Brave New Bookshelf

Latest Episodes:

75 - The Sentience Gradient and AI Hardware with Malorie Cooper from The Writing Wives May 07, 2026

Show notes

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 context windows. Whether you are curious about the ethics of machine intelligence or looking for cutting-edge ways to automate your series bible and research, this conversation offers a visionary look at the intersection of code and creativity. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.

74 - Building an AI Operating System for Authors with Coral Hart and Phil from Authorythm Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

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 remains the creative lead. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.

73 - Revolutionizing Multi-Voice AI Narration with Phil Marshall and Stacy Smith Rogers from Spoken Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

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 for high-quality audio content. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.

72 - Mastering AI as a Professional Designer with Robin Johnson from Florida Girl Design Apr 16, 2026

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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 diversity and representation in book cover art. Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.

71 - Cultivating Critical Thinking and Education through AI with Susan Gable Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

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 how to offload the physical and mental drudgery of writing while maintaining their role as the essential "Story Architect." Visit our website https://bravenewbookshelf.com to view the full episode notes, links and apps mentioned in the episode, and the full transcript.

70 - Using AI for Convention Success with Amy Campbell Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

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.

69 - Solving the Complex Novelist Workflow with Jay Rosenkrantz from Plot Drive Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

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.

68 - Iterative AI Writing Workflows and the Inevitability of AI in Publishing with Cassie Alexander Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

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.

67 - Using AI as a Creative Assistant for Authors with Tanya Hales from AI Art for Authors Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

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.

66 - Story is Code: Personalizing AI Workflows for Authors with Kimberly Gordon Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

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.

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