Brave New Bookshelf

In this special duo episode of Brave New Bookshelf, co-hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite team up to discuss the realities of navigating today’s AI-powered publishing landscape. Together, they explore how authors can stand out in a deluge of digital content by staying authentically human, while also tackling the critical ethics of AI disclosure and maintaining personal integrity with retailers. Steph and Danica share their personal AI-assisted workflows, comparing the strengths of models like Gemini and ChatGPT, and dive into a practical comparison of desktop subscriptions like Claude Pro versus API-based pay-as-you-go tools like TypingMind to reclaim your cr...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Anat Dayagi, the founder of Midsummerr, to discuss the revolutionary frontier of AI-driven cinematic audiobooks. Anat shares her personal journey with ADD and how it inspired her to create Midsummerr, a cutting-edge platform that democratizes premium, multi-cast dramatized audio productions complete with sound effects, musical leitmotifs, and an AI-driven "agentic director." Listeners will discover how indie authors can now easily produce high-end, immersive listening experiences once reserved for major publishing houses, explore the power of audio personalization through stems, and learn how to...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sit down with bestselling author and CEO of Novel Publicity, Melissa Storm, to explore her fascinating transition from an AI skeptic to a pioneering AI tool creator. Melissa shares how she deconstructed her fifteen years of copywriting expertise to build her signature "Manuscript to Marketing" tool, while also discussing how she trains custom AI personas to preserve her authentic voice. From using AI as an assistive technology for neurodivergence and aphantasia to leveraging the "clunky is sexy" approach for modern Meta advertising, Melissa discusses using technology...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sit down with Joseph Ucuzoglu, a seasoned developer, author, and co-founder of the Future Fiction Academy, to explore the game-changing world of "vibe coding." Joseph shares how next-generation AI models are completely blurring the line between writer and software developer, empowering authors to build their own custom writing tools and applications using plain, natural language. From setting up a simple, no-code app-building pipeline using tools like Claude, Cursor, GitHub, and Railway, to leveraging consistent new image models for visual story planning, this conversation reveals how creatives...

In this exciting episode of the Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite welcome back author, designer, and AI filmmaker Novae Caelum to discuss the evolution of AI-empowered storytelling. Novae shares behind-the-scenes insights into his creative process, demonstrating how he uses a patchwork of cutting-edge video and audio tools like Kling, Suno, and Seedance to direct stunning, cinematic book trailers and episodic shows that bring novels to life. The conversation also dives into how authors can leverage AI to conquer the blank page through rapid "zero drafting," while addressing industry pushback and highlighting the vital role of...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Yoav Yariv, the moderator of the massive r/WritingWithAI subreddit, to explore the rapidly growing world of AI-assisted creativity. Drawing from his background as a tech product manager and artist, Yoav discusses the explosive rise of his 100,000-member community and dives into the "silent majority" of AI users quietly reshaping Hollywood and traditional publishing. The conversation covers how authors can shift their mindsets from simple hobbyists to full-scale multimedia production houses, key strategies for running a profitable writing business, and game-changing tools like...

In this mind-blowing episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite welcome back prolific sci-fi author and technical innovator Malorie Cooper from The Writing Wives to explore the cutting edge of advanced AI workflows. Malorie shares her journey of building custom multi-agent AI systems, detailing how she co-authored a full-length novel and "sharded" a massive, 40-day continuous Claude conversation into specialized AI agents that coordinate tasks and communicate on a digital "mind board." From automating her schedule and coding custom software to using structured data as "sensory organs" for her AI assistants and training them to...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Skye MacKinnon, a prolific author and expert in international translations. Skye shares her fascinating journey of using AI to reclaim her time, from building custom WordPress plugins with Antigravity to managing complex series bibles with NotebookLM. As a native German speaker, she provides invaluable insights into the nuances of AI translation, the importance of cultural awareness in global markets, and how to automate the "admin sludge" of a writing career. Whether you are looking to scale your business across multiple pen names or...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we are joined by author and "vibe coder" Cassie Alexander to discuss how high-level AI automations can revolutionize an author's business operations. Cassie shares her fascinating journey of building a cloud-based "command center" using Supabase and slashing her monthly overhead by replacing expensive subscriptions with custom-coded tools. From scaling a single nonfiction book into 50 different languages to developing bespoke AI "skills" that handle the tedious grunt work of retailer uploads and ISBN registration, Cassie provides a roadmap for authors looking to reclaim their creative time and maximize their global reach. Visit our...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Greg Keogh, co-founder of Curios, to discuss the revolutionary shift toward direct-to-reader sales. Greg shares how Curios empowers authors by acting as the merchant of record—handling the complexities of sales tax and customer support—while providing a "permissionless" platform that welcomes AI-forward content and high-spice fiction without the fear of de-platforming. From the logistical ease of setting up a digital storefront in minutes to the exciting future of integrated print-on-demand services, this conversation explores how authors can reclaim their independence, own their read...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by prolific sci-fi author and software engineer Malorie Cooper to dive deep into the technical and philosophical future of AI in publishing. Malorie shares her fascinating transformation from an AI skeptic to a power user, explaining how she utilizes custom hardware rigs and her proprietary "Lore Oracle" system to manage an expansive fictional universe of over 130 books. The discussion spans from the "sentience gradient" and the emergent behaviors of AI in Project Sid to practical, high-level strategies like creating "continuance artifacts" to manage AI...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sit down with author Coral Hart and her lead programmer, Phil, to discuss the revolutionary development of Authorythm. This innovative platform is designed as a comprehensive "operating system for authors," bridging the gap between creative craft and technical code to allow writers to draft entire five-book series while keeping their business data and marketing in one centralized location. Coral and Phil share their journey of building an AI-driven engine that eliminates the common "editing stew" of anxiety and scales production, all while ensuring the human author...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, Phil Marshall and Stacy Smith Rogers from Spoken join us to explore the cutting edge of AI-generated audiobooks and multi-voice narration. Phil and Stacy share insights into Spoken’s "human-centric" approach to digital storytelling, highlighting their innovative "pay when perfect" model and the upcoming MV2 release designed to bring cinematic, multicast quality to indie authors at a fraction of traditional costs. From voice cloning for memoirs to the launch of their Certified Spoken Producer program, this discussion reveals how authors can leverage AI to scale their backlists and meet the growing demand fo...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite sit down with Robin Johnson of Florida Girl Design to explore the evolving landscape of AI-augmented graphic design. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Robin shares her journey from initial skepticism to becoming a certified AI creator, explaining how she uses tools like Midjourney, Ideogram, and Nano Banana to solve complex visual problems and overcome the limitations of traditional stock photography. The discussion dives into the concept of "Digital Design Rescue," the importance of professional intention in prompting, and how AI allows for greater...

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we're joined by author and educator Susan Gable to discuss the vital intersection of critical thinking and generative AI. Drawing from her innovative work with Stossel in the Classroom, Susan shares the results of a fascinating "AI Challenge" experiment that moved beyond banning AI to instead requiring students to use it as a Socratic partner, highlighting why the "human in the loop" is more important than ever. The conversation also dives into Susan’s personal success using AI to break through a decade of writer’s block, offering profound insights for authors on h...

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 si...

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 ou...

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 i...

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 sh...

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...

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 publ...

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...

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...

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 hand...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, 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, 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 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.