Meet Paulina Pinsky | Writer & Writing Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paulina Pinsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paulina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I have been writing coaching for the last decade, but I am constantly innovating the way I encounter my students. I like to say that all my jobs are made up. As a writer, writing coach, and entrepreneur, I am always trying new things. I have moved from one-on-one coaching, to leading workshops and classes. And now, creating downloadable course content.

There is always risk involved when trying new things, but it is by trying new things that you actually learn and grow.

I am not a life coach, but I have changed lives. I create a container where people can create freely. I help people write the projects that feel too hard to put down on paper. I help them tap into their indwelling, creative source.

I have had people tell me they would work with me, if only they could afford my coaching fee. But I have learned that I can’t devalue my worth in order to make more people happy. I am lucky that my time is my own, and I charge what I am worth.

But I wanted to create something that was accessible to anyone and everyone, which is why I created my self-paced downloadable course: Writing About Hard Things. (https://www.paulinapinsky.com/writing-about-hard-things-writing-course). It comes with 11 videos, a downloadable packet, and exercises that will help any writer at any stage.

I had a lot of fun expanding my skillset, course-planning and recording videos. Along with my web designer Elisabeth Waller, we created a course that is self-paced, accessible, and effective.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Writers have to be entrepreneurs.

We can’t simply write. We have to edit, pitch, promote. We are simultaneously the creative and the business. We wear so many different hats, and that can be hard to accept.

I not only write, but I offer writing coaching. I have been writing the Substack “newly sober” since spring of 2022. I have taught Comedy Writing to High Schoolers since 2017 at Columbia University, where I also received my MFA. I am a small-business owner. I create all my course content, finance all website improvements, and do my own social media promotion.

I used to resent the extra stuff- I just wanted to write. But accepting that being a contemporary writer means doing a lot of other things to support the writing, I have felt more freedom: I am not alone.

I encourage my students to step into their power. To tell their truth. That writing their story will set them free, if only for the sake of writing it. Everything I teach my students, I learned through writing myself. And I am dedicated to sharing what I have learned with each and every student I encounter, whether that is one-on-one or in my Artist’s Way courses.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would get Lucky Boy breakfast burritos (bacon, with avocado)– the Arroyo location because I am from Pasadena, and we are committed to the OG. Then I would drive us to Highland Park to go shopping. First, we would hit the Plus Bus, say hi to the owners and my dear friends Jen and Marcy. Can’t forget Big Bud Press or Nooworks. Then, Smashburgers at Goldburger or chicken kebab plates Koko’s Mediterranean Cafe, depending on your mood (veggies, or heart attack?)

If you’re lucky, I’d drive you to Laguna Beach, my favorite place in the world.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Artist’s Way Cohort! My current yearlong cohort, and every cohort that I have led through Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” since 2020.

I continue to go back to the book (this January was my 8th time) because it not only helps me grow as an artist, but the community that is facilitated by it grows. I am inspired by each and every student I have ever had, and I cherish being able to do the work alongside them.

Website: paulina@paulinapinsky.com

Instagram: @paulina_pinsky

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-pinsky-210/

Twitter: @paulina_pinsky_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulinapinskywriter/

Other: substack: https://paulinapinsky.substack.com/

Image Credits
Joy Newell (https://www.instagram.com/joynewell/)