ROB KIRCHER Psychological suspense Thriller author

Consistently 5-Star Reviewed Novels

WHY MY BOOKS ARE UNIQUE

OLD SCHOOL TEACHINGS

In 1923, my dad, Albert, made a life-changing decision when he left Germany to immigrate to America. He brought with him not only the skills of a blacksmith but also a strong determination to create a new life in a foreign land.

After settling in America, Albert applied his blacksmith expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to pursue the American dream. He worked tirelessly, channeling his dedication into building a prosperous business that specialized in custom built truck bodies. His achievements stand as a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and vision for a better future.

Albert’s influence extended beyond his business success. He instilled in my siblings and me a strong work ethic and taught us the value of perseverance. He encouraged us to never give up on our passions and to pursue them with integrity and determination. Today, his legacy continues to inspire us in all aspects of our lives.

MY MENTORS

Remarkable Friends

During my tenure at Jay Advertising in Rochester, New York, I held responsibilities in both account management and acquisition. This role provided me with the opportunity to collaborate on creative projects with Tony Lover, the founder of Liberty Studios. Tony had recently achieved significant acclaim for his work in creating the iconic "HBO in Space" program-opening sequence for HBO, a project that established new standards in television branding. Prior to this, Tony served as the director of photography for the Oscar-nominated 1968 short film The Dove, which cleverly parodied the style of Ingmar Bergman. As a Fine Arts & Film graduate from NYU Tisch School of the Arts at Washington Square, Tony brought a wealth of experience and creativity to our collaborations. I found our communication seamless, and we quickly developed a strong, warm creative connection.

Through Tony, I was introduced to Nick Nappi, a partner at one of New York City's most prominent theatrical advertising agencies. This agency was renowned for managing the original promotional campaigns for Broadway hits such as A Chorus Line, The Wiz, and numerous other celebrated productions.

My network expanded further when Tony introduced me to Elliot Kastner, a prolific Hollywood film producer whose impressive body of work includes acclaimed films such as Where Eagles Dare, Angel Heart, and The Missouri Breaks, which starred legendary actors Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson.

I often met with Elliot at his homes and studios in both Hollywood and New York, where we engaged in in-depth discussions about scriptwriting and the complexities of character development.

Whenever Elliot was in New York, the four of us—Elliot, Tony, Nick and myself—would convene for lunch at the Algonquin Hotel restaurant. These gatherings became lively forums for exchanging ideas and insights about the film industry.

Guided by these remarkable mentors, I honed my craft—learning to write with a cinematic, claustrophobic style and to create richly flawed characters, especially complex female protagonists.

TONY LOVER

Liberty Studios stands as the longest-running production house in continuous operation in New York City. Since its founding, the studio has become a cornerstone of the city's creative industry, specializing in producing films, video, advertising, and e-commerce content.

Established in 1963 by Tony Lover, Liberty Studios has thrived under his visionary leadership. Tony's passion and dedication have guided the studio through decades of innovative work and creative achievements.

The studio's excellence has been recognized with both Emmy and Academy Award nominations. Liberty Studios has produced a remarkable portfolio of award-winning television commercials, Broadway promotions, and pro bono public service announcements. Their creative reach extends to music videos and feature films, as well.

Among Liberty Studios' most notable contributions is the creation and production of the iconic HBO program-opening sequence, "HBO in Space," which remains a memorable landmark in television history.

In 2006, Tony Lover expanded his creative endeavors by writing and directing the film My Brother . This feature starred Vanessa Williams, Tatum O'Neal, and Nashawn Kearse, further demonstrating the studio's commitment to quality storytelling and production excellence.

NICK NAPPI

Nick Nappi began his remarkable career in the world of theatrical advertising as a founding partner of Coyne, Serino, and Nappi in 1977. Alongside his colleagues, he established the agency after leaving the prestigious Blaine Thompson company, which was a dominant force in the industry at the time. Under their leadership, Coyne, Serino, and Nappi quickly rose to prominence, becoming a leading advertising agency on Broadway.

Art served as a vital tool in Nappi’s approach to engaging with the public, both professionally and personally. As a vice president and acclaimed art director, he played a significant role in shaping the visual identity of some of Broadway’s most memorable productions. His expertise in design and art direction is evident in the logos and posters he created for legendary shows such as A Chorus Line, The Wiz, Les Miserables, and Phantom of the Opera, among many other celebrated works.

After retiring from the advertising industry, Nick Nappi shifted his focus to painting, immersing himself in his passion for visual art. He has displayed his work in numerous exhibitions, where his paintings are distinguished by their atmospheric qualities and compelling narratives. Drawing from his extensive experience in visual communication, Nappi's artwork reflects the depth of his creative journey and the stories he has gathered throughout his life.

Nick remains an unflappable and enduring friend. A fond memory is the nonchalant expression he maintained whenever his wife Carla, in moments of irritation, would call him "Mr. Nappi." This anecdote highlights the calm and easygoing nature that has always defined Nick's character.

ELLIOT KASTNER

ELLIOT KASTNER (1930–2010) was a prominent American film producer celebrated for independently financing and producing over 60 films. Many of his works were notable literary adaptations that showcased major stars such as Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, and Richard Burton. Kastner played a significant role in the international film industry, often working from London's Pinewood Studios. Throughout his career, he was involved in several high-profile and commercially successful productions.

Harper (1966): One of Kastner’s early successes, this film starred Paul Newman and marked William Goldman’s first solo screenplay credit.
Where Eagles Dare (1968): A popular World War II thriller featuring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood.
The Long Goodbye (1973): A critically acclaimed and unconventional adaptation of Raymond Chandler’s novel, directed by Robert Altman and starring Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe.
The Missouri Breaks (1976): A Western starring Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson. The film became famous for Kastner’s inventive approach to casting, in which he secured both stars by telling each that the other had already agreed to participate.
Equus (1977): An adaptation of the acclaimed stage play, starring Richard Burton.
Angel Heart (1987): A neo-noir thriller directed by Alan Parker and featuring performances by Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro.

Kastner began his career in the mail room at the William Morris Agency, quickly advancing to become a literary and talent agent. He went on to serve as vice president of production at Universal Pictures for two years before choosing the path of independent producing, where he truly flourished. Kastner was renowned for his persistent yet charming negotiating style, which enabled him to assemble impressive casts and secure funding for a wide range of projects—from commercial action hits to thoughtful adaptations of works by authors such as Iris Murdoch and Vladimir Nabokov. He passed away from cancer on June 30, 2010, in London, at the age of 80.