Blog
Alumni Spotlight: Paulina Pinsky's Journey to Vogue Magazine
by Writing Workshops Staff
2 days ago

Today, we're celebrating WritingWorkshops.com alumna Paulina Pinsky, whose powerful essay "What Do We Lose When We Reframe Hunger as Food Noise" appears in Vogue Magazine. This deeply resonant piece exemplifies the kind of brave, authentic writing that Paulina has become known for, and the kind we champion here at WritingWorkshops.com.
As a writer who openly shares her experiences as a recovering perfectionist, bulimic, and addict, Paulina understands the transformative power of finding your authentic voice. Her work tackles complex subjects with intelligence, expertise, and what she describes as "a kick-ass sense of humor." This unique approach has earned her an MFA from Columbia University, a fellowship at MacDowell, and publications in Narratively, Human Parts, Columbia Journal, and HuffPo Women, among others. She's also the co-author of the teen guide It Doesn't Have To Be Awkward, Dealing with Relationships, Consent, and Other Hard-to-Talk-About-Stuff.
Today's Vogue publication represents not just a personal milestone for Paulina but a testament to the power of persistent, courageous writing about topics that matter. Her essay tackles the complex relationship between hunger, diet culture, and our bodies—continuing her mission to help others step into their truth and power through storytelling.
Paulina's journey with us began in 2021 when she studied with Chloe Caldwell in a one-on-one mentorship through our IndieMFA in Creative Writing program. She continued developing her craft as part of Chloe's 12 Months To A Full Memoir or Essay Collection: A Generative Workshop in 2023, where she honed the vulnerable, truth-telling voice that now graces the pages of one of the world's most prestigious publications.
Paulina has generously given back to our WritingWorkshops.com community by teaching two transformative classes: Writing the Body and How to Start Your Substack. Her teaching philosophy centers on helping writers, particularly women, discover their authentic voices while navigating emotionally challenging material. For those interested in learning from Paulina directly, she offers her signature course, Writing About Hard Things, designed to help writers transform difficult experiences into powerful narratives.
We encourage you to explore more of Paulina's work on her website and follow her ongoing journey through her Substack, where she continues to share insights about writing, recovery, and the courage to tell our truths.
Paulina's success story exemplifies what's possible when writers commit to their craft and find the right community to support their growth. If you're ready to begin or deepen your own writing journey, we invite you to explore our online creative writing workshops led by accomplished authors like Chloe Caldwell. Whether you're looking for the flexibility of online learning or the immersive experience of a destination retreat, WritingWorkshops.com provides the structure, community, and mentorship to help you find your voice and share your stories with the world.