His degree in Psychology was the first step toward getting beneath the surface of the people in his life. What followed was a lifelong search for what makes people tick – what forces them to become evil when deep down they are yearning for love. Rob’s characters walk this search with him, deep into the human psyche, creating psychological thrillers from everyday events.
Rob’s books are perfect for those who enjoy thrillers but also need strong emotion to keep them deeply involved with the characters.
“All my books hit home for me,” says Rob. “There are always parts that make me laugh out loud as I write them… and many, too many, that make me cry. And the great thing is, I’m finding that many readers of my books experience the same emotions.”
Rob’s books receive both national and international praise with most reviews noting that his storylines are extremely “unique” and “sobering” and the twists and turns are “masterful”.
Website or Blog: www.authorrobkaufman.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorKaufman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobKaufman
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/745558.Rob_Kaufman
Can you tell us how you got started writing fiction?
I’ve been writing fiction since first grade. I would write a story using blank pieces of white paper, tape them together and then give it to my mom. Of course, I always received a 5-star review! Although the last book of mine my mom got to see before she passed was “One Last Lie”, she still always gave me 5-star reviews. Other than loving to write, my mom’s encouragement of my writing is one of the main reasons I started, and continue, to write fiction.
Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?
I lie in bed every night until the story (or next chapter) is fleshed out. I then create an outline of each chapter. I used to write by the seat of my pants but realized that having an outline makes the actual “writing” part of the process easier. Not “easy”… easier. ☺
Can you tell us about your most recent release?
My latest release, “Altered” is the first in a series about a renowned NYC psychiatrist, Justin Wright, who takes on a patient with Dissociative Identity Disorder (multiple personalities, also known as “alters”). Little does he know that the patient is weaving himself into Justin’s life in ways that will change the lives of he and his family forever. There are a number of interesting characters and subplots that I won’t get into here, but I will say that those who have read “Altered” can’t wait for Book 2 “Jaded”, which should be released late January or early February.
Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?
Of all the characters in all my books, I’d have to say my favorite is Jonathan in “One Last Lie”. I think it’s because he’s me in so many ways – a bit OCD, neurotic, Type A, and distrustful, while at the same time compassionate, giving and kind to those people who have the same qualities. Jonathan is me, but with a much stranger set of circumstances to contend with.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?
The most challenging aspect of writing “Altered” was making sure I had all the details about Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) correct. I did online research, checked my writing with psychiatrists and psychologists and was lucky enough to have an editor who knows a lot about psychology and “reality”. Getting the facts right was my number one priority – and the toughest part of writing this book.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently writing BOOK 2 of the Justin Wright Suspense Series. The book is titled “JADED” which is similar to “ALTERED” in that it can be taken two ways. “ALTERED” represents the patient with DID who has alters and how lives are changed (altered) by the patient’s actions. “JADED” represents Justin’s newest patient, Jade, while at the same time describing how a very important character feels about life (and if it’s worth living).
What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors?
Be unique, don’t follow the crowd and have a very, very good editor. The first two will help ensure that there will be an audience for your work. The second will guarantee that your readers will enjoy your work. A manuscript with misspellings, plot holes and factual errors will turn astute readers off in a matter of seconds. Oh, and unlike me, don’t look at your reviews every day. You’ll easily forget the thousand 5-star reviews, but the one 2-star review will stay with you forever.
Title: Altered (Justin Wright Suspense Series Book 1)
Author: Rob Kaufman
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 276
Genre: Psychological Suspense/Thriller
When Frank Devlin walks into Justin Wright’s office, the renowned New York City clinical psychiatrist decides to take on one of the most challenging cases of his career.
After their first session, it’s obvious Frank has multiple personalities (“alters”) and each one couldn’t be more different than the other. Justin must get to know each individual alter in order to discover the best route to take so that Frank can live a full and happy life. He must also delve into Frank’s past, one filled with mystery, darkness and trauma — the true causes behind his personality split.
As Justin deals with Frank’s issues, he’s also confronted with his own demons: the kidnapping of Michael, his youngest son, seven years earlier… a wife he adores, Mandy, who refuses to accept her son is gone… a constant struggle with his oldest son, Dylan, who was watching over Michael the day the boy was taken. And his problems get worse as, unbeknownst to Justin, Frank and his alters are secretly weaving themselves into his life in ways that will affect the Wright family forever.
A suspense-filled story driven by emotion, angst and the ultimate revenge, “Altered” brings readers down a twisted path of uncertainty and mind games — leaving them shocked, heartbroken and questioning what could possibly come next…
***
“Crazy-good plot lines and shocking information that had me gasping for breath at every turn!” – Anne F., Amazon Vine Reviewer
“It was an amazing ride with tension building throughout until the final twist ending.” – Patricia G., NetGalley Reviewer
Release Date: November 15, 2022
Soft Cover: ISBN:979-8358757523; 329 pages; $13.99; Kindle $7.99; FREE on Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BlpCjs
