Brave New Bookshelf

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.