It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Reverend Jennifer McSween, author of TRUE FORGIVENESS: The Proven Path From Pain To Power In 5 Simple Steps

Author’s Bio: Reverend Jennifer McSween is the International Bestselling Author of the book: TRUE FORGIVENESS: The Proven Path From Pain To Power In 5 Simple Steps. Her first book, it’s about her struggling, searching, and discovering true forgiveness… healing the emotionally painful relationship she’d had with her mother since childhood.

 

Also, a Speaker, Podcast Host, and Personal Transformation Strategist - spiritually oriented, open-minded, and mature adults reserve Rev. Jennifer’s services to help them be fearless and resilient, so they can live authentic, empowered, happy, deeply fulfilling lives… regardless of the circumstances, conditions, or even other people that come into their lives.

 

In addition to writing and helping transform lives, she offers an exclusive, concierge-style wedding officiating service, to couples who want to experience a unique, personalized, spiritual ceremony. 

She is a contributing Author of the Bestselling “GET PUBLISHED BUSINESS BOOK VOLUME 2” and “Creating Your Legacy Journal”. She is also a member of Bestselling Authors International.

Interviewed and featured in:

 

Write Now! Blog Radio 1/21/2021

https://bit.ly/AuthorRevJennMcSweenOnWriteNowRadio

 

PUBLISHED! MAGAZINE 7/21/2021

https://bit.ly/PUBMagzArt

 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?

 

Reverend Jennifer McSween: That’s a great question and I cannot only tell you “What inspired me”… but the moment I had the inspiration. It was August 11, 2002 and I was in the Wisconsin Airport during a 3-hour wait for a connecting flight home to Montréal. I was returning from Pathways of Light spiritual college in Keil, Wisconsin. I had attended the In-Person Training section of my spiritual counselor training program.

 

The day before, August 10th, we were Ordained. We had completed our training and were now Certified Ordained Ministerial Counselors. One of the gifts we received from the Founders of the college, was a book titled “Inner Healing” by Dan Joseph.

 

I began reading that book while waiting for my flight. It was a little book and Dan wrote in a very clear, simple, and engaging manner that drew me in from the start. In his book, Dan shared a 3-Step process he had developed for finding peace whenever he felt troubled.

 

Because Dan’s process was not only simple but practical, I applied it right then on a minor troubling situation that came to mind. I immediately felt less troubled. I found that though Dan Joseph’s process was simple, it was very effective.

As I read further, I found myself thinking that I would love to write a similar book sharing simple, practical, spiritual processes. The more I thought about it, the greater the desire to do it became and the more excited I became.

 

Because, at that time I had already realized that my purpose was to help people heal and transform their lives. Writing and publishing a book would be yet another way to express my purpose. I knew then, without a doubt, I would one day write and publish a life transforming book.

 

DL: How do you handle writer’s block?

 

RJM: Although, between 2013 and March 10, 2017 I made several attempts to write this book, I wouldn’t say that it was due to having writer’s block. I see writer’s block as staring at a blank screen or a blank page and having no idea what to say. With me, however, there was no shortage of ideas floating around in my head. The problem was, I just couldn’t get the ideas out of my head and onto the paper or screen in front of me. At the time, I thought it was “Imposter’s Syndrome.” However, I later came to realize that it was simply because I had not yet fully understood and/or lived the idea or experience I wanted to share.

 

Because, on March 10, 2017, starting with a blank page, I wrote the complete first rough draft in 27 days. During those 27 days, there was not one day that I woke up not wanting to write. I may not have written every day, not because I did not want to… but because I chose not to.

 

I still don’t understand it myself. The moment I started writing on March 10th, it felt like I had become a different person. I literally woke up every day looking forward to writing that day. I didn’t have to create mock-up images of my book to keep motivated or promise myself some kind of reward to keep writing. I was naturally inspired. The ideas were easily flowing out of my head and I had this constant underlying feeling of joy. I remember wondering to myself during that time… “Who is this person?”

 

DL: What is your writing process?

 

RJM: Whatever I’m writing, my writing process is the same. I start with pen and paper and do a brain dump, pouring out all the thoughts and ideas related to my topic on paper. They could be full sentences, phrases, related quotes, or even a single word. Nothing is censured, if it comes to my mind, it goes onto the paper.

 

Then, I organize and group by related themes or ideas. These become chapters, headings, or sections. Once I’ve finished organizing, I start writing. I write a first draft without editing. I then read what I’ve written and edit as I go. 

 

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

 

RJM: Growing up, one book that influenced me most was Maya Angelou’s first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. I read this book when I was sixteen years old and it helped me to feel truly worthy and valued. Skip ahead about 20 years… I get to see and hear Maya Angelou speak in person and it further reinforces my sense of worthiness and value.

 

DL: What was the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?

RJM: Well, the best writing advice I’ve ever been given… not only got me started writing… but kept me writing my book all the way to publication. And still guides all of my writing today. And, it came from the same person. Chandler Bolt, Founder of “Self-Publishing School.”

 

To this day I still can’t recall who sent me the email in February of 2017, promoting Chandler Bolt’s Webinar on going “From Blank Page To Published Author in 90 Days.” I attended that Webinar and what Chandler taught was to first, do a brain dump; then organize your material; then write your complete first draft without editing.

 

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers?

 

RJM: First, I would say make sure you’re writing for the “Right Reasons.” In other words, don’t write because you think it would give you credibility or make you feel worthy or successful. Write only if it’s something you feel genuinely inspired to do. A way of expressing your purpose. Or… if you have a message to share or something that would improve or transform the lives of others.

 

Here are 4 tips for writing with ease and joy:

1. Don’t overthink it.
2. Keep in mind you’re just ‘telling your story’, and it’s your story. You can tell it the way you want and use whatever examples you choose.
3. Remember… there is no one waiting in the wings to “rap you on the knuckles” like a grade school teacher and judge what you have written as wrong or right.
4. Not everyone will agree with your ideas or perspectives, but that’s okay.  They can choose to write their own books and express their own ideas. Plus… they are not the ones for whom you are writing. There are those for whom you are. 

DL: What are 3 fun facts about you?

 

RJM: Three fun facts about myself are:

1. I consider myself to be the only Black Person with no rhythm.
2. I absolutely love Classic Country Music and I’m a big Willie Nelson Fan.
3. I’m passionate about all things related to Ancient Egypt… so much so that I have a tattoo of the bust of Queen Nefertiti on my right forearm.  

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from TRUE FORGIVENESS: The Proven Path From Pain To Power In 5 Simple Steps?

 

RJM: Sure… here’s an excerpt from the Back Cover material:

 

“Rightly understood, forgiveness is not about denying you feel hurt, rationalizing, what happened, or looking for the good that came from a painful experience. Forgiveness - True Forgiveness - is shifting your perception in such a way, that regardless of what happens or what you experience, the thought of judgement doesn’t occur in the first place. From this perspective… there is nothing to condemn, nothing or no one to accuse, and no guilt to be felt."

In True Forgiveness: The Proven Path From Pain To Power In 5 Simple Steps, I share a simple, practical way to make this radical shift in your perception so you can put an end to your struggle to find peace and healing.

 

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?

RJM: I felt led to create a 5 Book Series titled “The Other Way Series” with my first book “True Forgiveness” as Book #1. I’m currently working on the course for implementing book #1 and, I’m working on book #2 in the series. 

 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your book(s).

 

RJM: Readers can get more information here:

• Author Page: https://bit.ly/IBAuthorRevJenn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thetfgvgrp  - Please join my Facebook Group if you feel so led
• Book Buy Links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07687NZ2Q

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

 

RJM:  Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!