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
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.
Apr 24, 2025 • 48min
38 - Celebrating One Year of Brave New Bookshelf with Danica and Steph
In this special one-year anniversary episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite reflect on their journey exploring the intersection of AI and authorship. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI in the publishing industry and share personal insights into how these tools have transformed their writing workflows. With over 30,000 listens to date, Steph and Danica celebrate the impact of their podcast in providing valuable resources and discussions for authors navigating the dynamic world of AI. Join them as they look forward to another year of groundbreaking conversations and innovative developments in publishing. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Apr 10, 2025 • 48min
37 - Wide Strategies and Translations with Monica Leonelle from Writer MBA
In this episode of the Brave New Bookshelf, we’re joined by Monica Leonelle, co-founder of Writer MBA and a trailblazer in the publishing world, to explore how AI is revolutionizing wide strategies and translations for authors. Monica shares her journey from skepticism to fully embracing AI as a tool to expand creativity, save time, and break into international markets through accessible translation workflows. She also dives into her experiences with tools like Scribe Shadow and Publish Drive, offering invaluable insights for authors looking to go wide while maximizing their existing content. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Apr 3, 2025 • 35min
36 - Story Bibles from Story Snap with Cameron Sutter from Plottr
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, hosts Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite welcome back Cameron Sutter, creator of Plottr, to discuss his latest innovation, Story Snap — an AI-powered tool that creates detailed book bibles in minutes. Cameron dives into how Story Snap works, its game-changing potential for authors and developmental editors, and the exciting ways it integrates with existing workflows like Plottr. Whether you're a writer looking to organize your series or an editor seeking to save time, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Mar 27, 2025 • 40min
35 - Exploring AI, Translations, and Zombies with Derek Slaton
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Derek Slaton, author of the massive Dead America zombie series. From creating weekly audio stories on YouTube and Spotify using AI narration tools like Play HT, to expanding his global reach through affordable translations with Scribe Shadow, Derek shares his insights on leveraging technology to maximize creativity and income. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Mar 13, 2025 • 43min
34 - Dana Sacco and Bootstrapping Your Publishing Career with AI Tools
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Dana Sacco, a businesswoman-turned-author who has mastered the art of bootstrapping her publishing career using AI tools. Dana shares how she transitioned from being an avid reader to a multi-genre author, all while leveraging affordable and innovative AI solutions like ChatGPT, Claude, and Ideogram to streamline her workflow. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Mar 6, 2025 • 47min
33 - The Rise of AI in Publishing with Jason Hamilton
In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, we sit down with Jason Hamilton, also known as The Nerdy Novelist, to explore how AI is revolutionizing the world of writing and publishing. Jason shares his journey from self-published author to YouTube sensation, offering insights into his favorite AI tools, his innovative 40 Chapter Plot Module, and practical strategies for integrating AI into every stage of the creative process. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 2min
32 - Balancing Creativity, Systems, and Technology with Elana Johnson
In this engaging discussion, Elana Johnson, a prolific author known for her work under pen names like Liz Isaacson, dives into her unique journey of integrating AI into her writing process. She shares tips on using tools for organizing characters and creating evergreen content for social media, making writing not just efficient but fun! Elana also touches on balancing creativity with technology, refining her personal style through AI, and the importance of community in enhancing one’s writing journey. A treasure trove of insights for aspiring writers!
