Interview with Christopher Long

Author of Superstar

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I grew up in Springfield, Missouri where one of my best childhood buds was Brad Pitt — yes, THAT Brad Pitt! For the last 40+ years, I’ve lived near Cocoa Beach, on Florida’s east coast.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

My family relocated from Missouri to Florida in 1975 when my dad joined my uncle’s chemical business.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

As a young reader, I became fascinated and inspired by salacious rock and roll-based memoirs. After years as an entertainment writer, I’d had enough personal experiences in the music industry to write my own behind-the-scenes tell-all in the early 2000s. A book project seemed like the logical progression in my writing career. I pitched my first manuscript myself to prospective publishers, and without an agent, I got deal — which is rare.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Aside from my 2010 debut, which was a misguided disaster, my books have thus far been either high-energy Christian non-fiction titles or “explosive” Christian fiction.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Readers who aren’t afraid to be entertained, but who also are open to receiving a healthy dose of Jesus factor. I often joke that I write faith-based books for people who hate faith-based books.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

The writing process is far more challenging than I expected when I first started out. And the publishing world actually is crueler than the music biz. But if you can push through and bring your book to market, either independently or through a traditional publisher, the reward can be great.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Stay in school. Study hard. Take typing classes. Take English classes. Take creative writing classes. Take journalism classes. Take computer classes. Achieve stellar grades. Read every book you can get your filthy hands on. AND MOST OF ALL — when writing non-fiction, NEVER use anyone’s real name.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I wanna reach every beautiful soul on the planet.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

I think all artists are challenged by wanting to be better at their craft and often feel frustrated by not being at “the place” they’re striving for.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A) I work well with others (collaborators)
B) I’ve learned to be patient. And I’m blessed to work with a team of talented professionals.
C) I’ve become pretty good at staging and promoting author events.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A) I tend to want to rush the process.
B) & C) I’m a writer who focuses on — writing. As a result these two aspects of the business often are overwhelming.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Personally, writing is a never-ending process. As of 2019, I have four titles in publication. And I’m involved currently in three other book projects.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I have experienced this industry from both sides of the fence — signing contracts with traditional publishers as well as self-publishing some of my work.