Brave New Bookshelf
Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 11, 2025 • 45min
48 - The Human-AI Editing Partnership with Erin Servais of AI For Editors
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we welcome Erin Servais, founder of AI For Editors, who is at the forefront of integrating AI into the editing process. Erin shares her insights on how AI can complement the creative and decision-making strengths of human editors, enhancing efficiency without compromising quality. She discusses her favorite tools, such as NotebookLM for developmental editing and ChatGPT's reasoning models for line editing, while emphasizing the importance of transparency and maintaining oversight in the editing process. Join us as we explore how AI is transforming the publishing industry and learn valuable tips from a pioneering expert. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Sep 4, 2025 • 43min
47 - Embracing AI for Creative Authorship with Joanna Penn from The Creative Penn
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite engage in a captivating discussion with Joanna Penn, a pioneering author and podcaster from The Creative Penn. They discuss the transformative role of AI in the publishing industry, as Joanna shares her journey of integrating AI tools into her creative process. From using AI for deep research and generating book titles to crafting captivating book covers, Joanna illustrates how technology can amplify creativity and streamline productivity. Discover how AI can be a powerful ally in authorship, allowing writers to focus on what truly brings them joy. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Jun 19, 2025 • 48min
46 - Using AI to Amplify Creativity with Book Coach Jocelyn Lindsay
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Jocelyn Lindsay, an innovative book coach and writer, to explore the transformative power of AI in the writing and publishing industry. Jocelyn shares her insights on using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to amplify creativity, streamline marketing strategies, and support new writers in their journey. She emphasizes the potential of AI as an enhancement to human creativity, offering a fresh perspective on how authors can leverage these technologies to expand their creative horizons. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Jun 12, 2025 • 51min
45 - Streamlining Author Workflows with Chelle Honiker of Author Automations
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we are thrilled to welcome back Chelle Honiker, an expert in AI and automation, particularly within the publishing industry. Chelle shares her journey into the world of AI-powered automations, detailing how her Substack, Author Automations, has become an invaluable resource for authors looking to streamline their workflows. She discusses the rapid evolution of AI tools, her innovative approach to automating author tasks, and the benefits of self-hosted solutions for maintaining control over data and processes. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
9 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 41min
44 - AI in the Author's Workflow with Jamie Davis of Author Nation
Jamie Davis, a seasoned author and the conference director of Author Nation, shares his transformation from AI skeptic to advocate. He discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance writing workflows and creativity. Jamie provides insights on using AI for formatting, marketing, and feedback, highlighting its role in modern storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of balancing technology with traditional writing skills and promotes the supportive community offered at Author Nation for fellow writers.
7 snips
May 29, 2025 • 51min
43 - The Future of Storytelling: AI Movies and Agents with Michael Evans of Author Sidekick
Michael Evans, the brains behind Author Sidekick, dives into the revolutionary role of AI in storytelling. He unveils how AI is transforming filmmakers into multimedia storytellers and discusses innovative strategies for indie creators. Evans emphasizes adopting an abundance mindset, exploring how AI enhances creativity and productivity. The conversation also highlights the exciting potential of AI to engage audiences in a rapidly changing landscape, redefining traditional storytelling and unlocking new opportunities in filmmaking and serialized fiction.
9 snips
May 22, 2025 • 44min
42 - Innovative AI Storytelling with Russell Nohelty from Author Stack
Join USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty, founder of Author Stack, as he shares his transformative journey from AI skeptic to advocate in storytelling. He reveals how AI tools have become essential co-creators in his writing process, enabling innovative narratives and organizing nonfiction concepts. Dive into the changing landscape of authorship and the balance of maintaining creative control with technological assistance. Russell emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection in storytelling and the irreplaceable human element in crafting meaningful experiences for readers.
May 15, 2025 • 47min
41 - AI in Creative Writing and Translations with Olivia Rigal
Olivia Rigal, an author blending law and literature, shares her innovative journey using AI to enhance creativity and streamline translations. She discusses how AI can be a valuable tool for writers rather than a threat, facilitating brainstorming and content generation. The conversation also covers the impact of cultural nuances on translation, pricing strategies for international markets, and the exciting world of flash fiction. Olivia reveals insights from her YouTube channel, Autopreneur, as she engages in the evolving landscape of creative writing.
May 8, 2025 • 46min
40 - Balancing Joy and Technology in Writing with Kevin McLaughlin
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite engage in an enlightening conversation with prolific sci-fi author and AI enthusiast, Kevin McLaughlin. With over 100 novels under his belt, Kevin shares his insights on the transformative role of AI in the publishing industry, highlighting how he integrates AI tools into his writing, cover design, and marketing processes. Kevin's balanced approach to AI — using it to enhance creativity while preserving the joy of writing — offers valuable lessons for authors navigating this evolving landscape. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
May 1, 2025 • 48min
39 - Transforming Audiobook Narration and Discovery with Spoken
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by Phil Marshall and Andrew Wallner, co-founders of Spoken Press, to explore the transformative role of AI in the audiobook industry. Discover how Spoken Press is revolutionizing audiobook creation, distribution, and monetization with its innovative AI-driven platform that empowers authors to seamlessly produce and share their works. With a focus on transparency and equitable revenue sharing, Phil and Andrew discuss how Spoken is building a vibrant community for authors and listeners alike. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
