Underline That

Stephanie Mack

Welcome to Underline That—the podcast where we go beyond the page. From powerful fiction to industry insights, creative leaders to real-life stories, we explore the things worth underlining. Each week, join author Stephanie Mack + guests for conversations about books, the business, womanhood, life, pop culture, and the quiet challenges we don't always speak out loud. If you've ever underlined a sentence and felt seen, this is for you. Get ready for real books, bold talks, and big underlines!

  1. 4일 전

    Behind the Book: Inside My Four-Release Year

    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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠ TODAY'S UNDERLINES: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever Need by Jessica Brody Brick

    31분
  2. 2월 19일

    Small Press, Big Story: Diving Deep with Author Allison Nance

    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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@allisonrnance ⁠⁠⁠Website: www.allisonrnance.com FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD: IG: ⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠ ⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠ PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠ TODAY'S UNDERLINES: Deep Cries Out by Allison Nance Drinker of Ink by Shannon Castleton Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Isola by Allegra Goodman This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman Sam by Allegra Goodman

    42분
  3. 2월 5일

    Walking with Giants: Lessons from Mister Rogers with Lori Melton

    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 author If 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.com FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD: Instagram: ⁠@stephanienmack⁠, ⁠@underlinethatpod⁠ Website:⁠ www.stephaniemack.com⁠ PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: ⁠Amazon⁠ ⁠Target⁠ ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ TODAY'S UNDERLINES:The Journey of a Giant by Lori MeltonThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

    57분
  4. 1월 29일

    From Finance to Fiction: Trading Lies & Telling Truths with Kristine Delano

    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 industry Why women need circles of trusted advisors What success (and failure) really look like in high-pressure careers How Kristine’s corporate experience shaped her storytelling The 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.writer Website: www.kristinedelano.com FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD: Instagram: ⁠@stephanienmack⁠, ⁠@underlinethatpod⁠ Website:⁠ www.stephaniemack.com⁠ PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: ⁠Amazon⁠ ⁠Target⁠ ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ TODAY'S UNDERLINES: The Lies We Trade by Kristine Delano Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott Ambush by Colleen Coble We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

    56분
  5. 1월 22일

    Welcome Back | The Reset Episode

    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, @underlinethatpod Website: www.stephaniemack.com PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE: Amazon Target Barnes & Noble TODAY'S UNDERLINES: This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum You With the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate Star-Crossed Summer  by Devon Daniels Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan The Midnight Train by Matt Haig

    27분
  6. 2025. 12. 18.

    Underline That | Best Books of 2025 with Lexi of @LexintheStacks

    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 2026 Whether 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: @lexinthestacks Follow Steph + The Pod: IG: @stephanienmackIG: @underlinethatpod Today’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

    1시간 52분
  7. 2025. 12. 11.

    Europe with Kids: The Magic + The Must-Dos (with Travel Designer Kelly Greer)

    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 insights Whether 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: @customvacationsbykelly Follow Steph + The Pod: IG: @stephanienmack IG: @underlinethatpod

    1시간
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소개

Welcome to Underline That—the podcast where we go beyond the page. From powerful fiction to industry insights, creative leaders to real-life stories, we explore the things worth underlining. Each week, join author Stephanie Mack + guests for conversations about books, the business, womanhood, life, pop culture, and the quiet challenges we don't always speak out loud. If you've ever underlined a sentence and felt seen, this is for you. Get ready for real books, bold talks, and big underlines!