Reading time: About 2 minutes
Christopher Amato likes to take writing advice from Ben Franklin, who said, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
Christopher Amato always dreamed of working in law enforcement. After earning a degree with honors in criminology from Florida State University, he served as a federal agent. Upon retirement, he pursued another long-standing dream by turning his attention to writing. His first two novels were crime thrillers, Shadow Investigation and Peace River Village. A short-story collection, An Author’s Dozen, and a family saga, Leaving Marinella, are forthcoming in 2026. He and his wife live in North Carolina.
I was excited to talk to Christopher about how he approaches writing.
Q. Roughly how much time do you spend writing every day?
Here comes it depends. Recently, I have been deep into working on another thriller draft. I was at it eight, maybe ten hours a day for weeks. If I’m working on a synopsis, a bio, or a blurb, maybe as little as an hour or two.
Q. What’s a simple activity or habit that makes you a better writer?
Walking. I like a couple of hours first thing in the morning. It clears my mind and lets me focus on the coming day — on what I wrote yesterday and what I’ll tackle today. For me, walking exercises the mind as much as the body.
Q. What interferes with your writing?
Noise. Anything that kicks me out of the scene. Traffic, conversation outside, even “ambient” music can pull me away from the character.
Q. How do you persuade yourself to sit down to write on days when you really, really DON’T feel like doing it?
I don’t. If I truly don’t feel it, I don’t force it. Maybe one day, I’ll see if stubbornness can surprise me.
Q. Is there a particular motto or saying that you’ve found helpful for writing?
Ben Franklin: “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Ben would definitely be a neighbor in my fantasy world.
Q. Which stage of the writing process do you enjoy the most: researching, writing or editing/rewriting and why?
Writing. World-building is the thrill—creating lives, personalities, and places. A bit of a power trip. My people, my problems. Very cool.
Q. What’s one of the best books you’ve read (either fiction or non) in the last five years?
My wife and I lived in Italy for years until recently. I read Io Non Ho Paura, a fantastic suspense novel by Niccolò Ammaniti. English-only readers are in luck: it’s I’m Not Scared. Loved it.
Q. What book are you reading right now?
I recently finished Following Sunshine by author Niamh McAnally (who is also published by my publishing company). She’s courageous in life and on the page—fearless in sharing personal stories. Fantastic book.
Q. What do you think is the biggest misperception that new writers have about the act of writing?
That you’ll write one book and become a household name. Then again — why not dream? Hey, it can happen.
