Blog
From Stalled to Published: Caitlin McLean's Journey to The Belladonna
by Writing Workshops Staff
A month ago
There's nothing quite like that moment when a writer breaks through—when momentum shifts, confidence builds, and suddenly the dream of publication becomes reality. Today, we're thrilled to spotlight Caitlin McLean, whose journey from workshop participant to published humor writer is the perfect example of what can happen when you invest in your craft and push through the stall.
Finding Renewed Energy in Humor Writing
When Caitlin came to Caitlin Kunkel's "How to Write a Short Humor Piece" workshop in May 2025, her writing life was, in her own words, "stalling." But the workshop changed everything. "They pack a lot of information into a small amount of time—great value for starving artists!" she told us.
More than just learning the mechanics of humor writing, Caitlin found something deeper in the workshop: confidence. "I got some positive responses to a line I made up quickly and dropped in the group chat and it gave me more confidence in my writing ability," she shared. That breakthrough moment—the validation from peers and the practical, step-by-step guidance from Caitlin Kunkel—helped unlock a whole new creative avenue.
The Publication Win
Just months after completing the workshop, Caitlin achieved her first humor publication. Her piece "A Busy Mom's Anti-Fascist To-Do List" was published on The Belladonna—the very site co-founded by her instructor. Talk about a full-circle moment!
"Caitlin Kunkel's class was incredibly helpful," McLean told us. "She gave practical step-by-step advice on the process of drafting humor pieces." That practical approach translated directly into publishable work.
What's Next: A WWI Novel with a Badass Grandma
But Caitlin didn't stop there. She continued building on that renewed energy, and now she's working on something even bigger. "I recently finished writing a coming-of-age historical novel about the first women to enlist in the US Navy during World War One," she shared. "It's tragic, it's funny, it's got a badass grandma, and it takes a hard look at racial and gender norms of 100 years ago and how they continue to reverberate today."
Currently, Caitlin is querying literary agents for her feminist WWI novel—"in case you, your sister, or your hairstylist happens to be a literary agent," as she cheekily puts it in her bio.
Her Advice for Writers
When asked what she'd tell someone on the fence about taking a workshop, Caitlin didn't hesitate: "If you're looking for a writing community or just to shake things up a bit in your writing life, take a workshop! You'll meet other writers and learn new things."
And when the writing gets tough? Caitlin's secret weapon is both simple and profound: "Take a break from whatever's making you crazy and instead write something little just for yourself, that moves you in some way (laughing, crying, raging). It can let the pressure off and bring back the joy of creating."
Join Our Writing Community
Caitlin's transformation from stalled to published and now querying agents happened because she took action on her writing dreams. Whether you're interested in humor writing like Caitlin or want to explore other genres, our online creative writing workshops offer expert instruction, supportive community, and practical skills that lead to real results. Join us and discover what renewed energy can do for your writing life.
Connect with Caitlin McLean:
- Website: www.caitlincmclean.com
- Bluesky: @caitcmclean.bsky.social
