Brave New Bookshelf Episode 46: Using AI to Amplify Creativity with Book Coach Jocelyn Lindsay
This week on Brave New Bookshelf, we sat down with Jocelyn Lindsay—a passionate book coach, storyteller, and advocate for blending creativity with technology. Her unique perspective on writing in the digital age reveals how artificial intelligence is reshaping the author experience and fueling a new wave of creative freedom.
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A Creative Force at the Crossroads of Tech and Storytelling
Jocelyn Lindsay refers to herself as a “creative tornado”—a fitting description for someone who has spent years immersed in the indie publishing world. From the early days of self-publishing revolutions sparked by authors like Hugh Howey, Jocelyn has been fascinated by how tech can empower writers. Today, she stands at the cutting edge once again, this time using AI to drive both her personal projects and the success of other writers.
"AI is about enhancing my capabilities, allowing me to execute tasks more efficiently and effectively."
Jocelyn Lindsay, on AI as an amplification tool
Using AI to Supercharge the Creative Process
For Jocelyn, artificial intelligence isn't a shortcut—it’s an accelerant. Tools like ChatGPT and Claude help her spark new ideas, assess developmental edits, and devise marketing strategies. By removing barriers like writer’s block or time-consuming analysis, AI allows her to stay focused on what matters most: telling compelling stories.
From generating book blurbs to designing trailers and evaluating ad performance, AI plays a supportive role in nearly every part of her process. Rather than replacing the creative spark, it helps her channel it more efficiently and with greater impact.
Data-Driven Publishing with a Creative Edge
Jocelyn doesn’t just use AI for writing—she leverages it as a strategic tool in building her author platform. By uploading newsletter content and performance metrics, she lets AI identify trends, engagement patterns, and areas for improvement. These insights help her fine-tune her messaging and better connect with her audience.
She also tracks reader behavior to determine the optimal timing for sending emails, demonstrating how data-backed decisions can elevate a writer’s reach and resonance.
Supporting Writers in the AI Era
One of Jocelyn’s biggest passions is mentoring new authors. She sees AI as a powerful ally—especially for those navigating the learning curve of modern publishing. With the help of AI tools, aspiring writers can experiment freely, receive immediate feedback, and learn how to build strong foundations in both craft and marketing.
Her message is clear: AI isn’t here to take over; it’s here to help you go further, faster. And with the right mindset, authors can harness these tools to unlock more creative opportunities than ever before.
"New writers can benefit from AI's ability to provide feedback and support learning."
Jocelyn Lindsay, on AI as a learning tool for authors.
Jocelyn’s Favorite Tools
Here’s a peek into the digital toolkit she uses to enhance her work:
- ChatGPT – For idea generation, editing suggestions, and marketing support
- Claude – Ideal for research and gathering the latest information
- Midjourney – Her go-to for creating gritty, atmospheric story visuals
- Ideogram & Free Pik – For animations, promotional content, and illustrations
What You’ll Learn from Jocelyn’s Approach
- AI enhances, not replaces, human creativity
- It’s a powerful tool for boosting productivity and audience engagement
- New authors can accelerate their development with the right AI tools
- Embracing tech can open new doors in publishing
Jocelyn Lindsay’s journey is a reminder that technology and creativity aren’t opposing forces—they’re partners in progress. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your author career, her insights offer a powerful blueprint for thriving in the era of AI-powered publishing.