Underline That

Packing your spring break bags? Don’t forget the most important item: BOOKS! In this sunshine-filled episode, Steph is joined by fellow voracious reader + bookstagrammer Hannah of @hannahk_reads to build the ultimate stack—filled with swoony romances, bingeable thrillers, meaningful fiction, and a few irresistible backlist gems you’ll want to toss straight into your beach bag.From emotional page-turners to light, flirty reads (plus a peek at what’s topping our current TBRs), this episode is your go-to guide for what to read by the pool, on the plane, or simply during golden hour in your own backyard.Whether you’re craving a fresh escape, a tearjerker, or your next five-star favorite, we’ve got you covered!Today, we chat:• Books we loved and can’t stop recommending• The perfect mix of romance, thrillers, and feel-something fiction• What’s currently on our spring TBRs—and why• Clean reads, closed-door recs, and a few surprisesGrab your sunnies, your tote, and your stack—this one is made for reading season!Thank you so much for listening! FIND HANNAH:IG: @hannahk_readsFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:AmazonBarnes & NobleTODAY’S UNDERLINES:The Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa JohnsonOnce and Again by Rebecca SerleThe Briars by Sarah CrouchMad Mabel by Sally HepworthHello Stranger by Katherine CenterPickle Perfect by Ilana LongIt’s a Love Story by Annabel MonaghanThe Good Sister by Sally HepworthJust for the Summer by Abby JimenezSay You’ll Remember Me by Abby JimenezEven After This by Deborah ClackIf All Else Fails by Emma St. ClairSwept Away by Beth O’LearyMiddletide by Sarah CrouchJust Don’t Fall by Emma St. ClairTheo of Golden by Allen LeviTwice by Mitch AlbomThe Night We Met by Abby JimenezThe Island Club by Nicola HarrisonDolly All the Time by Annabel MonaghanThis Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

How many people can say they’ve gone from Team USA to USA Today bestselling author? At least one unstoppable, inspiring force—and we’re so lucky to hear from her!Today on Underline That, Steph is joined by Sarah Crouch, bestselling author of the literary thrillers Middletide and The Briars, and a former professional runner and Team USA marathoner. Sarah brings truly elite-level insight on perseverance, writing, running, motherhood, rejection, success, and the kind of grit it takes to keep showing up for a dream.Tune in to hear about her latest novel, The Briars—a banger Steph couldn’t put down! Sarah takes us behind the scenes of her atmospheric, immersive novels, sharing what it took to go from years of unpublished manuscripts to a breakout debut, and how the same endurance that carried her through elite racing has fueled her thriving writing career.It’s a can’t-miss conversation about resilience, running your race, and what happens when talent meets perseverance over time.Thank you so much for listening!FIND SARAH CROUCH:IG: @sarahcrouchauthorWebsite: www.sarahcrouch.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TODAY'S UNDERLINES:Middletide by Sarah CrouchThe Briars by Sarah CrouchUntamed (starring Eric Bana) on NetflixRun Fast. Eat Slow. by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky

In this episode of Underline That, it’s a massive treat to have an editor in the hot seat! Today I’m joined by Kelsey Bowen—senior acquisitions editor at Baker Publishing Group and one of the brilliant editorial minds behind Haven Fiction, a brand-new imprint officially launching in 2026.Haven is carving out a lane that so many readers and writers are desperately craving: clean + wholesome, but fully mainstream reads filled with romance and unforgettable story. No spice. No profanity. No graphic content. And also no overt religious content—just emotionally rich, commercially compelling novels with clear content standards and a dependable reader promise. Kelsey shares what inspired Haven, who it’s for, and why “clean” doesn’t have to mean “light and fluffy.”We also go behind the curtain on acquisitions: how submissions are routed, what makes an editor fight for a project, and why strong writing still wins every time. Plus: the platform conversation (especially fiction vs. nonfiction), the power of newsletters and owned media, and Kelsey’s best advice for aspiring authors who hope to land in this lane.I’m obsessed with this one and know you’ll be, too! Thank you so much for listening! FIND HAVEN FICTION:Website: www.havenfiction.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TODAY'S UNDERLINES:Even After This by Deborah ClackThe Housemaid by Freida McFaddenTheo of Golden by Allen LeviThe Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Hi, friends! In this cozy Behind the Book episode, I’m sharing what my writing life looks like right now as I gear up for my traditional debut, Twenty Something Else (June 9), while preparing two indie re-releases (When We Blinked and Suing Cinderella) and developing Book Four for June 2027. It’s layered. It’s busy. It’s one of the greatest gifts of my life!I talk honestly about why I’m loving traditional publishing, what it’s like to work with my team, and #allthethings I'm learning along the way. This season is definitely a quadruple-decker sandwich of deadlines, edits, marketing, outlining, and dreaming up Books Five and Six—and I’m learning to embrace every minute! I also break down my writing process (hi, thorough outline and daily word count goals!), the tools that changed everything for me (Scrivener + Brick), and why some of the most powerful chapters are written on the days I least feel like showing up.Thank you so much for being here and cheering me on in this once-in-a-lifetime debut season! I’m savoring every second—and I’m so grateful you’re along for the ride!FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠TODAY'S UNDERLINES:Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever Need by Jessica BrodyBrick

In today’s episode of Underline That, Steph sits down with author Allison Nance, whose stunning debut novel Deep Cries Out explores womanhood, faith, love after loss, and the courageous fight for healing from anxiety and depression.Allison shares the deeply personal journey behind her book—including her own struggles with anxiety, insomnia, and the emotional terrain that shaped her storytelling. She opens up about her non-linear writing process, the realities of small press publishing, and what it takes to keep going when the road feels impossible.Together, Steph and Allison talk about hope as the heartbeat of fiction, networking at conferences, navigating rejection, and why a “no” from an agent can be far more meaningful than silence.If you are a writer, a reader, or someone walking through a tough season, this conversation is a gentle reminder: hope is not lost, writing matters, and joy always comes in the morning.Thank you so much for listening, friends!Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and let us know what stood out to you in this episode!FOLLOW ALLISON NANCE:IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@allisonrnance⁠⁠⁠Website: www.allisonrnance.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:IG: ⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠ ⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠TODAY'S UNDERLINES:Deep Cries Out by Allison NanceDrinker of Ink by Shannon CastletonGood Dirt by Charmaine WilkersonBlack Cake by Charmaine WilkersonIsola by Allegra GoodmanThis Is Not About Us by Allegra GoodmanSam by Allegra Goodman

This week on Underline That, Steph sits down with award-winning author Toni Shiloh to talk about her newest novel, Hearts on the Fly—a heartfelt hockey romance filled with faith, second chances, and unexpected love.Together, we unpack the rise of hockey romance, the emotional inspiration behind Toni’s characters, and how real-life experiences—including her grandfather’s vision loss—shaped the story’s deeper themes of resilience and hope.Toni also shares her unique hybrid publishing journey, balancing indie and traditional paths, plus practical insights into her writing process, research habits, and the role faith plays in every story she tells. Prepare to be inspired!If you love meaningful romance, behind-the-scenes author chats, and stories that blend heart with purpose, this conversation is for you.Grab your cocoa, lace up those fantasy skates, and join us!FOLLOW TONI SHILOH:IG: ⁠@tonishiloh⁠Website: ⁠www.tonishiloh.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:IG: ⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠Website:⁠ ⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠TODAY'S UNDERLINES:Hearts on the Fly by Toni ShilohMy Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

What if you could walk through life guided by someone wise, steady, and deeply faithful—a giant whose footsteps show you the way? Great news: anyone can.This week on Underline That with Stephanie Mack, Stephanie sits down with author and spiritual director Lori Melton to talk about her beautiful new book, The Journey with a Giant, and the life-changing practice of spiritual mentorship.Together, they explore what it means to “walk with giants” — intentionally choosing wise voices from history and faith to shape how we live, listen, love, and grow.From Lori’s experience walking with Fred Rogers—America’s favorite neighbor—to the quiet spiritual power of fiction writers like George MacDonald, this conversation is tender, thoughtful, and deeply grounding.We discuss:• The hope and heart behind The Journey of a Giant• How choosing a “giant” from history can shape your everyday faith• Lessons from Mister Rogers that still matter today• Why fiction can be spiritually formative• Lori’s journey to becoming a traditionally published nonfiction authorIf you’re looking for guidance and clarity at the start of the new year, this episode will feel like a deep breath for your soul.Thank you so much for listening!FOLLOW LORI MELTON:IG: @sanctuaryatbearcreekWebsite: www.lorigmelton.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:Instagram: ⁠@stephanienmack⁠, ⁠@underlinethatpod⁠Website:⁠ www.stephaniemack.com⁠PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:⁠Amazon⁠⁠Target⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠TODAY'S UNDERLINES:The Journey of a Giant by Lori MeltonThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

What happens when a Wall Street veteran swaps spreadsheets for storytelling? In this energizing conversation, Steph sits down with Kristine Delano, former finance executive turned debut novelist, to talk ambition, identity, mentorship, and her buzzy new novel The Lies We Trade, hot off the press from Tyndale House!Kristine spent nearly two decades on Wall Street before pivoting into the world of fiction. Her brand-new book blends finance and family drama into a sharp, propulsive narrative about the stories we tell to survive—and the ones we tell to succeed.Together, Kristine and Stephanie explore:How curiosity drives performance in any industryWhy women need circles of trusted advisorsWhat success (and failure) really look like in high-pressure careersHow Kristine’s corporate experience shaped her storytellingThe importance of celebrating small wins!Kristine opens up about the craft side, too—from using Scrivener and critique partners to reading trends, understanding the market, and navigating the collaborative nature of publishing.Whether you’re a writer, a reader, a dreamer, a strategist, or all of the above, this episode is packed with encouragement, insight, and heart.Thank you so much for listening!FOLLOW KRISTINE DELANO:Instagram: @kristine.delano.writerWebsite: www.kristinedelano.comFOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:Instagram: ⁠@stephanienmack⁠, ⁠@underlinethatpod⁠Website:⁠ www.stephaniemack.com⁠PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:⁠Amazon⁠⁠Target⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠TODAY'S UNDERLINES:The Lies We Trade by Kristine DelanoBird by Bird by Ann LamottAmbush by Colleen CobleWe Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

Welcome back to Underline That with Stephanie Mack! We’re kicking off the second half of Season 1 with a short and sweet reset episode straight from the soul. If you’re craving a fresh start, a little structure, and a friend in your ears, this one’s for you!In this solo reboot, I’m breaking things down into three buckets:📌 Margin Notes: Setting Goals & Chasing DreamsI’m sharing two of my Five F’s (Fitness + Firm): strength training, protein goals, creative vocation, and what celebrating actually means after seasons of hard work + waiting.📌 Draft Notes: What’s Happening in My Writing WorldWinter is a season of deadlines for me, and I'm dishing! We talk copyediting an indie book for repub, writing with honesty, and finding the lane of my dreams: women’s fiction with heart, romance, humor, faith, friendship, and belonging.📌 Field Notes: Podcast Plans + TBRPeep the guest lineup preview (Kristine Delano, Toni Shiloh + more!) plus five of my most-anticipated 2026 reads.Plus: What happens when we swing and miss a big goal? What race am I running next? How do YOU approach goal setting?If you loved this reboot, hit subscribe, leave a review, and DM me your January goals or current read—I want to hear!FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:Instagram: @stephanienmack, @underlinethatpodWebsite: www.stephaniemack.comPRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:AmazonTargetBarnes & NobleTODAY'S UNDERLINES:This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany CrumYou With the Sad Eyes by Christina ApplegateStar-Crossed Summer  by Devon DanielsDolly All the Time by Annabel MonaghanThe Midnight Train by Matt Haig

Today’s episode is the final drop before a cozy winter break—and we’re wrapping up the year with one of my favorite conversations yet. Not to mention, more book recommendations than Santa himself could carry!I’m thrilled to be joined by Lexi of @LexintheStacks, a longtime friend and one of my absolute favorite book accounts to follow. Her taste is impeccable, her vibes are immaculate, and together we’re talking all things Best Books of 2025.We’re diving into the stories that stayed with us long after the final page—the ones we’re still thinking about, still recommending, and still underlining in real life. Narrowing it down was nearly impossible, so rather than an exhaustive love list, think of this episode as a thoughtfully curated collection of standout reads that truly left their mark on our year!✨ Bonus: If you’re still hunting for last-minute Christmas gifts or planning your early-2026 TBR, this episode is full of inspiration for readers of all kinds.In this episode, we chat about:• Lexi’s journey into Bookstagram and her vibrant reading life• What 2025 looked like as a reading year — the highs, the tears, and the gems• Books that almost made the cut• Our top reads of the year across genres, moods, and formats• A rapid-fire wrap-up of surprising reads, easy recommendations, and buzzy books we’re saving for 2026Whether you discover a new favorite, add something fresh to your TBR, or simply enjoy the conversation, I’m so grateful you’re here.Thank you so much for spending your listening time with Underline That. From my heart to yours — happy reading, happy gifting, and we’ll see you in the new year! 🤍✨Follow Lexi:IG: @lexinthestacksFollow Steph + The Pod:IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpodToday’s Underlines:The House of My Mother by Sheri FrankeHeart the Lover by Lily KingEvery Beautiful Mile by Ashley ManleyShark Heart by Emily HabeckThe Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert DugoniTell Me Everything by Minka KellyBe Ready When Luck Happens by Ina GartenThe Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love HardinWe Begin at the End by Chris WhitakerThe Briar Club by Kate QuinnBroken Country by Clare Leslie HallAll the Colors of the Dark by Chris WhitakerThe River Is Waiting by Wally LambWhat Happened to the McCrays by Tracey LangeThe Names by Florence KnappWild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghyThe Names by Florence KnappIt’s a Love Story by Annabel MonaghanThe Academy by Elin HilderbrandThe Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne YoungThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansThe Ghostwriter by Julie ClarkDrinker of Ink by Shannon CastletonDon’t Let Him In by Lisa JewellMy Friends by Fredrik BackmanWriting Creativity and Soul by Sue Monk KiddRed Rising Series by Pierce BrownGrace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew NormanThe Bright Years by Sarah DamoffOne Golden Summer by Carley FortuneThe Rose Code by Kate Quinn

Today’s episode is a true travel-lover’s treat! I’m giving you the full scoop on our family’s Paris + London adventure—the magic, the mishaps, the bucket-list moments, and everything we learned along the way. It was our first major international trip with our three girls, planned around my husband’s and my 40th birthdays, and wow… it was everything and MORE!I’m joined by the incredible Kelly Greer, a travel designer with Holiday Road Adventures and the brilliant woman who made this trip possible. With our vision as her guide, Kelly handled every detail—options, logistics, transportation, hotels, special touches—the true fairy godmother behind the scenes, sprinkling in extra treats and steering the ship (plane/train/automobile) like the award-winning PRO that she is!We cover:✨ How a great travel agent can transform your trip✨ What surprised me most about traveling Europe with kids✨ How our itinerary came together (St. Ermin’s Hotel! Paris Airbnb!)✨ My Top 10 Tips for Europe with Kids✨ Paris highlights: Eiffel Tower tour, Musée d’Orsay, Disneyland Paris, shopping + more✨ London highlights: Peter Pan Tea at Aqua Shard, Christmas markets, Hamilton + more✨ Kelly’s rapid-fire expert insightsWhether you’re dreaming of Paris, planning London, or just love a good family travel story, this episode will bring you right along with us.If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend who’s planning a trip—or send in your follow-up questions!Find Kelly Greer:Travel PageIG: @customvacationsbykellyFollow Steph + The Pod:IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpod

Today on Underline That, I’m joined by the one and only Sheila Roberts—USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than fifty novels, with millions of copies sold and multiple beloved movie adaptations. Welcome, Sheila!Her newest book, The Man Next Door, is a witty, cozy, Rear Window–flavored mystery about starting over, multiple generations under one roof, and the dangerously handsome neighbor who might not be what he seems.In this episode, we talk about:Blending humor, heart, and midlife chaosKeeping suspense fun, cozy, and comfortingBecoming a true Christmas-fiction iconSeeing her books adapted for TV and filmHonest encouragement for writers juggling real life + big dreamsSheila is warm, wise, and wildly funny—this one feels like the biggest hug! We go silly, deep, and everything in between.Grab The Man Next Door wherever books are sold, and connect with Sheila at the links below! Thank you so much for listening!Leave a rating or share with a friend—it helps the show more than you know! Follow Sheila:www.sheilasplace.comIG: @sheilarobertswriterFollow Steph & The Pod:IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpodToday's Underlines:The Man Next Door by Sheila RobertsChristmas on Candy Cane Lane by Sheila RobertsThe Nine Lives of Christmas by Sheila RobertsCulpability by Bruce Holsinger

Let Steph + Stef stack your stockings! In this festive episode of Underline That, host Stephanie Mack and special guest bookstagrammer Stefanie Zerbe (@readwithsteph) dive headfirst into the world of holiday reading. From banter-filled romances to charming novellas, they unpack what makes a holiday book truly sparkle — and why this season brings out the best in our book stacks!We chat about our favorite five-star holiday novels, our own jolly TBRs, and the magic of book clubs (including insider tips + gratitude for the friendships!). We also share our reading goals, audiobook habits, and the holiday movies we can’t do December without.In this conversation, we unwrap:• Favorite holiday reads & hidden gems• What makes a Christmas book feel like Christmas• Behind-the-scenes of Bookstagram• Holiday movies that pair perfectly with books• Which festive reads deserve an adaptationWhether you're looking for your next festive read, seeking new authors, or simply craving some bright bookish banter, this episode is for you.Thank you so much for listening!Follow Stefanie Zerbe:IG: @readwithstefFollow Steph + The Pod:IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpodToday’s Books:Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew NormanA Cross‑Country Christmas by Courtney WalshHoliday Romance by Katherine WalshIn a Holidaze by Christina LaurenA World Without You by Caitlin MossOne Day in December by Josie SilverThis Time Next Year by Sophie CousensAll About Us by Tom EllenChristmas Shopaholic by Sophie KinsellaA Very Merry Matchup by Becca KinzerThe Holiday Club by Ashley ManleyGood Spirits by BK BorisonWishing for Christmas by Caroline StoweMy Merry Mistake by Courtney WalshWinter Street by Elin HilderbrandI’ll Be Alone for Christmas by Kristin MulliganA Christmas to Die For by Kristin MulliganToday’s Movies:The Twelve Dates of ChristmasThe Nightmare Before ChristmasHome AloneHome Alone 2The Santa ClauseThe HolidayThe Best Christmas Pageant EverFalling for ChristmasOur Little SecretA Merry Little Ex-Mas

Grab your paddle and your pup—this episode has it all! Romance, pickleball, dog training, and the heart behind writing stories that make us smile. Stephanie chats with author and dog trainer Victoria Schade about her latest rom-com Pick Me—a story that serves up laughter, love, and a reminder that sometimes the game of life involves letting yourself be chosen.Victoria shares how a local pickleball court sparked her inspiration, how ghostwriting helped shape her voice, and the surprising ways dogs enhance her stories. She also offers a sneak peek at her upcoming release Faded Skates—a binge-worthy, ice-spinning journey to the Olympics—and reflects on the power of community among women authors.This one’s full of humor, heart, and puppy-level charm!Thank you so much for listening!Find Victoria Schade:www.victoriaschade.comIG: @victoria_schadeFollow Steph + The Pod:IG: ⁠@stephanienmack⁠IG: ⁠@underlinethatpodToday's Underlines:Pick Me by Victoria SchadeFaded Skates by Victoria SchadeWho Rescued Who by Victoria SchadeUnleashed Holiday by Victoria SchadeLost, Found & Forever by Victoria SchadeDog Friendly by Victoria Schade

It's Steph's birthday episode! I turn forty this weekend, and I’m celebrating with a very special episode: me, interviewing… myself! LOL. That’s right—you can pry my LOL from my dead-cold millennial fingers! From favorite trips, songs, and outfits to lessons learned, joys discovered, things I’m releasing, and things I’m not—we’re talking about it all. Most importantly, the freedom I feel at this milestone.Cozy up with your coffee and join me for some laughs, heartfelt shares, and a little bit of birthday magic. ✨In this episode, I share:My favorite age to date, my most unforgettable trips, and my best birthday memoriesMy go-to, scream-sing-in-the-car song + other rapid-fire picksLessons learned in my 30s—things I’ve released + joys I’m holdingReflections on motherhood, creativity, and the small rituals that bring daily joyWords I’d tell my younger self + the rainbows life had in storeThank you so much for listening! I’m so grateful for every one of you + this momentous turn of the calendar!Follow Steph + The Pod:IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpod

Lace up with Steph for her reflections and real talk on running—one constant that’s carried her through many seasons of womanhood, writing, and rediscovery. With her 40th birthday later this week and Boston Marathon dreams on the brain, Steph delves into what it means to call herself a runner (and why it’s taken her this long to say it out loud).Join as she dives into the mental and spiritual side of running—how time on the pavement can quiet anxiety, fuel creativity, and serve as legitimate therapy. Expect thoughts on identity, imposter syndrome, the power of community, and the magic of showing up for yourself one mile at a time.Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a once-in-a-blue-moon jogger, or neither—this episode is your permission slip to chase joy, embrace discipline, and find meaning in forward motion.Follow Steph + The Pod:IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpodToday’s Underlines:Honey Stinger WafflesJelly Belly Sport BeansGU Energy GelBrooks Ghost 3 MaxCalifornia International MarathonBoston Qualifying Times 

The holidays can be the most wonderful—and also crazy, stressful, and overwhelming. In this special Underline That episode, Steph is joined by Kelly Borjas of The Lit Ladies Podcast for a heartfelt interview with Cynthia Ruchti, bestselling author and literary agent.We dive into Cynthia’s new Advent devotional, The Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence Throughout the Advent, a gentle guide to finding peace, presence, and spiritual grounding in the middle of the holiday hustle. Cynthia shares how she uses storytelling techniques to make the Advent season come alive, why slowing down matters for meaningful faith, and what she’s learned from guiding writers as both an author and an agent.Plus, writers—don’t miss her lagent insights! We chat about:Whether or not you should send that query before ChristmasWhat Cynthia’s hoping to see hit her inbox latelyHow to handle the times of waiting an in-betweenThose hot-button letters: AI…and more!If you’re a reader longing for peace this Christmas or a writer needing encouragement and clarity, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and joy.Thank you so much for listening! Follow Cynthia + Find Her Devotional:IG: @cynthiaruchtiauthorThe Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence Throughout the Advent by Cynthia RuchtiFollow Kelly Borjas + The Lit Ladies:IG: @kellyborjaswritesIG: @litladiespodFollow Steph + The Pod:IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpod

Publishing tea, anyone?! In this super-fun + juicy conversation, Stephanie Mack sits down with friend + fellow author Devon Daniels (Meet You in the Middle, The Rom Con) to share some of the realest stories from inside the glossy biz of traditional publishing. Devon’s new novel Star-Crossed Summer is on the way—and so is the unfiltered talk about the ever-changing industry!Steph and Devon go full insider mode, tackling your burning questions about the trad world that nobody wants to ask—or answer. They discuss the state of the industry, the blurry line between author friendships and competition, the juggle of motherhood and creativity, the marketing grind, and how to handle criticism. Plus: their favorite romance movies, underrated tropes, and the publishing myths you need to stop believing!Thank you so much for listening! Follow Devon:www.devondanielsauthor.comIG: @devondanielsauthorFollow Steph + The Pod:IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpodToday’s Books:Meet You in the Middle by Devon DanielsThe Rom Con by Devon DanielsSunk in Love by Heather McBreenBefore I Let Go by Kennedy RyanToday’s Movies:Fools Rush In (1997)French Kiss (1995)Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)Only You (1994)Can't Buy Me Love (1987)Baby Boom (1987)The Family Stone (2005)Father of the Bride (1991)

What does it really take to succeed as a self-published author? Don’t miss this deep dive with indie powerhouse ⁠Ashley Manley⁠, where I ask everything—and she spills it all! We are two women, for women. No gatekeeping here. Buckle up for our most honest takeaways and painfully hilarious observations!We talk writing women’s fiction with heart, navigating indie publishing, and finding your voice in a noisy online world. Ashley shares the ups, downs, and unexpected twists of building a devoted readership—from her major social media breakthrough to the thrill of her next big book news (HUGE!).We also explore creativity, the writing process, and the absolute JOY of her upcoming novella, The Holiday Club. Plus, Ashley talks about reclaiming the word “hag” for all of us and shares her incredible resources for helping other writers thrive.Whether you’re an aspiring author, a book lover, or just curious about life behind the pages, this conversation is packed with practical insights, laughter, and honesty!Thank you so much for listening!Follow Ashley:IG: ⁠@ashleymanleywrites⁠Follow Steph + The Pod:IG: ⁠@stephanienmack⁠IG: ⁠@underlinethatpod⁠Today’s Underlines:⁠Every Beautiful Mile by Ashley Manley⁠⁠Where Wildflowers Bloom by Ashley Manley⁠⁠Forever and Back by Ashley Manley⁠⁠Now to Forever by Ashley Manley⁠⁠The Holiday Club by Ashley Manley⁠⁠Verity by Colleen Hoover

What happens when your debut novel sells at auction, gets scooped up by a dream imprint, and is chosen for the Good Morning America Book Club and Book of the Month? In today’s episode, bestselling author Sophie Stava of Count My Lies takes us behind the scenes of her extraordinary publishing journey—full of surreal highs, surprising lows, pivotal choices, and the kind of “pinch me” moments (yes, plural!) every writer dreams about.From years of writing and enduring rejection to a Hulu TV series adaptation starring Lindsay Lohan and Shailene Woodley, Sophie’s story reminds us that persistence, passion, and trusting the process can turn the impossible into reality.Sophie and Steph discuss:·       Sophie’s unique journey to publication (hint: she was a ghostwriter!)·       The whirlwind week of her book auction ·       The moment she found out GMA picked her novel·       What it’s like watching her book adapted for the screen·       The thrillers, twists, and literary influences that inspire her·       Why characters who lie make for such addictive readingWhether you’re a reader discovering new voices or a writer chasing your own publishing dream, Sophie’s story is equal parts inspiring and grounded—and proof that the unfathomable can happen!Thank you so much for listening!Follow Sophie Stava:www.sophiestava.comIG: @sophiajstavaFollow Steph + The Pod:IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpodToday’s Underlines:Count My LiesShark Heart11/22/1963Gone GirlThe CorrespondentThe Names