The Star Thrower follows three recent graduates on a trip to Bali, where they abandon their expected paths to pursue ones that give them purpose, learning along the way that small actions can make a big impact. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The story and setup stems from the Loren Eiseley’s “The Star Thrower” (or “starfish story”) is part of a 26-page essay. In that story, a man sees a boy throwing stranded starfish back into the ocean. When told he can’t save them all, the boy replies, “It made a difference to that one.” I wanted to explore how “Generation Z” or recent grads or really anyone—who often feel paralyzed by the scale of global problems—can find agency by focusing on the “one” thing in front of them rather than the “everything” they can’t control.

Bali feels transformative rather than decorative. What made it the right setting for this moment of awakening?

Bali is often called the “Island of the Gods,” but its power lies in its Tri Hita Karanaphilosophy—the harmony between people, nature, and the spirit world. It introduces a paradox and a stark visual and spiritual contrast to the “corporate ladder” or the rigid academic structures the graduates just left that plays out throughout the book. The setting isn’t just a backdrop; the physical environment and getting lost force the characters to slow down and notice the “small things” they overlooked in their fast-paced lives back home.

Each character finds a different path, yet their journeys remain interconnected. What interested you about that balance?

I wanted to highlight the importance of friendship. Even as we travel paths, our growth is often fueled by the people who knew us before we changed. It highlights that “purpose” isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination. By keeping the characters interconnected, it shows that when one person finds their light, it makes it easier for their friends and others to find theirs, too. It’s a “rising tide lifts all boats” philosophy.

The novel is openly hopeful. What do you hope readers carry with them after finishing the book?

I hope readers can feel less overwhelmed by the “grand plan” of their lives and more empowered by their daily choices. Hope isn’t a feeling; it’s an action. The Star Thrower is presented as a disciplined choice and sometimes that choice involves making changes and perhaps finding a new  direction. It’s not that the characters ignore the world’s problems; they simply choose to address them one “starfish” at a time. The “Star Thrower” isn’t a person who fixes everything; the “Star Thrower” is someone who refuses to do nothing. If you finish the book and feel like you can do one small, kind thing for your community, the book has done its job. What is one “starfish” action a reader can take today?

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