Brave New Bookshelf Episode 41: AI in Creative Writing and Translations with Olivia Rigal

By Danica Favorite May 27, 2025

In the latest episode of Brave New Bookshelf, authors Steph Pajonas and Danica Favorite are joined by bestselling writer and AI innovator Olivia Rigal. Together, they dive into the practical and creative ways authors can use AI tools to streamline their publishing process—from writing and translations to marketing and beyond.

Meet Olivia Rigal: Author, Innovator, and AI Advocate

Olivia Rigal began her author journey in 2013, after a career in law, and quickly established herself with emotionally compelling fiction. What sets her apart is her proactive embrace of AI across multiple stages of publishing. Olivia shares how she integrates AI tools into her daily workflow—not as a shortcut, but as a strategic extension of her creative process.

Challenging Perceptions: AI and Cultural Resistance

In the episode, Olivia discusses her experience as a French author using AI, a topic that still sparks debate in her home country. She compares AI to other tools that transformed industries—reminding us that resistance often follows innovation. Her message is clear: AI isn’t here to replace creativity, but to support and amplify it.

AI as a Creative Companion

For Olivia, AI is more than a productivity booster—it’s a collaborator. Whether it’s brainstorming new storylines, refining book blurbs, or exploring fresh ideas when writer’s block strikes, she uses AI as a tireless co-creator. And when it comes to marketing, AI helps handle repetitive tasks so she can focus on storytelling.

Unlocking New Markets with AI-Powered Translations

One of Olivia’s most impactful use cases? Translations. With the help of AI, she’s brought her work to new readers in French, German, and Portuguese. Her approach combines AI for initial drafts with human editors for polish—an efficient, budget-friendly way to go global while maintaining quality and nuance.

More Than Words: Music, Covers, and Visuals

Olivia doesn’t stop at text. She’s also explored AI-generated music (with platforms like Suno) to enhance the reader experience and build engagement. From custom soundtracks to AI-assisted book cover designs, her approach highlights how AI can support a cohesive, creative brand.

Busting the Myth of “Instant Publishing”

A recurring theme in the episode is realism. Olivia is clear: using AI well takes work. It’s not about pressing a button—it’s about crafting, editing, and understanding your audience. Her insights help demystify AI and show how authors can use it responsibly and effectively.

Key Takeaways from Olivia's Journey

Treat AI as a tool—use it to enhance your creativity, not replace it
Use AI-assisted translation to grow your readership globally, but always pair it with human review
Explore AI-generated audio and visuals to strengthen your marketing impact
Stay aware of cultural context when localizing your books for new markets
Keep experimenting and learning—the publishing landscape is evolving fast, and those who adapt will thrive

Whether you’re just starting with AI or already exploring its potential, Olivia Rigal’s story offers an inspiring roadmap for blending creativity and technology in modern publishing.