Inside the Mind - Oscar J. Starr III

What inspired me to start writing? Writing didn’t start as a career move—it started as survival. I began putting pen to paper to make sense of the chaos, to process pain, and to preserve memory. Early on, it was less about plot and more about presence—capturing what it felt like to be young, Black, and unheard in rooms that demanded silence from voices like mine. But somewhere along the line, those private pages became purpose. I realized I wasn’t just writing to heal—I was writing to build. To build bridges between generations. To build characters that looked like my people, dreamed like my people, and persevered like we always do. And to build a legacy of truth-telling that wouldn’t rely on permission or apology. The stories found me. All I did was agree to tell them.

About Stolen Hearts, Hidden Shores Stolen Hearts, Hidden Shores is a multi-generational love story layered with betrayal, legacy, and the unspoken wounds we inherit. Set between a coastal southern town and the pulse of New York City, it follows two families—one bound by blood, the other by secrets—whose lives intersect in ways none of them could predict. At its core, the book explores what happens when love and ambition collide. It asks: How far will we go to protect the image of who we are… and what does it cost to finally tell the truth? This story came from a very personal place. It’s inspired by the quiet sacrifices made in families, especially Black families, where silence often speaks louder than words. It’s also about reclamation—of identity, of voice, and of love that refuses to be lost at sea. Endorsed by Penguin Random House, Stolen Hearts, Hidden Shores is not just a book—it’s a cinematic, emotional experience meant to stay with you long after the final page.

How do I create my characters? I start by listening—really listening—to the silences in the world around me. The characters I write often begin as shadows: a glance, a voice, a contradiction, a wound someone’s hiding behind a smile. I don’t force them into existence; I follow them. I sit with them until they trust me enough to tell the truth. Every character I create comes from a place of emotional honesty. I ask: What are they afraid of? What do they want that they can’t say out loud? What lie are they living with? From there, the layers unfold. I treat each one—whether protagonist or background presence—as someone with a full interior world. Because that’s real life. We’re all carrying something. Many of my characters are stitched together from lived experience, observation, and what I call “ancestral whispers.” They might not be autobiographical, but they’re always rooted in something true. At the end of the day, I don’t just write characters—I let them breathe.

What does a typical writing day look like for me? Every writing day begins with intention. I carve out quiet time—usually early morning—before the noise of the world sets in. That’s when I’m freshest, most connected to the stories waiting to be told. My routine isn’t about rigid schedules but about rituals: a strong cup of coffee, a clear desk, and a playlist that helps me slip into the right emotional space. Some days I write on paper, some days on my laptop—whichever helps me get the words flowing. I approach writing like mining. It’s messy and requires patience. There’s brainstorming, research, and rewriting all tangled up with pure creation. On a good day, I’ll push through several pages, focusing not on perfection but on honesty and momentum. I also make space for reflection—stepping back to breathe life into the characters and scenes, making sure they’re authentic, layered, and resonant. Writing is a practice of discipline and surrender, and every day looks a little different. But the throughline is this: showing up, even when it’s hard, because the story deserves it.

For me, the biggest reward is the freedom—freedom to tell my story exactly how I want, without compromise or gatekeepers deciding what’s worthy. Being indie means owning every part of the creative journey, from the first draft to marketing, and that’s empowering. It also means building a direct connection with readers who truly resonate with my voice and vision. Those relationships—real conversations, honest feedback, shared moments—are priceless. I get to see how my stories impact people’s lives in ways traditional publishing can’t always offer. Being indie is hard work, no doubt. But it’s also a testament to resilience and self-belief. Every challenge has made the wins that much sweeter. In a world that often tries to silence diverse voices, choosing to be an indie author is my way of making sure my story—and those like it—get heard loud and clear.

One challenge I’ve faced in my writing journey is balancing authenticity with market expectations. As a Black author telling stories rooted in real, sometimes uncomfortable truths, there’s always this tension: How do I stay true to the complexity of my characters and culture without being boxed into stereotypes or diluted for mass appeal? It’s a constant negotiation between honoring the rawness of lived experience and crafting something that can reach a broad audience. That challenge pushes me to deepen my craft, to find innovative ways to make my stories accessible but never compromised. Another big challenge has been learning to treat writing as both art and business—knowing when to pour heart and soul in, and when to strategize and market. It’s a balance I’m still mastering, but it’s made me a stronger creator and entrepreneur.

Favorite writing tools and apps? Absolutely. I’m a big believer in letting the story lead, but having the right tools makes all the difference in staying organized and focused. • Highland — I love this app for its clean, distraction-free interface. It’s perfect for drafting screenplays and keeping my writing structured without getting bogged down by formatting. • Scrivener — For complex projects, Scrivener is a powerhouse. It helps me organize research, notes, and scenes all in one place, which is crucial when juggling multiple storylines. • Evernote — For quick ideas, snippets, or research, I keep Evernote handy. Inspiration strikes anytime, so having a place to capture thoughts on the fly is essential. • Focus@Will — Writing is as much about mindset as craft. This app’s music and soundscapes help me enter flow state and keep distractions at bay. • Good old-fashioned pen and notebook — Sometimes, nothing beats writing longhand. It slows me down, lets me connect more deeply to the words, and helps ideas percolate naturally. The key for me is flexibility—using tools that support my creativity without becoming a distraction.

First, write with purpose and honesty. Your story matters because it’s yours—no one else can tell it the way you do. Don’t wait for permission or perfect conditions to start. Second, embrace the hustle. Being an indie author means wearing many hats—from writer to marketer to business strategist. It’s challenging, but the more you learn, the more control you have over your creative and financial destiny. Third, build your community. Find readers, fellow writers, and mentors who uplift you. The indie journey can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Lastly, be patient and persistent. Success rarely comes overnight. Keep showing up, refining your craft, and telling your truth. The world needs your voice.

How do I handle book promotion as an indie author? Promotion is one of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—of being indie. Without a traditional publisher’s marketing machine, I’ve had to become intentional and strategic about reaching readers. First, I focus on authentic connection. I use social media platforms not just to sell, but to build community by sharing behind-the-scenes insights, my creative process, and the themes that drive my stories. It’s about creating conversations, not just ads. Second, I leverage partnerships and endorsements—like my work with Penguin Random House—to add credibility and expand reach. Collaborations with book clubs, podcasts, and influencers who align with my message are key. Third, I invest time in targeted outreach: guest blogs, interviews, and speaking engagements. Each appearance is an opportunity to share my story and invite readers into the world I’ve created. Finally, I track what works and stay flexible—adjusting tactics based on real feedback and data. Promotion is ongoing, but when it’s authentic, it’s also deeply rewarding.

What’s next for me? I’m excited about what’s on the horizon. In Fall 2025, I’ll be releasing Building a Brand Without Venture Capital, a guide dedicated to entrepreneurs and creatives who want to build sustainable businesses on their own terms—no outside funding required. It’s a practical, no-nonsense playbook for turning vision into reality with grit and strategy. Looking ahead to 2026, I’m diving into my next narrative project, The Exit Strategy. This book will explore the complex decisions behind stepping away—whether from a business, relationship, or life chapter—and how to do it with intention, integrity, and empowerment. It’s about knowing when to hold on, when to let go, and how to write your own closing chapter. Both projects reflect my commitment to storytelling that inspires action and builds legacy, whether through fiction, nonfiction, or practical wisdom.