Psychological Suspense Author Rob Kircher

WHAT ARE YOUR FIVE FAVORITE BOOKS, AND WHY?  

I have struggled with dyslexia throughout my life, which affects how I perceive the order of letters in a word, often leaving them scrambled. Reading has always been a challenging and slow process for me; I constantly translate each word from the foreign language of dyslexia into something recognizable. Until now, few people were aware of my learning disability, as I’ve worked hard to mask it. Given my career successes as a brand marketer, writer, and former announcer—fields where reading is essential—it might be hard for some to believe my struggles. The journey hasn't been easy, and I’ve relied on rote memorization and confident performances. The only books I’ve ever read are schoolbooks and the occasional best seller, as reading can feel cumbersome and frustrating. So, I write instead of reading, deriving my stories from my life experiences rather than others' interpretations. Oddly, I find writing comes more naturally than reading.  

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START WRITING?  

I started writing in sixth grade when a strict Catholic nun saw something in me beyond my dyslexia. Most kids thought she was a mean witch; instead, I learned to look at people differently.  

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP, AND HOW DID IT INFLUENCE YOUR WRITING?  

I grew up on a bustling street in Rochester, New York, where I spent my time observing the traffic, listening to sounds, and wondering about the lives of those around me. This setting ignited my interest in crafting stories, eventually leading to my psychological suspense novels.  

HOW DID YOUR CHILDHOOD INFLUENCE YOUR WRITING?  

My father was a blacksmith who immigrated from Germany, and my mother came from a large family of twelve, with roots in Belgium. They survived as migrant workers, traveling from farm to farm. My parents’ meeting—while he was forging metal wheels for horse-drawn wagons and she was working as a maid—has profoundly influenced my writing and inspired themes seen in many of my psychological suspense novels.  

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST STORY YOU WROTE?  

Yes, it was about a family secret.  

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS?  

I admire letter writers.  

WHAT IS THE GREATEST JOY OF WRITING FOR YOU?  

The greatest joy is touching others through my stories.  

DESCRIBE YOUR DESK AND OFFICE.  

My desk and walls are layered with objects that transport me to different places, sparking my creativity as I plan my next Rob Kircher books.  

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST STORY YOU READ AND ITS IMPACT ON YOU?  

The first impactful story I read was the play 'Our Town' by Thornton Wilder. I loved its truth and intimacy.  

WHAT DO YOUR FANS MEAN TO YOU?  

They mean everything to me.  

WHAT IS YOUR WRITING PROCESS?  

I start writing every day around 4:00 a.m.—no exceptions. My process begins with an outline, story blocking, character development, and layering antagonists and protagonists, focusing on conflicts and details—always details, always reality.  

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE STORIES YOU WRITE?  

In one word: claustrophobic. I’m intrigued by what compels people to behave in certain ways and what motivates individuals to seek fulfillment. I enjoy digging deep into my characters' psyches.  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CHARACTER?  

My favorite characters are vulnerable ones—the easy targets. They reveal much about who we are as humans.  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF STORY SETTING?  

I enjoy writing claustrophobic stories set in a single location or neighborhood. This confinement makes everything more intimate, honest, and true—it’s a 'closeup' rather than a 'wide shot,' as they say in film.  

WHAT DOES YOUR HEART GO OUT TO?  

I focus on innocent victims; they are often my story's central characters.  

WHY DO YOU WRITE?  

I write to purge my mind of both good and bad thoughts.  

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO GET OUT OF BED EACH DAY?  

The thrill of the chase inspires me every day.  

WHAT DO YOU FEAR MOST?  

I fear failure above all else.  

WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE MOST?  

Liars and closed-minded individuals are my least favorite.  

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME AN INDIE AUTHOR?  

I was motivated by the immediacy of the process, wanting to bypass self-important literary agents and publishers with no imagination or willingness to take risks.  

WHAT BOOK MARKETING TECHNIQUES HAVE BEEN MOST EFFECTIVE FOR YOU?  

Cross-promotional tie-ins to my brand marketing and direct response businesses have created interest and curiosity about my work, including my Rob Kircher books. Effective marketing stems from genuine passion and fascination rather than contrived tactics.  

HOW DO YOU APPROACH COVER DESIGN?  

Cover design is deeply connected to the story. It should evoke emotion and intrigue, acting as the label that entices readers to buy the book. It is as vital to the narrative as color is to a painting.  

WHEN YOU'RE NOT WRITING, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?  

I enjoy painting, woodworking, gardening, and indulging my insatiable penchant for garage sales, flea markets, and searching for antiques.  

WHAT DO YOU READ FOR PLEASURE?  

I often read descriptions about antiques and collectibles that captivate my interest.  

WHAT OTHER BOOKS DO YOU WANT TO WRITE?  

I have a long list of books I wish to write, including more psychological suspense novels, and I hope to complete at least half before transitioning to my next life.