Today on Underline That, Steph sits down with historical fiction author Nicola Harrison to talk about her dazzling new novel, The Island Club—a layered, addictive story set on 1950s Balboa Island, where paradise looks perfect on the surface… but secrets are simmering underneath.

They discuss the real-life inspiration behind Balboa Island as a setting, the fascinating history of spring break culture in Newport Beach, and why tennis became such an important thread in the novel. Nicola also shares how women’s friendship, play, and community shaped the story in unexpected ways.

Plus, they dive into Nicola’s publishing journey—from fashion journalism in New York City to becoming a bestselling novelist—her writing process, the magic of early-morning drafting, and what’s next for her (including a brand-new novel set in the English countryside).

In this episode, you’ll hear all about:

• The premise behind The Island Club
• Why Balboa Island was the perfect setting
• The surprising real history behind “Bal Week”
• Tennis, friendship, and reclaiming joy as women
• Nicola’s path from journalism to fiction
• Her daily writing goals and 5 a.m. routine
• How the gorgeous cover came to life
• What she’s writing next

If you love smart escapist fiction, glamorous settings, female friendship, and books with secrets at their center, this episode is for you!

FIND NICOLA HARRISON:

Instagram: @nicolaharrisonauthor

Website: www.nicolaharrison.com

FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠

PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TODAY’S UNDERLINES:

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan