Inside the Mind - jacqueline goodwin

My writing began out of a personal miracle. After being hurt by someone I trusted and diagnosed with HIV, God healed me completely. During that time of fasting and prayer, He gave me words to share—stories and tools to help others move from bitterness to wholeness. Writing became my way to testify of His power and guide others to healing in Christ.

From Bitter to Better is a faith-based guide to help women heal from emotional pain and step into wholeness. Using my R.A.P. method—Reflect, Act, Pray—I walk readers through practical steps, scriptures, and affirmations that turn hurt into hope and bitterness into a better life in Christ.

I create my characters from real-life experiences—my own journey, people I’ve counseled, and the miracles I’ve seen God perform. Each character is built with authentic emotions and a faith-centered journey so readers can see themselves and find hope for their own healing.

My writing day always begins with prayer and time in God’s Word—it sets the tone for everything I do. I usually write early in the morning when my mind is clear and distractions are minimal. I spend time revisiting my notes, brainstorming, and letting the Holy Spirit guide the direction of my words. I balance writing with ministry and family life, so some days I write in shorter bursts, but I always make space to reflect and listen for inspiration.

The most rewarding part has been the freedom to share my message exactly as God gave it to me—without having to water it down or fit into a mold. As an indie author, I have the ability to tell my story authentically, reach the people I’m called to serve, and see lives transformed. Hearing readers say, “Your book helped me heal,” or “I saw myself in your story,” is priceless and affirms my purpose.

One of my biggest challenges has been balancing writing with all the other areas of my life—ministry, family, and community work. There are times when life’s demands feel overwhelming, but I’ve learned to give myself grace and trust God’s timing. Every season brings its own pace, and I’ve had to be intentional about creating space for my writing.

Yes! I love using Microsoft Word for drafting and organizing my manuscripts—it’s simple but powerful. For jotting down quick ideas, I use the Notes app on my phone so I never lose a burst of inspiration. I also rely on Google Drive to store and access my work anywhere. And honestly, my Bible is my greatest writing tool—it’s where my inspiration, encouragement, and truth come from.

Write the story that’s burning in your heart—don’t wait for the “perfect” moment or let fear hold you back. Stay true to your message and your voice. Invest in editing, presentation, and learning the business side of publishing, but remember, your authenticity will connect with readers more than anything else. And most importantly, cover your work in prayer.

For me, promotion starts with connection. I share my books through speaking engagements, social media, my ministry platforms, and in-person events. I believe in building relationships with readers by offering value—encouragement, hope, and practical tools—rather than just selling a book. Word-of-mouth from readers who’ve been impacted has been one of my strongest forms of promotion.

Yes! I’m currently working on my healing workbook Taking Time to Heal. It’s designed for women to confront their pain, process their emotions, and walk step-by-step toward emotional and spiritual wholeness. It will include journaling prompts, scriptures, and soul-searching questions—tools to help readers not just read about healing, but experience it.

I want readers to walk away knowing that no matter how deep their hurt, how heavy their bitterness, or how broken their past, God’s healing is real and available. My books are more than words on a page—they’re a journey of hope, faith, and transformation. I want readers to not only be inspired but equipped with practical tools to move forward, knowing they are deeply loved and never beyond God’s reach.

My books are a blend of Christian inspirational, self-help, and memoir. They combine personal testimony, biblical truth, and practical tools for emotional and spiritual healing. What makes them unique is that they don’t just tell my story—they invite the reader into their own healing journey through scriptures, affirmations, and my R.A.P. method—Reflect, Act, Pray. It’s not just about reading—it’s about transformation.