explaining why human-led story structure is the essential secret to avoiding "AI slop," this conversation is a must-listen for any author navigating the intersection of technology, tradition, and the future of storytelling. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by epic fantasy author and publishing professional Melinda Kucsera to explore the visual side of the AI revolution. Melinda discusses her method of hybrid cover design, revealing how she blends traditional 3D rendering and digital painting with AI tools like NightCafe and Ideogram to create captivating artwork for her novels. From generating hundreds of interior illustrations for successful Kickstarter campaigns to using AI for trope analysis and sales copy, Melinda shares practical strategies for authors looking to elevate their production value and diversify their distribution. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Join hosts Steph Pajonas of Future Fiction Academy and Danica Favorite of Publish Drive for a candid and insightful exploration of the practical and philosophical sides of AI. In this episode, they move beyond sensationalist headlines to discuss how AI acts as a vital auxiliary tool in personal wellness, professional coaching, and creative workflows, while discussing common myths regarding "stolen data" and the impact of technology on critical thinking. By sharing personal anecdotes—ranging from interpreting medical lab results to mastering fitness goals and French grammar—Steph and Danica illustrate how authors and creators can use these tools to handle the heavy lifting of daily tasks, allowing more space for unique human intuition and connection. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, Jessica Waldron of The Invisible Pen joins Steph and Danica to share her journey from writer's block to AI-powered writing, offering practical tips, workflow strategies, and insights into experimenting with different AI models, even for spicy content. She also provides recommendations for budget-friendly AI tools and resources to help new authors get started. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite discuss the groundbreaking world of agentic AI and its transformative impact on the author's workflow in 2026. They explore cutting-edge tools like Google's Antigravity and Notion AI, highlighting how these technologies are empowering authors to streamline their processes, from brainstorming and research to editing and publishing, while maintaining their unique style and voice. Discover how AI is moving beyond simple content generation to become a proactive partner in the creative process, helping authors overcome obstacles and achieve new levels of excellence in their craft. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode, we welcome Russell Nohelty to explore how authors can leverage AI for empowerment, not replacement. Russell shares insights into his innovative "Russell Bot" from Hapitalist, designed to provide personalized support, and his work with Plot Drive, a writing software that helps authors break through creative blocks. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Unlock global markets and connect with readers worldwide using AI-powered translations! Join us as we chat with Marisa of ScribeShadow about making translation accessible and affordable for authors. Discover the most popular languages for translation, the accuracy of AI models, and how to leverage global marketing trends to expand your reach. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
This week on Brave New Bookshelf, we welcomed the brilliant Kanika Bailey for an eye-opening discussion on maximizing your author career, especially with the strategic use of AI. Kanika dives deep into her unique approach of treating pen names as valuable, sellable digital businesses, explaining how authors can leverage platforms like Flippa and Empire Flippers to generate significant cash flow — even six-figure sums — from their intellectual property. She also shares her innovative AI workflow, including building a personalized AI editing team, adopting a conversational brainstorming style with tools like Claude, and utilizing AI to craft detailed ideal reader profiles for highly targeted marketing. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this inspiring episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite welcome Lorna Mackie, a tech professional, author, and strategist, who sheds light on how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing authorship by making it more accessible. Lorna shares her personal journey and professional insights into using AI to overcome challenges like brain fog and limited energy, demonstrating how these tools empower authors with disabilities and chronic illnesses to focus on their creative passions. Discover how AI acts as an invaluable adaptive partner for brainstorming, drafting, editing, and marketing, transforming the writing process into a more joyful and efficient experience for everyone. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite welcome back Jill Cooper from The Writing Wives. Jill shares her insights on using AI as a project management tool, particularly in crafting her cozy LitRPG fantasy series and managing Kickstarter campaigns. She also examines the use of AI for creating effective Facebook ads, emphasizing the importance of understanding reader demographics and tropes. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, co-hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Alessandra Torre and JD Lasica from Authors AI. The discussion centers around Marlowe, their innovative AI tool that provides authors with developmental editor-level feedback to refine manuscripts and unlock their bestseller potential. With insights into how Marlowe works and real-world applications from the hosts, this episode is a must-listen for authors looking to elevate their writing process. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite share personal insights and experiences on how AI is reshaping their workflows, from task automation to creative processes. Steph discusses her use of AI tools like n8n.io for streamlining repetitive tasks, while Danica highlights her journey with dictation and transcription through AI. Together, they offer valuable takeaways for authors navigating the evolving landscape of AI in authorship. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite speak with author Connie Clark, who shares her inspiring journey of transitioning to full-time authorship at 50 by embracing AI technology. Connie discusses how she leverages various AI tools to streamline her writing process, create multimedia experiences, and build a sustainable author business. Her story highlights the potential of AI in transforming creative endeavors and offers valuable insights for aspiring authors looking to integrate technology into their workflows. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, co-hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sit down with Novae Caelum, an innovative author and pioneer in AI-driven storytelling. Novae shares their journey from self-publishing to exploring the transformative potential of AI in video production, aiming to create a multimedia empire that celebrates queer, trans, and non-binary narratives. Discover how Novae leverages AI tools to bring joyful, representative stories to life and fill a market vacuum for diverse content. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
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