Tell us about yourself.
My name is Jacqueline Goodwin, and I am an ordained pastor and prophetess with a deep passion for deliverance and healing ministry. I’ve served in various roles within the church and my professional career that have allowed me to empower and transform lives, especially among youth and women. Since 2002, I’ve worked as a Youth Director, mentor, and Sunday School teacher, and my heart for guiding the next generation continues to shape my ministry and outreach.
Academically, I hold multiple degrees, including a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Regent University, a Master of Counseling from Webster University, and a Master of Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. I also earned an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies, graduating Magna Cum Laude from South University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Francis Marion University.
Professionally, I’m a former paralegal, educator, and substance abuse counselor. I use my gifts of counseling, teaching, and empowerment to uplift others spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. I’m also a published author and Amazon bestseller. My books include Healing in the Vessel: A Mother’s Love, A Daughter’s Journey of Faith, and From Bitter to Better. I’ve co-authored several anthologies, including Grief to Grind: Meant for My Good, Women of Power II, It Takes Money Honey, and Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude.
I’ve been honored to speak internationally, including at the I AM Her Women Conference, and featured in notable publications such as I AM Queen Magazine, CWBN Times, and Growth Women’s Business Network Magazine.
I reside in South Carolina with my children and grandchildren. In my spare time, I enjoy running, walking, meditating, writing, counseling youth, and volunteering in my community.
Ultimately, everything I do is rooted in my calling to help others heal and become whole—spirit, soul, and body.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in the small, country town of Eastover, South Carolina. Life there was close-knit and straightforward, and when I wasn’t outside playing with my cousins, I spent a lot of time writing in my diary. That’s where my love for writing began. I began expressing my thoughts and feelings privately, which later evolved into writing poems, particularly during romantic relationships. I wrote about heartbreak, being in love, and sometimes even the beauty of nature around me.
As I matured, writing became more than just creative expression—it became my personal tool for healing. The peace and quiet of Eastover gave me the space to connect deeply with my emotions, and that foundation still shapes my voice as an author today. Writing has helped me navigate pain, rediscover purpose, and ultimately, offer others a pathway to healing through my words.
What was your journey to getting published like?
My journey to getting published was anything but easy. When I released my first book, I connected with a publisher through someone I knew—but in hindsight, I should have done more thorough research. During a media interview, the interviewer kindly pulled me aside and pointed out several grammatical errors in the book. She wasn’t trying to tear me down—in fact, she encouraged me to make the necessary corrections because she believed the message of my book was powerful and deserved to be received without distraction. Her honesty was a turning point for me.
Since then, I’ve worked with a new publisher who has been an absolute blessing to work with. They brought professionalism and care to my projects. Now, I’ve taken things a step further—I’m currently self-publishing my books. It’s been empowering to have complete creative control over my message, my voice, and my process. Every step, even the challenging ones, has taught me something valuable about excellence, perseverance, and trusting God’s timing.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
One of the most impactful pieces of feedback I received was from a reader who said, “This book, From Bitter to Better, helps you find the root cause of your bitterness by understanding the ‘R’s’ you need to go through to get to better. It also shows us that God does not want us to stay in a state of bitterness. He wants us to identify the cause of bitterness and to trust and believe in Him and His Word to get better.”
That meant a great deal to me because it captured exactly what I had hoped the book would do. I didn’t write it to tell my story—I wrote it to help others move through their own. Knowing that someone walked away with clarity, healing, and a deeper trust in God’s Word makes every challenge I faced while writing it worth it.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
My advice to aspiring writers is simple: Start writing and trust your voice. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or for everything to line up just right—start where you are with what you have. Your story matters, and someone is waiting to be healed, encouraged, or empowered through your words.
Also, do your research. I learned early on the importance of understanding the publishing process, the editing process, and the value of working with the right people who believe in your message. But above all, stay true to your purpose. Writing isn’t always easy, especially when you’re telling the truth, but it’s powerful. Allow God to use your pen as a vessel, and watch Him breathe life into every page.
And lastly, don’t let fear or perfectionism silence you. Write with boldness, revise with care, and release your work with faith.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
Most people don’t know that I love listening to wolves howl—there’s something mysterious and powerful about their call that stirs something in me. I also love watching the sun rise; those quiet, early moments remind me of God’s faithfulness and the promise of fresh beginnings. And if I ever get the chance, I’m happiest on horseback. Riding gives me a sense of freedom and connection to nature that I genuinely enjoy. It’s in those simple, soulful moments that I feel most inspired to write.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
Honestly, I don’t have a guilty pleasure book or genre. I read with purpose—whether it’s the Word of God, devotionals, or books that inspire growth, healing, or spiritual insight. For me, reading is more than entertainment; it’s a tool for transformation, reflection, and staying rooted in truth. I’m intentional about what I feed my spirit, even through the books I read.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
{One of my favorite quotes about writing is: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou.
That quote speaks directly to my journey. Writing has always been a way for me to release, to heal, and to help others find their voice. I believe that our stories—especially the painful ones—carry power. When we write from a place of truth, God uses those words to bring healing not just to others, but to ourselves.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
When I’m not writing, you’ll often find me doing something that feeds my soul. I love running and walking—it’s my time to think, pray, and connect with God. I also enjoy meditating and simply sitting still in His presence. I have a heart for youth and women, so I spend time counseling, mentoring, and working in the community. And of course, nothing brings me more joy than being with my family, especially my children and grandchildren. Whether I’m pouring into others or soaking in a sunrise, I’m always listening for what God wants to speak next.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes—some of the first stories that truly left an imprint on me were the plays of William Shakespeare. His language, though complex, was full of deep emotion and powerful themes. I was drawn to how he expressed love, heartbreak, betrayal, and destiny in ways that felt timeless and enduring. Even at a young age, his words stirred something in me, and that influence helped shape how I communicate emotion in my writing. Shakespeare taught me that storytelling wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about connecting with the soul.
Favorite Quote:
"Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o’er wrought heart and bids it break."
— William Shakespeare, Macbeth
What has inspired you and your writing style?
My greatest inspiration—without a doubt—is the Holy Spirit. Every word I write is prayerfully birthed through His leading. I don’t write to fill pages; I write to pour out what God has poured into me. The Holy Spirit guides my thoughts, reveals hidden truths, and helps me translate pain into purpose. My writing style is rooted in transparency, healing, and deliverance because that’s how He ministers to me—and that’s how I’m called to minister to others through my books.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
I’ve learned not to let negative reviews shake me. At first, they stung—especially when I poured my heart and healing into my writing. But over time, I realized that not every message is for every person, and that’s okay. I take what’s constructive, pray over it, and release the rest. The Holy Spirit reminds me that my assignment is to be obedient, not to be approved by everyone. If just one life is changed, one heart is healed, then it was worth writing. I write for the purpose, not popularity.
How do you connect with your readers?
I connect with my readers by being honest, transparent, and spirit-led. Whether it’s through my books, my Facebook group Moving from Holes to Whole, or in-person speaking engagements, I always aim to speak to the heart. I share my journey openly—my healing, my pain, my victories—because I know someone else is walking through something similar. I also love engaging through devotionals, challenges, live prayers, and journaling prompts that meet readers right where they are. My goal is not just to reach people, but to walk with them, helping them heal, grow, and move forward in faith.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me as a writer is continuing to create resources that lead people to healing and wholeness—spirit, soul, and body. I’m currently working on a healing workbook titled Taking Time to Heal, which is designed to help women confront their pain through scripture, journaling, and reflection. I’m also expanding my Moving from Holes to Whole coaching materials and preparing to self-publish additional projects that address emotional wounds, spiritual growth, and identity restoration. Wherever God leads my pen next, I want to remain obedient and available to pour out what He pours into me.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Yes—there are layers of meaning woven into every page of my writing. In From Bitter to Better, for example, I intentionally built the message around six key “R’s”: Removal, Release, Refine, Redevelop, Restructure, and Reposition. Each one represents a step in the journey from brokenness to healing. They may seem simple at first glance, but each “R” carries deep spiritual and emotional weight. If readers slow down and reflect, they’ll discover these moments of revelation tucked in throughout the book—messages that are both personal and prophetic. I believe God speaks between the lines, and He’ll use even a single word to shift your life.
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
My books aren’t fiction, so I don’t write character dialogue in the traditional sense. Instead, I focus on writing in a conversational tone that speaks directly to the reader's heart. I want it to feel like we’re sitting together, talking honestly about pain, healing, and God’s purpose. I often include prayers, affirmations, and reflection prompts that allow the reader to respond, creating a sense of dialogue with the Holy Spirit. My goal is to encourage, uplift, and guide people into more profound healing through truth and transparency.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
If I could share one thing, it would be this: healing is possible, but it starts with your 'yes'. Your yes to God. Your yes to truth. Your yes to doing the hard work of confronting what hurt you. You don’t have to stay stuck in the same emotional place—God has better for you. I’m living proof that He can take what was meant to break you and use it to build you. So don’t give up. Keep moving. Keep trusting. Your better is waiting on the other side of your yes.
Jacqueline Goodwin’s Author Websites and Profiles
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.