Underline That

Welcome back, listeners! This week’s episode is a quick little bookish life update and personal reflection. After years of publicly reviewing books online, I’m sharing why my relationship with Goodreads has shifted as I’ve gone deeper into author life—and why I’ve recently fallen hard for StoryGraph as my new favorite place to track my reading!

We’re talking about the complicated reality of being both a reader and a published author, why public reviewing feels different from this side of the industry, how I’m protecting my peace in this pre-launch season, and all the reasons StoryGraph has become my latest bookish obsession.

If you’ve been curious about StoryGraph, wondering whether Goodreads still works for you, or just want a candid peek behind the curtain of author life, this one’s for you!

In this episode, we cover:

• Why becoming an author has changed how I think about public book reviews
• The emotional reality of seeing negative reviews of your own work
• Why Goodreads no longer feels like the healthiest place for me to hang out
• My favorite StoryGraph features (and why I’m obsessed)
• Other reading life thoughts in this season

I'd love to know where you track your reads these days—Goodreads, StoryGraph, a reading journal, nowhere, or absolute chaos!

Thank you so much for listening! 

TODAY'S UNDERLINES:

The StoryGraph

Join two authors as we dive headfirst into AI, book trends, and the piping-hot publishing tea! This week, Steph puts award-winning romance author Heidi McCahan in the hot seat for a fun, candid conversation about some of the biggest topics in the book world right now.

From the constant discourse around AI to the rise of “books on boats” (yes, really), we talk about what’s trending, what’s actually selling, and how authors can navigate an ever-changing industry without losing their voice—or their sanity.

We also get real about indie vs. traditional publishing, the myths behind “making it,” and why writing more books—no, not just one—is often the key to success.

Don’t miss this thoughtful, honest, and perfectly spicy conversation!

Thank you so much for listening!

FIND HEIDI MCCAHAN:

IG: @heidimccahan.author

Website: www.heidimccahan.com

FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com

PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TODAY’S UNDERLINES:

Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers Conference

Sunrise Publishing

The Other Side of Good-Bye by Heidi McCahan

The Long Way Back to You by Heidi McCahan

The Shippers by Katherine Center

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair

American Fantasy by Emma Straub

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

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 surprises

Grab your sunnies, your tote, and your stack—this one is made for reading season!

Thank you so much for listening! 

FIND HANNAH:

IG: @hannahk_reads

FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PRE-ORDER WHEN WE BLINKED:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

TODAY’S UNDERLINES:

The Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle

The Briars by Sarah Crouch

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

Even After This by Deborah Clack

If All Else Fails by Emma St. Clair

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary

Middletide by Sarah Crouch

Just Don’t Fall by Emma St. Clair

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Twice by Mitch Albom

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

This 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: @sarahcrouchauthor
Website: www.sarahcrouch.com

FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TODAY'S UNDERLINES:

Middletide by Sarah Crouch

The Briars by Sarah Crouch

Untamed (starring Eric Bana) on Netflix

Run 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.com

FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Target⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TODAY'S UNDERLINES:

Even After This by Deborah Clack

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

The 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, ⁠⁠⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:

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TODAY'S UNDERLINES:

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever Need by Jessica Brody

Brick

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

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: ⁠@tonishiloh

⁠Website: ⁠www.tonishiloh.com

FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:

IG: ⁠⁠@stephanienmack⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@underlinethatpod⁠⁠

Website:⁠ ⁠www.stephaniemack.com⁠⁠

PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:

⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠

⁠⁠Target⁠⁠

⁠⁠Barnes & Noble⁠⁠

TODAY'S UNDERLINES:

Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh

My 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 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: @sanctuaryatbearcreek
Website: www.lorigmelton.com

FOLLOW STEPH + THE POD:

Instagram: ⁠@stephanienmack⁠, ⁠@underlinethatpod⁠

Website:⁠ www.stephaniemack.com⁠

PRE-ORDER TWENTY SOMETHING ELSE:

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⁠Target⁠

⁠Barnes & Noble⁠

TODAY'S UNDERLINES:
The Journey of a Giant by Lori Melton
The 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 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:

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⁠Target⁠

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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