The Official Web Site of Author Robert Stanek

Where Legends Live & Stories Breathe

Recognized. Respected. Read by Millions.

From the epic fantasy realms of Ruin Mist to the inspiring lessons of Bugville Critters, the high-stakes suspense of the Scott Evers Thrillers, and the post-apocalyptic world of After the Machines, our titles have captivated readers and listeners around the globe.

We are proud to have earned #1 rankings on Audible.com across multiple genres including Fiction, Kids & YA, and Mystery/Thriller. Our books have consistently ranked in the Top 10 and Top 50 on Audible and Amazon, and several titles reached #1 Free Bestseller positions in categories such as Dystopian, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, and Mystery.

Our work has been featured in respected publications including The New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, Foreword Magazine, VOYA Magazine, School Library Journal, Library Journal, and Parenting Magazine. References to our books appear in industry resources like The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Elves & Fairies, Ancient Art of Faery Magick, and Popular Series Fiction for Middle School and Teen Readers.

Over the years, we’ve partnered with leading platforms including Audible, Spotify, Google Play, Apple Books, Kobo, OverDrive, Emusic, Playaway, Epic!, Walmart, Findaway World, Barnes & Noble, Scribd, Hoopla Digital, Bookshop Org, Tolino Media, Target, Storytel, Librofm, Audiobook Store, Downpour Audio, BookPage, eBrary, Proquest, Baker & Taylor, BookSource, and dozens of others to ensure our stories reached homes, schools, and libraries everywhere.

Milestones and Acclaim

In 2002, Keeper Martin’s Tale and Elf Queen’s Quest debuted as instant bestsellers, spending 26 weeks on Amazon’s Top 50 Sci-Fi & Fantasy list. By 2005, the Ruin Mist series hit #1 on Audible for fourteen straight weeks and stayed in the Kids & YA Top 10 for three years, reaching nearly five million readers across multiple platforms.

VOYA praised the Ruin Mist books for their "Tolkienesque world" and "dramatic illustrations," while Foreword Magazine described them as "brisk, accessible," and "solidly built." In April 2009, Publisher’s Weekly featured the series in a prominent cover story.

The Pieces of the Puzzle was a #1 Fiction Bestseller and a Top 10 Mystery Bestseller on Audible in 2005. Meanwhile, the Bugville Critters series earned accolades from Follett Early Learning, Parenting Magazine, and Foreword Magazine, who praised its vibrant illustrations and lessons in personal growth, nature, and family.

Stormjammers, a compelling nonfiction account of military missions, was recommended by The Journal of Electronic Defense for its gripping narrative and detail.

What We Stand By

Our works continue to thrive — not because of hype, but because of the stories we tell, the hearts we touch, and the respect we’ve earned. False claims and misinformation from competitors and detractors don’t define us. Millions of readers, dozens of industry features, and years of acclaim do.

Welcome to the Official Website of Author Robert Stanek.
Celebrating over 20 years of the bestselling Ruin Mist series.

Robert Stanek’s work has been made available to a global readership through translations in over 50 languages, with publications distributed by both major and independent publishers over the years. His words and art have captivated the hearts and minds of people all around the world over the past thirty years.

As a partially disabled combat veteran and father of a daughter with Down Syndrome, he has long been a passionate advocate for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and access to education. His commitment is reflected not just in words, but in decades of tangible support—donating time, books, and resources to literacy initiatives, schools, and community programs across the USA and around the world.

About Robert Stanek – The Work Was Always Real

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 clear, plain language. His writing became the foundation of training courses, college classes, leadership programs, shaping the plain-language style used by Microsoft and many others.

With work translated into over 50 languages, republished by every major U.S. publisher, and contributions spanning the tech industry and beyond, Robert’s career has reached readers around the world.

But with that success came years of misinformation, erasure, and personal attacks—targeting not just the work, but the person behind it. After decades of silence, Robert sets the record straight.

Read the Full Article

Celebrating author Robert Stanek and his books

Much of Robert’s early inspiration came from the work and legacy of Wallace Stegner, the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author often regarded as a foundational figure in modern creative writing. Stegner’s contributions to literature and education—through institutions such as Harvard, the University of Wisconsin, the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and Stanford—deeply influenced Robert’s early interest in storytelling and writing.

It was this admiration that led Robert to become a school newspaper editor by fourth grade, encouraged by family and mentors who saw promise in his writing. Those close to him spoke often of his creative versatility—from writing a 1,600-page technical reference to crafting a 24-page illustrated children’s book, complete with his own hand-painted watercolors.

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.

In spring 2021 during the worldwide pandemic, Robert and his wife stepped forward to support the online initiatives for 360 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 writer, photographer, and artist, Robert has crossed paths with many memorable individuals. One of his most vivid experiences occurred in the early 1990s, when he met former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush—then trustees of the National Awards program at the Freedoms Foundation. At the time, Robert had recently been honored with distinctions including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the George Washington Honor Medal. He reflects on that moment not as a pinnacle, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey in service, creativity, and personal growth.

Got Critters? Bugville Critters by Robert Stanek

Robert learned many lessons from his early mentors. 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.

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 people around the world 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.