Brave New Bookshelf Episode 40: Balancing Joy and Technology in Writing with Kevin McLaughlin

By Danica Favorite May 15, 2025

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.

A Writer First, Technologist Second

Since going full-time in 2017, Kevin has cultivated a deep understanding of both indie and traditional publishing. His exploration of artificial intelligence came from curiosity—and a bit of early skepticism. Like many authors, he wrestled with the implications of AI tools before ultimately embracing them as allies in the writing process.

AI as a Creative Assistant, Not a Replacement

Kevin’s philosophy is simple: keep the parts of writing you love, and use AI to streamline the rest. He reserves the drafting process—his favorite part—for himself. But when it comes to tasks like transcription or research, he’s happy to delegate to machines. This intentional use of AI preserves his enjoyment of storytelling while boosting productivity.

Redefining Book Covers with AI

Kevin has always designed his own covers, and AI has become an integral part of that workflow. Instead of relying on generic stock images, he now creates custom visuals using AI-generated art. These unique designs not only better match his stories, but also outperform standard stock in advertising campaigns. The result? More engaging covers and better reader response.

Brainstorming and Research Made Smarter

AI also plays a role in Kevin’s planning phase. From exploring new plot ideas to gathering background research, AI tools help jumpstart the creative process. While he’s mindful of AI’s limitations—especially when it comes to factual accuracy—Kevin finds these tools invaluable for early-stage ideation and direction-setting.

A Realistic Outlook on AI in Publishing

Throughout the discussion, Kevin emphasized the importance of a grounded, balanced view of AI. He sees great promise in AI tools but cautions against over-reliance. Ultimately, it’s about using technology to serve the creative process—not replace it.

Key Takeaways from Episode 40

In closing:

Delegate the tedious tasks to AI, but hold on to what makes writing joyful.
AI-generated covers can improve both visual appeal and ad performance.
Use AI to brainstorm and research, but verify the output before relying on it.
Understand your readers and craft stories that meet their expectations.
Stay curious and experiment—AI can open doors to new creative efficiencies.