Underline That

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: ⁠@ashleymanleywrites⁠

Follow Steph + The Pod:

IG: ⁠@stephanienmack⁠

IG: ⁠@underlinethatpod⁠

Today’s Underlines:

⁠Every Beautiful Mile by Ashley Manley⁠

⁠Where Wildflowers Bloom by Ashley Manley⁠

⁠Forever and Back by Ashley Manley⁠

⁠Now to Forever by Ashley Manley⁠

⁠The Holiday Club by Ashley Manley⁠

⁠Verity 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 reading

Whether 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.com

IG: @sophiajstava

Follow Steph + The Pod:
IG: @stephanienmack
IG: @underlinethatpod

Today’s Underlines:

Count My Lies

Shark Heart

11/22/1963

Gone Girl

The Correspondent

The Names

Ever wonder what really goes on behind the desk at your local library? In this episode of Underline That, Steph chats with Jordan Abitz, a rural branch librarian, indie author, and family farmer who calls herself a “book matchmaker.” From quirky patron requests to the joy of connecting readers with their next favorite story, Jordan takes us inside her Hallmark-worthy small-town library (swoon!) and shares how libraries shape communities in surprising ways.

Whether you’re a lifelong library lover or just in need of some cozy small-town charm, this episode is full of heart, humor, and bookish inspiration.

Highlights:

• Libraries can be a social hub, especially in small towns!
• The role of a librarian extends beyond managing books to community care
• Bookstagram trends can influence reading habits and book popularity
• Audiobooks and digital resources are expanding library offerings
• Supporting indie authors can enrich library collections and reader experiences

Thank you so much for listening, besties!

Leave a review, question, or DM me anytime on socials!

Follow Jordan Abitz:

@bookishintheheartland

@authorjordanabitz

Follow Steph + The Pod:
@stephanienmack
@underlinethatpod

Today’s Underlines:

The Magic of Light by Jordan Abbott

Rookie Season by Katie Bailey and Leah Brunner

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Today Steph sits down with one of her girl-mom heroes, Kari Kampakis—bestselling author, speaker, and leader known for her life-changing work on the topic of mothering daughters. In this heartfelt and timely conversation, Steph and Kari explore the challenges and joys of parenting girls today, along with Kari’s new release, Is Your Daughter Ready? 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenge. 

They discuss:

·       Kari’s writing journey (so encouraging!)

·       The importance of open conversations (always!)

·       The impact of technology on today’s youth (there’s hope!)

Kari shares insights on empowering daughters, managing emotions, and the notable strengths she sees in the next generation. She highlights the power of community support and the role of faith in navigating parenting challenges.

Don’t miss this heart-to-heart conversation!

Thank you so much for listening!

More of Kari Kampackis:

www.karikampakis.com

@karikampakis

Follow Steph + The Pod:
@stephanienmack
@underlinethatpod

Today’s Underlines:

Is Your Daughter Ready? 10 Ways to Empower Your Daughter for an Age of New Challenges by Kari Kapackis

Love Her Well by Kari Kampackis

Liked by Kari Kampackis 

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman

It’s a brand-new season, a brand-new podcast—welcome to Underline That with Stephanie Mack! In this first-ever episode, Steph shares her heart and vision for the show, what you can expect moving forward, and a little of her own story. What does underlining mean to her, exactly? A call to notice, to pause: to pay attention. We're going to have so much fun!

In today’s episode, you’ll hear:

• Why Steph started Underline That and what she hopes it becomes for you
• The different episode types you can anticipate 
• A bit about Steph’s life and author journey
• Her five latest “underlines” (and again, what that means!)

Underline That is a podcast about books, stories, and the truths that stop us on the page and in life. Each week, we’ll dive into conversations, reflections, and underlines to meet you wherever you’re at!

Thanks for being here from the beginning! Can’t wait for what’s ahead! 

Follow Steph + The Pod:
@stephanienmack
@underlinethatpod

Today’s Underlines:

The New Bachelorette Announcement

Lola Blankets

Weleda Moisturizer