Talked about this at length in the video here. Yeah, I know, I use the Z-word there, but deep down, if you start using links as a primary organisational workflow, like it or not, you are doing Zettelkasten.
Mainly, I go hunting for things that make sense or feel right. Then I gather those small blocks of thought from which I start building a whole story. Links are invaluable in that process. As more pieces fall into place, months of thinking and trail-following later, I end up with an outline. And even more months later, I end up with a book. 