An Exclusive Interview With Christopher Link
Christopher Link is an author of non-fiction (personal development based in spirituality.) He chose this path because, he says, “I tried the traditional route at first and then I realized quickly that it wasn’t for me or my writing style. I enjoy the freedom and challenge of doing it myself plus I don’t want to be under someone else’s thumb.”
Christopher Link decided to further his education to become a spiritual life coach. This eventually lead to his first book, Coming Out of the Illusion: Realizing the Real You. He discovered his life’s purpose is to be in service to others through spiritual writing/teaching(s) and to help as many people as possible to realize their own spiritual selves and personal magnificence.
Confessions of an Indie Author: What made you want to tell this story?
Christopher: I had a personal spiritual awakening experience and I wanted to be in service to others through my gift with creative writing. The name of the story is simply my book title.
Confessions of an Indie Author: In what way did your book significantly change since the first draft?
Christopher: With my first book the original rough draft went through heavy editing as I polished it into the gem it is today. I made sure I did the best I could for the reader to have an awesome reading experience.
Confessions of an Indie Author: How long did it take you to write this book?
Christopher: The initial writing didn’t take long after I had all my notes together. Getting it finished and published took a while, about four years all together.
Confessions of an Indie Author: How long have you been writing or when did you start?
Christopher: I started writing book one in 2016 which was published in 2020. I’m currently working on book two.
Confessions of an Indie Author: Have any of your scenes came from your life?
Christopher: My writings are very much based on my personal experiences in life and my growth and maturity through the years in spirituality.
Confessions of an Indie Author: Was there a moment in any of your books where you had to confront something you hadn’t faced before?
Christopher: Since my writings reflect my personal life I had to relive old traumas that came up as I put the material together.
Confessions of an Indie Author: Which character is most similar to you and how?
Christopher: There are no characters perse. I would be my own character standing in as a prime example to learn from. The Introduction for the book is for the writing material but also introduces the Author.
Confessions of an Indie Author: What is your schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Christopher: I have an old school approach. I write all my notes down for the whole book and write out, with pen and paper, a full rough draft. After that I type it all up on the computer and proceed to adjust and edit it into proper format.
Confessions of an Indie Author: What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Christopher: The most difficult part has to do with timing. I like to write with a clear schedule and have plenty of time. It can be hard to get it done sometimes.
Confessions of an Indie Author: How do you develop your plot and characters?
Christopher: Since my writing is based on personal development, there are no characters, but the plot does build up into a climax. I still go in the format of the beginning, middle and end.
Confessions of an Indie Author: What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
Christopher: Since there are no characters perse, the author’s head becomes the main focal point. I have an original/unique writing style that I call “visionary spirituality.” I integrate multiple concepts together that come from all different types of stimuli. Such as self-education, truth seeking/research and personal experiences. The result is a new take and fresh perspective that takes complex knowledge down to an easy to digest material that is relatable to the reader.
Confessions of an Indie Author: Can you tell us about a time when you had to revise a piece of writing multiple times? How did you handle it?
Christopher: After my book was finished, I had to revise a lot of the material because of my writing style. It took time to figure out how to format the material in the best way suitable for the reader.
Confessions of an Indie Author: Do you see writing as a kind of spiritual or therapeutic practice?
Christopher: Yes, definitely! Writing is very therapeutic as a practice in general. It is amplified exponentially when it revolves around Spirituality.
Confessions of an Indie Author: Does writing energize or exhaust you? Or both?
Christopher: Writing as a passion gives you energy because you are “playing at work.” Doing what you love and are passion about should never drain you.
Confessions of an Indie Author: Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know?
Christopher: I think multiple avenues would be good to consider. As in a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Everything stimulating from a chosen central theme and branching off.
Confessions of an Indie Author: Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
Christopher: I like peace and quiet for writing. Clean space for free flowing energy.
Confessions of an Indie Author: How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
Christopher: There are no plots perse, but I consider my writing in terms of book one to be on another level to start with. Next, book two will advance the material further and then on from there. The plot becomes spiritual advancement for self and society.
Confessions of an Indie Author: What are the most important elements of good writing?
Christopher: The most important elements are: originality and authenticity. Being true to yourself and bringing the writing through with pure intentions and to the best of your ability. One hundred percent integrated honesty.
Confessions of an Indie Author: What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?
Christopher: My favorite part is the proof copy before publication. Least favorite is the time it takes to get there!
Confessions of an Indie Author: What are common traps for new authors?
Christopher: I think the common traps revolve around endless options and trying to navigate around all the scams.
Confessions of an Indie Author: What do the words “literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it?
Christopher: I pictured literary success as readers who receive true value from your work and them receiving authentic inspiration. This then turns into an organic following of people who truly admire the material.
Confessions of an Indie Author: How important are book reviews?
Christopher: I think book reviews are very important but only through honest expression. Never trying to just rack them up.
Confessions of an Indie Author: What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Christopher: I like to pursue other creative things like music as a drummer when I am not writing. I love movies and I am learning about becoming a spiritual life coach.
Confessions of an Indie Author: What books did you grow up reading?
Christopher: I never actually read much when I was younger. My spiritual awakening experience put me on the path to read and learn. I talk about multiple influences in my book, such as Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
You can learn more about Christopher on his website, Instagram and X. His book can be purchased on Amazon, Google Play books and River Sanctuary Publishing, his publisher’s website.
Behind every book is an author with a unique story waiting to be told. Authors, your voice deserves a spotlight. This series explores the journeys, inspirations, and challenges behind writing. If you have a passion for words and a story to share, this is your moment to shine. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting your career, I want to hear from you.