Your article captures the complexities of being a writer with remarkable clarity. It’s striking how you address the stigma of the "starving artist" and the challenges of explaining your career to others. The tension between pursuing a passion and dealing with misunderstandings from those who don’t fully grasp the nuances of your profession is something many creatives can relate to.

The struggle of wanting your work to be read widely while also maintaining personal boundaries is particularly poignant. Writing can indeed be a deeply personal and therapeutic process, and it’s natural to feel vulnerable when those close to you engage with it in ways that might not align with your intentions.

Your perspective on handling these issues, whether by deflecting questions or keeping your personal work separate from your real-life relationships, is both pragmatic and insightful. It’s clear that you’ve put a lot of thought into navigating these challenges while staying true to your craft. Thanks for sharing your experience; it’s a valuable reminder of the complexities behind following a creative path.