Who Said I Was a Starving Artist?!

10 Jul Who Said I Was a Starving Artist?!

How will you pay your bills?

• “Let’s keep it realistic…”
• “What if you don’t sell?”
• “But Kay…”
• “Well Kay…”
• “Let’s just think about it this way…”
• “Passion is great, but…”
• “I know a great program—let’s try that first, and we can see about that…”
• “Why don’t we choose a  career that will make you some money? 
• “What if you only sell seven books?”
• “How are your sales?” (smirk)
• “Let’s think ‘long-term’ here; how will you survive?”
• “I mean, that’s nice but what about…”
• “Oh… okay, are you sure?”
• “Why is that?”
• “Ehh, that’s nice, but …”
• “I hope you can sell… good luck!”
• “You know what they say about a starving artist…”

I went from dealing with “pocket watchers” to people labeling me.

But riddle me this – Who said I was starving?!

Now, all of this was said to me during the makings of my first book. Every single question and some nonverbal communication was said.

If you’ve ever written a book, you already know – your first is your baby!  (Honestly, I didn’t even know what to call it at first.)

I just knew I was watching the making of this book like a hawk—carefully, and obsessively. Yet,  I didn’t have the language for what that was called. I remember having a conversation with Terran, and she was the one who described it as a baby—and not everyone is meant to be your midwife in the final trimester. (I’m paraphrasing but you get it.)

(Meaning: everyone’s hands aren’t meant to be in this process… catch it!)

When she said that, it clicked. It gave language to what I was feeling all along. Francesca gave me that same clarity. Both of these women were the perfect midwives one could ask for – Helping to pull, push, and pray this book out of me. Because truthfully? This wasn’t just a creative project.

It was a birthing!

You carry this baby with so much care, fear, excitement, and hope – believing it will grow into something more than just another book on someone’s shelf. You don’t write just to write. You create with p-u-r-p-o-s-e! You sacrifice your time to write and edit your work.

• You pour.
• You give ‘birth.’
• And most importantly—you become!

So naturally, I was emotional and protective of my baby. Sometimes to a fault. But hey, it’s my first, right? This book was years of life experiences, lessons, failures, dreams, unspoken prayers, and a violently beautiful healing journey. It meant the world to me! And while I received care and encouragement from some, I still couldn’t figure out why people clap loudly for those in popular professions – But for those of us walking by faith, with no sight to behold, we get… the look. Oh, you know the look! I guess you could call it a blank stare, but it’s more than that. You just know what it is when you go through it.

But amongst the pain and pushing, the relief I felt was how close God was, even when I felt He was far. When I stayed up for hours after working double shifts just to figure out a section of work, He gave me the strength I didn’t know I had to push. I am forever grateful to those who were in my corner from conception to birth. I now understand—not everyone is blessed to have even one person in their corner, so for that, I can truly say: I am a blessed woman!

I write this not to shield you from those who offer sound advice – Because as creatives, we should learn how to accept constructive criticism, especially when we can discern that someone genuinely wants the best for us.

I write this to say:

• I truly get it when you’re in a phase of being misunderstood.
• I get it. When you’ve experienced moments of sadness,
• I get it! I’ve cried in bathroom stalls, taken long walks out of frustration, and kicked myself for sharing something so sacred.

I get it.

But here’s what I know now:

Looking back, those situations made me stronger.

I became less reactive to comments—whether in person or in reviews—because I’ve accepted something critical:

Not everyone will understand you and your calling. But there are some who will.

Not everyone will like your work. (It stings but that’s reality! But there are some who will.

Not everyone will understand how you’ll support yourself and may doubt you.

Then there are those who do understand your industry, and they’ll pick you up when you’re about to fall flat on your face.

ALL of this is okay! 

Some visions are only meant for you to see at first – And for others to witness once it’s finished. No matter the art form—writing, music, painting, sculpting, cooking, Photography, whatever it may be – If you know this is the path God is taking you on, then trust your process. You don’t have to carry other people’s projections. Do what you are called to.

• If you have a 9–5 that supports your creative dreams, do it! There’s no shame in that.
• If your art is something you balance alongside another career, that’s valid too.

But if you’re ready to prioritize your art, know this:

You are smart enough to monetize it! There are ways to build, sell, share, and thrive within your calling. (Do your research and keep asking those questions!) There will be many ways for your gift to make room for you. And yes—your art can sustain you!  YOU just have to figure out how, and invest in spaces that can teach you the HOW. And when you make it—because you will—don’t aim to show them, “Yeah, I did that!” in arrogance.

Show off your finished product and keep your eyes on your prize. Let your work speak for itself.

And guess what?

You will start, AND finish!

And I’ll be right here—

Waiting for you at the finish line, congratulating you on a job well done!

Now…

Go create!