Brave New Bookshelf Episode 61 - AI for Newbie Authors: A Practical Guide with Jessica Waldron from The Invisible Pen

AI can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out as an author. New tools. New terminology. New expectations.

In this episode of Brave New Bookshelf, Steph and Danica sit down with Jessica Waldron, also known as Connie Clark, romance author, multi-pen-name powerhouse, and founder of The Invisible Pen, to talk about what AI actually looks like for beginners.

This conversation is not about hype. It’s about practicality.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | RSS Feed

Meet Jessica Waldron

Jessica writes romance across six pen names, from Regency to Mafia Dark Romance. Through The Invisible Pen, she helps new authors, especially those who feel intimidated by technology, navigate AI in a way that feels accessible and empowering.

Her journey into AI started with writer’s block on a manuscript called Wild Reckoning. With 30,000 words written but momentum stalled, she experimented by feeding her draft and outline into ChatGPT. The results surprised her. That moment opened the door to deeper experimentation with models like Gemini, Claude, and Grok.

What followed was not automation. It was transformation.

AI for Authors Over 40, 50, and Beyond

Jessica originally set out to help authors over 50 adopt AI tools with confidence. After some friendly protests from her Gen X peers, she widened her focus. Her core belief remains the same:

AI is not replacing authors. It is supporting them.

For writers navigating life changes, shifting energy levels, or simply the intimidation of new technology, AI can become a steady creative partner. It can help with momentum, structure, brainstorming, and even clarity when brain fog strikes.

Age is not a barrier. Curiosity is the key.

Jessica’s Practical AI Writing Workflow

Jessica shares a clear, structured workflow that turns AI from a mystery into a manageable system:

1. Idea and Tropes

Start with a clear concept and define 3 to 4 tropes that will anchor the story and potentially evolve across a series.

2. Character Development

Name your characters. Define their individual tropes and emotional dynamics. Grumpy sunshine. Big bear energy. Hidden vulnerability.

3. Setting

Ground the story in a world that aligns with your genre expectations.

4. Premise and Codex

Using Claude or another model, establish a codex. This includes character profiles, setting notes, tone guidance, and a structured book map.

5. Outline

Generate a 25-chapter outline. Then adjust it. Refine it. Make it yours.

6. Prompt Creation

Have the model generate writing prompts specific to your story. This shifts AI from generic assistant to guided collaborator.

7. Writing and Feedback

Review the output closely. Correct inconsistencies. Challenge tone mistakes. If the heroine shows up downstairs in her nightgown in a Regency romance, you fix it. Then you ask for revisions.

The key point: this is not push-button publishing. It is directed collaboration.

Collaboration Requires Critical Thinking

Steph and Danica emphasize that strong AI use depends on strong author input.

AI responds to direction. It improves with feedback. It reflects the quality of your thinking.

Writers who approach AI as a co-creator rather than a shortcut tend to produce stronger results. The process can even sharpen analytical skills by forcing authors to articulate tone, pacing, and character logic more clearly.

Exploring Different AI Models

Jessica also discusses how different models behave differently depending on genre and content:

• Gemini performs well with Regency nuance and structured storytelling.
• Claude works effectively for premise building and structural planning.
• Grok has been more permissive with explicit or spicy content.
• ChatGPT has evolved over time, with shifting capabilities around certain content types.

The takeaway is simple: there is no universal best model. Testing matters.

Custom GPTs or tailored setups can also be useful, especially for recurring tasks or genre-specific tone.

Advice for Newbie Authors

For beginners, Jessica recommends starting with Gemini, especially for authors already using Google services. It balances affordability with strong capability.

Her broader advice:

• Start simple.
• Experiment carefully.
• Stay in control of your voice.
• Treat AI as a tool, not a replacement.

There is no single right way to integrate AI into your writing process. What matters is finding a workflow that supports your creativity instead of overwhelming it.

Key Takeaways

• AI is a powerful support tool when guided intentionally.
• Direction, editing, and oversight are essential.
• Different models serve different creative needs.
• Collaboration and critical thinking remain central to quality writing.
• AI can expand productivity without diminishing author ownership.