I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer, though the journey to get there has been a bumpy one, to say the least.
When I finally began taking my writing seriously, I felt the pressure to become published immediately. Instead of praying and waiting for God’s answer, like Abram and Sarai, I decided to take matters in my own hands and write whatever I thought would sell.
Needless to say, it didn’t work out so well because I wasn’t doing what God had planned for me.
When I finally stopped trying to do it my way and asked God what His will was for my writing, I started seeing results.
In 2012, I entered a contest that Love Inspired editor Emily Rodmell was hosting. I remember reading about the contest on the Harlequin website and going back and forth on whether or not to enter. You see, I’d entered contests before without much luck. In the end, I did enter and was one of the ones who got an appointment to chat with Emily.
On the day of the pitch, I was on vacation in Colorado. At our cabin, internet service is nonexistent. It would have been so easy to say, oh well, better luck next time, but I think God was nudging me not to give up.
But God found a way. . .
And so, my husband and I drove to the small town of Pagosa Springs where I did the entire chat on my laptop in the parking lot outside of the Ace Hardware Store. My fingers were actually shaking so much I was convinced that I’d typed nothing but gibberish.
Emily was kind enough to request a synopsis. I promptly sent the synopsis out to her. Then she requested the first three chapters, followed by the full manuscript. With each request, I tried not to get my hopes up. As I said, I’d been here before.
Yet in December 2012, Emily called to tell me I’d sold my first book to Love Inspired Suspense. To this day, I can’t tell you what she said to me other than that she wanted to buy my book for Love Inspired Suspense. It was a surreal moment. One that still hasn’t fully sunken in. I write for Love Inspired Suspense! It’s a great feeling to have your dream become a reality and even greater to hold your own book in your hands.
Since that first call, I’ve sold many books to Love Inspired Suspense, and I have my first Revell book coming on this June.
God is so good. We just have to listen.
As Jeremiah 17:7 says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. And whose trust is the Lord.
All the best…
Mary Alford
Christians Read 