Brave New Bookshelf

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.

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 handle the heavy lifting of daily tasks, allowing more space for unique human intuition and connection. 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, 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 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.