Rosalind Severin McClean
Rosalind Severin McClean is an internationally recognized author, poet, and cultural artist based in Queens, New York. She is a best-selling writer and recipient of multiple honors, including International Impact Book Awards recognition, Literary Titan Book Awards, and other global literary distinctions. Born in the Commonwealth of Dominica, she carries a deep connection to her Caribbean heritage, which continues to influence her creative voice and artistic identity. She is the author of the Oceans of Thoughts book series (Books One through Four), a body of work that blends autobiography with poetry to explore themes such as grief, bullying, family relationships, resilience, and self-discovery. Her writing style is known for being deeply reflective and emotionally resonant, often inspired by meditation, intuition, and personal visions. Through her work, she seeks to help readers find inner peace, healing, and a greater understanding of themselves. In addition to her literary accomplishments, she has built a long-standing career in the arts, dance, music, and cultural performance spanning more than five decades. She has been featured in poetry showcases, open mic events, film festivals, radio interviews, and television appearances across the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Today, she continues to write and share her work globally while living in Queens, New York with her daughter, remaining committed to inspiring and empowering audiences through literature and cultural expression.
• International Impact Book Awards Winner
• Literary Titan Book Awards Winner
• Writers Global Litfest Awards
• Outstanding Narrative Excellence Award
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to gratitude and purpose. I am grateful that Oceans of Thoughts is being read internationally and across the globe, and that its messages are positively transforming lives. The greatest success for me is knowing my work inspires, enlightens, and encourages inner reflection while empowering positive change. Oceans of Thoughts is an inspirational journey through the inner self, life, and history, and I am honored that it continues to resonate with readers worldwide.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received for Oceans of Thoughts is to remain fully committed to my unique poetic writing style and creative path. I have been encouraged to stay focused on my purpose and not allow negativity or external distractions to shake my direction.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the writing industry is to remember that you are your own competition. Stay focused on your unique voice and look within for guidance, clarity, and purpose. Love your Creator first, then love yourself, and trust what you are destined to do. Embrace your craft with genuine passion and allow yourself to flow with grace through the creative process. Take time for reflection and meditation, as inner peace brings clarity and strengthens your path forward.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities for Oceans of Thoughts are expanding its reach to international and global platforms so it can be read by audiences worldwide. I also see potential for the series to be used in educational settings, such as schools and colleges, and for it to be included in libraries, especially given its recognition for excellence in literature. The work is based on my life experiences and expressed through thought-provoking poetry, allowing it to connect deeply with readers. I do not experience challenges in writing it, as it flows naturally from my lived experiences.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are authenticity, kindness, mindfulness, and respect, as I believe respect is essential for unity. I also value gratitude, as it is a source of fulfillment, and staying aligned with my purpose and what is divinely guided for me. My spiritual practice is a foundation of wisdom, supporting my personal growth through meditation and reflection. I strive to remain connected to the inner self, the goodness of the Creator, and the abundance found in nature and life.
Milestone Moments
Rosalind Severin McClean receiving a winners trophy award for her Oceans of Thoughts Book Series at the 2025 International Impact Book Awards Grand Gala held in Phoenix, Arizona. The trophy was presented by Nim Stant, February 2025.
Locations
Oceans of Thoughts
New York, NY