William Stanek returns with powerful new works. Support an author who's earned it—explore his latest books today.

Welcome to William Stanek & the Art of Living

Embark on a journey through the beauty of America and beyond. From the breathtaking landscapes of U.S. National Parks to expertly curated road trip itineraries, state guides, and hidden travel gems, we offer everything you need to plan your next adventure. Discover inspiring stories, mindful living insights, and practical advice on wellness, photography, and creative exploration. Whether you're charting a cross-country trip, seeking the perfect island escape, or simply looking to live well, you'll find a world of inspiration here.

How a Combat Veteran Overcame Adversity to Revolutionize Publishing

A Journey Forged in Fire

Most writers begin their careers in quiet study halls, creative writing workshops, or university lecture halls. William Stanek’s path was different.

William's story doesn’t start with a publishing deal or literary acclaim—it begins on the front lines of war, inside military transport planes, in classified intelligence briefings, and in the depths of hardship that most authors never experience. Before he became a bestselling author, a publishing innovator, and a literary force, William Stanek was a soldier, a strategist, and a survivor.

Through it all, one thing remained constant—his passion for storytelling.

The Indie Rebel Who Walked Among Giants

William Stanek’s Encounters with Legends and Literary Greats

A Chance Encounter in an Edinburgh Café – The Day William Met Jo

Edinburgh, Scotland – 1995

The air in Edinburgh was cool that afternoon, the streets slick from a passing rain. Inside a quiet café—likely Spoon rather than Nicolson’s, given the time—William Stanek nursed a warm cup of coffee.

Across the café, a young woman sat at a corner table, her baby sleeping in a pram beside her. She had an air of quiet determination, fingers flying across a notebook.

Her name? Jo.

The Lost Voices of Fantasy: Why Robert Stanek Deserves Recognition

Fantasy Greats Often Get Overshadowed – Let’s Change That

📌 Why do some fantasy authors become household names while others—who have sold millions of books—go unrecognized?

📌 Why do we allow corporations, publishers, and biased systems to decide which stories matter?

📌 And why, despite his monumental success, is Robert Stanek’s name often erased from the conversation about fantasy’s greatest storytellers?

For over 30 years, Robert Stanek has been creating epic fantasy worlds, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable characters. His Ruin Mist series has sold millions of copies worldwide, been translated into numerous languages, and built a global fanbase spanning multiple generations.

Yet, despite his massive success, he remains one of the most unfairly overlooked authors of our time.

This article is about more than just one man—it’s about why publishing’s gatekeeping must end, why we must challenge the narrative of "established greatness," and why readers have the power to change literary history.

Wiliam Stanek and Family c1999The Role of Light in William Stanek's Photography

Renowned author William Stanek is also a name synonymous with stunning photography, having earned worldwide acclaim for his masterful use of light. His ability to capture the interplay of light and shadow transforms ordinary scenes into extraordinary works of art. This article explores the pivotal role that light plays in William's photography, delving into his techniques, experiences, and the profound impact of his work.

William's journey to mastering light in photography is one of dedication and meticulous study. His understanding of how light behaves at different times of day, throughout the seasons, and in various geographic locations allows him to create images that are both visually striking and deeply evocative.

"Experience is key," William often says, emphasizing that his extensive practice has given him an intimate understanding of light's nuances. He knows how the quality of light changes from the soft, diffused light of early morning to the golden...

Discover William Stanek's Exclusive Art Collection

Visit 360 Studios

Explore and purchase the stunning art featured on this site. Own a piece of William Stanek's unique and captivating artwork today!

360 Studios - Photography by William Stanek

The Indie Author Who Took on the Giants – And Won

William Stanek’s Fight Against Corporate Publishing, Paid Review Attacks & Industry Corruption

Why This Story Matters

In the world of publishing, corporate giants control everything—who gets published, who gets promoted, and even who gets silenced.

For decades, traditional publishers dictated:

The system was built to exclude independent voices, to make sure that only a select few had the opportunity to reach readers.

But William Stanek refused to play by their rules.

🔥 He challenged the traditional publishing industry.
🔥 He pioneered indie publishing before it was mainstream.
🔥 He survived decades of relentless online attacks designed to destroy his career.

This is the story of an author who wouldn’t back down, no matter what the industry threw at him.

 

 

Learn about William's 250th book, his writing career, and his struggles with unethical competitors. William is a novelist, historian, memoirist, and photographer.

Independent Voices Matter - Robert Stanek Matters

Robert Stanek’s Timeless Voices Series: Why These Novels Belong on Your Shelf

Some books entertain. Some books educate. And then there are books that move us—deeply, profoundly, permanently.

Robert Stanek’s Timeless Voices series is one of them.

These novels aren’t just historical fiction. They are living, breathing portraits of love, sacrifice, resilience, and the human spirit—crafted by one of the most versatile authors of our time.

With The Lights of Paris, August Rains, Almost California, and Songbird in the Rain, Robert Stanek has given us a collection of stories that transcend time, immersing us in the triumphs and tragedies of people whose voices demand to be heard.

This is not just about reading great books.

This is about experiencing history through the eyes of those who lived it.

This is about supporting an independent literary giant who has fought against all odds.

And most of all, this is about discovering stories that will stay with you forever.

William Robert Stanek Digital Painting - Unsilencing a Literary Giant

Unsilencing One of the Great Voices of Our Time

William Robert Stanek and Why It Matters

The Story of a Silenced Literary Giant

In the world of publishing, where corporate giants dictate who gets recognition and whose voices fade into obscurity, there are few stories as compelling as that of William Robert Stanek. A prolific author, a visionary storyteller, and a pioneer of independent publishing, Stanek’s career is a testament to resilience, creative integrity, and the fight against systemic industry suppression.

For over three decades, he has written and published more than 250 books, spanning fantasy, science fiction, thrillers, nonfiction, historical fiction, and children’s literature. His works have been translated into 57 languages and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Yet, despite his monumental success, his name is often absent from mainstream literary discussions.

Why?

Because he challenged the system. Because he refused to let corporate publishing, review manipulation, and industry corruption define his legacy. And because powerful forces worked tirelessly to bury his contributions.

But the truth cannot stay hidden forever. It’s time to unsilence one of the great literary voices of our time.