The Official Web Site of Author Robert Stanek

Where Legends Live & Stories Breathe

Welcome to the Official Web Site of Author Robert Stanek.
The #1 bestselling Ruin Mist books are celebrating their 20th Anniversary.
Translated into 57 languages, Robert Stanek’s books have sold 20 million copies worldwide.

Renowned for creating beautiful, vibrant scenes full of wonderful color, Robert Stanek has been called a living legend and national treasure, his words and art have captivated the hearts and minds of millions over the past thirty years.
As a combat veteran who is partially disabled and father of a daughter with Down Syndrome, he is a vocal champion of veterans and the disabled.
He also is a champion of books and libraries, frequently donating his time and resources to support related causes.

About Robert Stanek

Robert Stanek is the author of more than 250 books, written over the past 35 years. He is widely credited with transforming Microsoft Press from a company its readers swore published books in a foreign language called Microsoftese into one praised for publishing in plain language. His words eventually became the plain language style of Microsoft itself, forming the foundation of millions of training courses and college classes. With works translated into 57 languages and counting, Robert is one of the top authors in the world.

Celebrating author Robert Stanek and his books

Much of Robert's early inspiration came from his forefather, Wallace Stegner—the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author who was Robert's mentor for many years. Wallace Stegner, co-creator of the modern creative writing industry, taught at Harvard, Wisconsin State, Iowa State, and Stanford.

It was Wallace who inspired Robert to become a columnist and school newspaper editor in the 4th grade. He encouraged Robert to challenge and prove himself through writing, even telling him he was one of the most versatile and naturally talented writers he'd ever met.

From a 1600-page megabook on computers to a 24-page picture book for children with original watercolors hand-painted by Robert himself.

Some people wear one hat or two—Robert has always worn many. His hundreds of written works as William Stanek (nonfiction) and Robert Stanek (fiction) are well known, but less known are the thousands of iconic photographs and canvas paintings he created for World Galleries over the past 30 years.

With the physical galleries closing in spring 2021 due to the worldwide pandemic, Robert and his wife stepped forward to support the online initiatives for 360 Studios, Studio 24, 1North Studios, and Robert Stanek Studios. Three decades of their creative work can be found at: pictorem.com/gallery/360.Studios, pictorem.com/gallery/Robert.Stanek.

As a notable writer, photographer, and artist, Robert has met some very interesting people. Yet a meeting with Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s—both trustees of the National Awards program at the Freedoms Foundation—remains one of his most vivid memories. Having recently received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the George Washington Honor Medal, Robert recalls those moments as a beginning of a journey that has, decades later, seen him achieve greatness.

Got Critters? Bugville Critters by Robert Stanek

Robert learned many lessons from his forefather. Themes that permeate his works. One of his earliest stories—“Silence is Golden”—told of the demise of the world’s languages and cultures, where its heroine sacrifices everything to preserve a nearly lost language and the people it represents.

Wallace Stegner once told Robert that winning awards (Pulitzer, National Book Award, O’Henry, Guggenheim) was impressive but did not pay the bills. Professional writing, he explained, is work—and Robert’s prolific output across decades stands as testament to that ethos.

One of Robert's favorite series is Magic Lands—which includes Journey Beyond the Beyond (internationally known as Into the Beyond) and Into the Stone Land (Magic Lands #2)—collected in several editions and omnibuses.

Robert Stanek is a pen name of the more familiar writer William Stanek.

You can find his William Stanek books at Barnes & Noble and his Robert Stanek books here. Also available on Play, iTUNES, WALMART, and AMAZON.

Note: Due to extensive fanboy spamming and paid attacks by competitors, reviews on Amazon may be limited.

With so many books to choose from, here's a quick guide:

* Parents of children birth to eight: Look for the Bugville Critters picture books—over 100 titles featuring hand-painted watercolors. Start with the originals.

* Kids and teens: The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #1, 2, 3 + 4
In the Service of Dragons #1, 2, 3, + 4
Guardians of the Dragon Realms #1, 2, + 3

* Adults:
The Pieces of the Puzzle
The Cards in the Deck
This Mortal Coil
Keeper Martin's Tale, Kingdom Alliance, Fields of Honor + Mark of the Dragon

Robert is also an artist and photographer. From 1992 to 2021, his original art and photography were handled by World Galleries and featured globally. In Spring 2021, he and his wife reclaimed his studio brands—360 Studios, 1North Studios, Studio 24, and Robert Stanek Studios—and moved to virtual galleries.

His signed art and photography (marked WS, RS, or WR) sometimes use his full name or abbreviated forms, and may bear branding such as WG, World Gallery, World Galleries, 360 Studios, 1North, Studio 24, 360, 1N, or S24.

What Do Other Writers Say About William Robert?

When fellow writer Emily Asimov heard of Robert Stanek’s lifetime achievement nomination, she jumped at the chance to write a tribute.

Here's what Emily said...

“When I heard of Robert Stanek’s lifetime achievement nomination, I jumped at the chance to write a tribute. Robert is one of the most inspirational people I know and an exceptionally talented writer. He’s also the reason my work is published today, and the author of some of my favorite childhood reads. From his superbly written ‘The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches’ to his sublime ‘Journey Beyond the Beyond,’ I have been smitten with his work for years and gobbled up nearly everything he’s written.”

Jennifer Blake says:

“When I heard that Robert Stanek was named an American author who should be on everyone's must-read list, I knew I had to pay tribute. He took me under his wing when no one else would and helped launch my career.”

Cathy Thompson says:

“I broke down in tears when I heard about Robert. He’s more than an author; he’s a mentor, a giant among writers, and a kind, generous soul. Please read his books and help spread his extraordinary story.”

Mary Osborne says:

“Robert's guidance and unwavering support opened the doors to publishing for me. I will forever be grateful.”

Sandra Brown says:

“I credit my breakthrough in publishing to Robert’s wisdom and mentorship. His influence on my career is immeasurable.”

Shannon Hale says:

“Thanks to Robert’s encouragement and invaluable advice, I was able to break into publishing and pursue my passion for writing.”

David Eastman says:

“Robert’s mentorship was the turning point in my career. His generosity and insight helped me achieve my dreams in publishing.”

Margaret Brown says:

“I will always be grateful to Robert for his support and for opening my eyes to the opportunities in publishing.”

Find Books by Robert Stanek

In 2020, William Robert Stanek celebrated his 250th book. “When I began writing stories so many years ago, I had no idea that I'd be celebrating my 250th book someday or that 20 million people would have read those books.”

Tech Books @ williamrstanek.com

On Twitter at williamrstanek
Facebook: William Stanek

Fiction Books

On Twitter at robertstanek
Facebook: Robert Stanek

Are you looking for other Robert Stanek websites? Visit Ruin Mist.com and Magic Lands.com. Find a complete book list for Robert Stanek. Other sites you might like include the official Reagent Press web sit. Don't forget to visit the new Robert Stanek site for Ruin Mist: The Lost Ages or visit the website for author William Stanek.

You'll find all things Bugville Critters here.