We recently connected with Kayla Garner and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue writing professionally occurred while writing my first book. In high school, during my sophomore year we were instructed to write down our goals and aspirations in life. One of mine was to become an author. I even messaged my high school art teacher on Facebook about it and thanked him for his continued inspiration after all those years. While working my way through my first book, learning the ends and outs about what it takes to actually accomplish such a tedious task, and then feeling this incredible sense of accomplishment and fulfillment afterwards I knew I I had to continue on. I knew this was life for me.

In regards to producing and hosting a podcast, what gave me the courage to pursue this full-time as well, was–and still is–the people. I never thought I would be one of those people who loved speaking with others. Who intentionally introduced themselves and initiated conversation with others. I still consider myself an introvert, but life has become more interesting and exciting, and impactful once I made the decision to choose my own path in life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Kayla Garner aka K.S. Garner from Baltimore, Maryland. Since 2019, I’ve hosted the Solo Nerd Bird Podcast. On this show I produce nerd-related, indie-based content such as weekly movie reviews, bi-weekly tv show overviews, anecdotal studies, and monthly game reviews.

My goal isn’t just to be another entertainment podcast that provides unsolicited opinions on the latest industry news, but to produce relatable and diverse content for all listeners to enjoy; explore the science of nerdiness and provide a platform for small, indie creators to promote their projects and share their stories.

I’m also an urban fantasy author. I’ve self-published two books for my Unholy trilogy; Unholy and Unbroken under the same name K.S. Garner. The series is about a young woman named Misti Calloway who’s lured into the supernatural world here in Baltimore City with answers about her demon fighting lineage and the strange and deadly occurrences that happens around her. All the while, deciphering new allies and foes as she fights to protect the city from impending doom.

A lot of my questions and conversations with creators come from my own experiences; victories and struggles as a creator that I believe allows people to relax and feel like they’re speaking with someone they can relate to.

What I am most proud of are two things: one; the connections that I’ve made with everyone I’ve spoken with. Whether they were a curious passerby who was interested in my books and/or podcast. Or a creator who was surprised I was interested in their work and wanted to provide them with a free platform to promote and discuss said project. Two; finally learning who I am, what I like and dislike, setting boundaries with others and myself, blindly pursuing my interests, and living my own life for once.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Non-creatives will provide advice from a non-creative perspective which can be beneficial in a rational and grounded sense. Or it can be harmful to the creative’s psyche. I had to learn this the hard way with my family. They love me and want to see me succeed. But they also want me to be able to afford a roof over my head, food and clothes on my back. They want more for me than just merely surviving which is what a lot of creatives and small business owners are doing, especially in the first few years of whatever they’re pursuing. However, creatives don’t want to hear any of this. We want hype men and a support system that will back our artistic pursuits regardless of our struggles and failures.

The insight I would give other creatives is to be careful with who they share their creative struggles with. Particularly with those who are not pursuing the same creative path as them. Instead, network with other creatives. Find a trusted mentor or colleague that knows their struggle and can provide the appropriate advice, insight and path forward.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Honestly, just being myself. Initially, I did pay for Facebook ads. But then, that became costly so I focused heavily on hashtags. Eventually, I figured out what was trending and hot didn’t matter to me. I didn’t see how I could contribute and compete with other popular podcasts discussing the same topics over and over again. What interests me is human behaviors and connections. What better way to know who people are and why they make the decision they do than to talk to actual people!

If you want to grow your social media presence, make content that people can actually relate to. Be open and responsive. And get a personality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/solonerdbirdpodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solonerdbirdpodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solonerdbirdpod
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoloNerdBirdPod
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4aVagESsdB6D2Y1zfXbL5A
• Other: Tumblr: solonerdbird
  TikTok: solonerdbirdpodcast

Image Credits
Unholy and Unbroken book covers designed by Rebecca Frank.