Mary Alford is an award-winning novelist with a passion for writing stories that show how “God shows up in the middle of a mess.” She loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Mary is a USA TODAY, Parable and Publishers Weekly best-selling author. Her works have won the Holt Medallion, Kiss of Death and Golden Scroll Novel of the Year and have been finalists in the Selah and Maggie Awards.

Mary takes time to share with readers what makes her come alive, from memories of the magic and warmth of her mother’s kitchen to her mornings of stillness on her front porch watching the world wake up. She opens up about her battle with perfectionism and how she frequently feels stuck in her writing. Continue reading to hear how she works through these challenges and recognizes the Holy Spirit at work when she reaches the end of her own abilities.

QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

The meals we enjoy are about so much more than the food we eat. So, how does a “go-to” meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind your web bio?

No matter where I travel, home will always be Texas for me. I grew up in a tiny town that most people have never heard of — and probably never will. It wasn’t famous for anything, but it gave me a quiet childhood filled with imagination, strong roots and a love for the simple things in life. Today, I live with my husband in the heart of Texas on seventy peaceful acres with one very spoiled dog and the kind of skies that stretch on forever.

If I had to pick a meal that truly reflects who I am, it wouldn’t come from a fancy restaurant — it would be from my mother’s kitchen. She could make just about anything from scratch — from fried chicken, mashed potatoes with just the right amount of butter, fresh green beans snapped from her garden, and soft, homemade rolls. When I think about Thanksgiving and the Holidays, her homemade dishes are what really remind me of the holidays. But it wasn’t just the food that made it special. It was the feeling of being gathered around her table, watching her work her magic and the warmth that came from more than just the oven. We’d sit for hours, long after the plates were empty, telling stories, laughing and soaking up each other’s presence. That time together taught me about faith, family and the power of connection.

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So, what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activity do you love engaging in that also helps you find essential spiritual renewal?

One of the things I love most — and honestly don’t do enough — is sitting on our back porch just as the sun is setting. Out here in the heart of Texas, with seventy acres of stillness all around me, the world gets quiet in a way that soothes my soul. Our very spoiled dog usually curls up at my feet, the cicadas start singing and the sky turns every shade of pink and orange you can imagine.

There’s nothing flashy about it. I’m not doing anything “productive.” I’m not checking off boxes. I’m just being. And somehow, in that quiet, God meets me. Sometimes I bring a book. Sometimes I sip coffee and listen to the wind through the trees. But often, I just sit. And breathe. I think about the day — what I got right, what I need grace for. I talk to God in a way that’s unpolished and honest. No fancy words. It’s just him and me. It may not seem spiritual on the surface, but that porch has become my sacred space. It slows me down, centers me, and reminds me of the goodness in simply being present. It’s in that stillness that I remember who I am — and, more importantly, Whose I am. God doesn’t just speak through church pews or worship songs. Sometimes he whispers through rustling leaves, a fading sky and the soft creak of a rocker at dusk. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness; every human, too. We're just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re all broken and in this thing together. So, what’s your kryptonite and how do you confront its power head-on?

My kryptonite? Perfectionism — hands down. I’ve battled it most of my life. It shows up when I sit down to write, whispering that the words aren’t good enough, that someone else could say it better. It creeps in when I look at my roles as a wife, mom, grandmother or friend and feel like I’m constantly falling short. It’s that nagging voice that tells me unless everything is just right, it’s not worth doing.

Perfectionism is sneaky. It dresses up as ambition or excellence, but really it’s fear in disguise — fear of failing, of being judged, of not measuring up. It can paralyze creativity and steal the joy right out of the things I love. The only way I’ve found to confront it head-on is to remember grace. I remind myself that I wasn’t called to be perfect — just present. God never expected me to carry it all flawlessly. I pray, often out loud, “Lord, help me show up with what I have. Let it be enough.” I also give myself permission to be messy in the process. I light a candle, pour a cup of coffee and write the terrible first draft. I choose progress over perfection and faith over fear. The truth is that we’re all a little broken. But I’ve learned that God doesn’t wait for us to have it all together. He works through the cracks. That’s where the light gets in — and where healing begins.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your current obsession? And why should it be ours?

Right now, I’m deep in the middle of writing stories that blend suspense, faith and the kind of emotion that lingers long after the final page. My current obsession? Exploring broken characters who find hope in the most unexpected places — often while running for their lives, facing their pasts or searching for someone they love.

The project that has me up early and staying up late is my latest Christian psychological thriller where a grief counselor inherits her estranged father’s crumbling estate — and what she finds hidden inside could destroy the fragile truth she’s built her life on. Buried journals, whispered names and a girl who no one seems to remember point to a crime. Writing stories like this isn’t just about thrills — it’s ministry. Because I believe fiction can reach places that facts can’t. A novel can sit beside someone in their darkest hour and whisper, You’re not alone. It can stir up courage. Hope. Healing.

This passion started when I realized I was writing the kind of stories I needed to read myself — stories where faith doesn’t make the pain go away, but it gives it meaning. Where God shows up in the middle of the mess.

So if you’re craving stories that aren’t afraid to walk into the dark but refuse to leave you there — I’m writing them for you. And I’d love for you to come along.

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?

There’s a point in nearly every book I write when I feel completely stuck. The plot twists aren’t twisting. The characters are flat. I sit at my desk, staring at the blinking cursor, and wonder why I thought I could do this in the first place. That’s usually when the Holy Spirit shows up. Not in a dramatic, fireworks kind of way, but in the quiet. A gentle shift in my thinking. A new idea that comes while I’m folding laundry or walking the property with our dog. A line of dialogue whispers through my thoughts just before sleep, and suddenly a scene that felt impossible clicks into place. It’s in those moments I know it isn’t just me.

The Holy Spirit breathes life into my work when I’m at the end of my own ability. I don’t always recognize it right away, but when a plot comes together in a way that’s more meaningful than I planned — or when a character says something that feels like truth — I see God’s fingerprints.

Writing is how I work out the world, how I process hurt and how I try to offer hope. Every time I sit down to write, I ask God to meet me in it. Not just to help me craft a good story, but to infuse it with purpose. I believe he does. It’s humbling to know that something I create in weakness can be used by God to reach someone else. And that keeps me writing — one surrendered word at a time.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied habits that open our hearts to the presence of God. So, let us in. Which spiritual practice is working best for you in this season?

Lately, the spiritual practice that’s brought me closest to God is something simple, quiet, and surprisingly powerful — morning stillness on the porch with my Bible, a cup of coffee and no agenda.

I try to do it before the day starts chasing me — before emails, deadlines or that inner voice reminds me of everything I didn’t finish yesterday. I settle into the old porch chair just as the sky starts to lighten. The dog usually curls up nearby. The world is still mostly asleep. And that’s when I open my Bible — not to study or prepare for anything, but to listen.

I’ll read slowly, sometimes just a few verses and then sit with them. I ask God what he wants me to see, to hear, to carry with me. And sometimes, I close my eyes and just breathe. The birds begin their morning songs, the breeze picks up and I feel the quiet hush of God’s presence settle over me like a warm blanket.

It’s in that stillness that I feel closest to him — not because of anything profound I’m doing, but because I’ve made space. That’s what this practice is really about: creating room for God to speak, to heal, to remind me who he is and who I am. It doesn’t always feel dramatic. But it is sacred. This small morning rhythm is helping me carry peace into the rest of my day, and that, I’m learning, is one of the most powerful gifts he gives.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Looking backward, considering the full sweep of your unique faith journey and all you encountered along the way, what top three resources stand out to you? What changed reality and your heart?

Looking back over my faith journey, there are three resources that have deeply shaped not only my relationship with God but the way I see the world. The first is “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. I picked it up during a difficult season when I felt spiritually dry and disconnected. Each day’s entry felt like God speaking directly to me — tender, personal and deeply grounding. It helped me rediscover how much God desires daily, intimate conversation with us, not just occasional check-ins.

The second is the “Nothing is Wasted” podcast hosted by Davey Blackburn. Hearing raw, honest stories of people who have walked through unimaginable suffering and found God faithful in the wreckage stirred something in me. It gave me courage to share my own story and reminded me that redemption doesn’t mean the absence of pain, but the presence of hope in it.

Lastly, “The Chosen” series changed the way I read the Gospels. Watching Jesus portrayed with such warmth, humor and humanity made Scripture come alive in new ways. It reminded me that the disciples were real people with fears and flaws and that Jesus met them — and us — right there.

Each of these resources met me in a different season: dryness, grief and renewal. Together, they helped reshape my understanding of God’s nearness and grace. I return to them often — not because I need to remember the facts, but because I need to feel the truth again. If you’re in a hard place or just looking to grow deeper, start here. They’re simple but powerful.

We all have things we cling to to survive or even thrive in our fast-paced, techno-driven world. How have you been successful in harnessing technology to aid in your spiritual growth?

I’ll be the first to admit that I used to be a bit of a techno-skeptic when it came to spiritual growth. I thought connecting with God meant unplugging from everything digital. Lately, I’ve discovered how technology can actually be a lifeline when used with intention.

One tool I’ve come to rely on is the YouVersion Bible App. I use it every morning while sipping my first cup of coffee. The verse of the day often feels like it was handpicked for me, and the guided reading plans keep me consistent — even on the days when I’m short on time or focus. Being able to carry Scripture in my pocket has been a quiet revolution in my daily routine.

I’ve also found tremendous encouragement through podcasts. “The Next Right Thing” by Emily P. Freeman is one of my favorites. Her gentle reflections, paired with Scripture and prayer, help me breathe a little deeper and remember that God is present in the small decisions, too.

Surprisingly, even social media has become a spiritual space when I follow the right voices — authors, pastors and creatives who share authentic glimpses of faith. I’ve learned that with a few intentional choices, my feed can lift me up rather than wear me down.

Engaging with these tools doesn’t replace traditional practices like prayer or worship — it supports them. It’s helped me stay anchored in truth even on the busiest days. And for that, I’m deeply grateful. Tech isn’t the enemy. Used wisely, it can be grace.

QUESTION #8: dream

God's continually stirring new things in each of us. So, give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

Lately, God has been stirring something in me that feels both exciting and terrifying: the desire to write more deeply into brokenness — and not just through fiction. I’ve always loved telling stories with heart-pounding suspense and redemptive arcs, but I’m beginning to sense God nudging me to be even more vulnerable. To tell my own story. To write about real-life wounds and how grace has met me there.

This isn’t a shift away from fiction, but an expansion — into devotionals, essays, maybe even a memoir-style project that explores how faith and fear collide in everyday life. I’m still figuring it out. I wrestle with doubts every step of the way. What if it’s too personal? Too raw? What if no one wants to read it? But God keeps whispering: Tell the truth, and trust Me with the rest.

There’s also a stirring to connect more with readers — through speaking, workshops or small online communities where story and faith meet. The idea of stepping out from behind the page is a little scary for this introvert, but I believe there’s power in showing up as we are.

Right now, it’s all in the early stages — lots of scribbled notes, late-night prayers and conversations with God about what comes next. But I know this: He’s not finished with my story. And if you’ve ever felt broken, weary, or like you’re still waiting for your “something more,” maybe this next chapter is for you, too.

We’re just getting started. Let’s see where he leads.

Through her work, Mary Alford has embodied the truth that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When she feels stuck, empty, and out of ideas, she trusts the Holy Spirit to breathe life into her. She says, “God never expected me to carry it all flawlessly. I pray, often out loud, ‘Lord, help me show up with what I have. Let it be enough.’” We often forget that our weakness can be a gift when it brings us to a new place of dependence on Him. In Psalm 138:8 David says, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” If you’re feeling at the end of your own strength and abilities, ask the Lord for help in trusting Him to do what only He can do: renew, refresh, restore, strengthen, and perfect.

Mary Alford