William Stanek: Advocate, Family Man, and Creative Professional

Support for the Underdog

William Stanek has long dedicated himself to uplifting those around him—whether by encouraging independent authors, supporting fellow veterans, sharing experiences relevant to disability, or connecting with readers through his writing. His life journey—from challenging beginnings and personal loss to decades of quiet creative work—offers a meaningful reminder of how perseverance and compassion can shape lasting contributions.

Supporting Independent Authors

In 2007, William launched Go Indie, an initiative focused on providing resources and support to independent publishers, authors, and booksellers. Projects like Summer of Indie helped bring attention to emerging voices in the writing world, with the goal of broadening access to diverse stories and perspectives. His commitment to the independent community emphasizes inclusion and opportunity, rather than acclaim or recognition.

Supporting People with Disabilities

• As a father to a daughter with Down syndrome, William actively works to raise awareness and foster inclusivity for people with disabilities.
• He frequently donates his time and resources to these causes, reflecting a larger mission to give a voice to those who may otherwise go unheard.

Family First: The Pillar of Support

At the core of William’s many pursuits stands his wife, Hui Cha Stanek, and their children—his bedrock and biggest fans.

• A True Partnership: Hui Cha isn’t just William’s spouse; she’s his collaborator behind the scenes—planning creative projects, traveling the world alongside him, and offering unwavering support. Their decades-long bond underpins every success he’s achieved.
• A Father’s Legacy: As a devoted dad, William instills in his children the same values he lives by: resilience, creativity, and compassion. His experiences raising a child with Down syndrome have deepened his commitment to advocacy and inclusion, shaping a legacy where professional achievement goes hand in hand with making the world a better place.

Moments of Recognition

In the early 1990s, William was honored for his military service with distinctions including the George Washington Honor Medal. During that time, he had the opportunity to meet former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, who served as trustees of the National Awards program at the Freedoms Foundation. Rather than viewing this moment as a peak, William saw it as motivation to continue his creative and professional pursuits—driven by purpose rather than accolades

Overcoming Adversity: From Childhood Challenges to Combat Tours

• Early Hardship: Born in Wisconsin, William lost his stepfather and sister in a tragic accident. Raised by a single mother, the family often lived in poverty. By 17, William was homeless, finishing high school while sleeping in his car.
• Military Service: Undaunted, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in combat and special operations around the globe. This included two tours in the Gulf War—where he logged over 200 combat flight hours and earned several high honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
• A New Beginning: After his military career, William decided to reshape his life’s course, turning to writing, art, and technology. This determination led him to author (and sometimes self-publish) over 250 books, reaching millions of readers in 150 countries.

Creativity & Collaboration: A Shared Artistic Journey

Today, William and Hui Cha continue to work together on creative projects that include photography, mixed media, and literary works. Their collaborative efforts have taken them to various parts of the world, where they explore and document themes of nature, family, and resilience. Their artistic bond reflects a deep personal commitment to creative growth and meaningful expression.

Contributions Across Fields

William’s work spans decades of writing and publishing in both technical and creative domains. His contributions in technology writing, children’s literature, and visual storytelling reflect a consistent interest in making complex ideas more accessible and exploring new forms of creative expression. Under the name Robert Stanek, he has authored a variety of works that continue to reach readers of all ages.

Creative Projects and Techniques

In photography, William has developed several thematic series such as “Snapshot in Time,” “Perspective,” and “Elevate.” His visual work includes both photography and watercolor, with illustrations featured in numerous children's picture books. Many of his fine-art photographs have been curated for exhibition and shared through independent galleries.

A Forward Focus: Never Stop Dreaming

What drives William Stanek after achieving so much? A refusal to stand still. He continues to push creative and technical boundaries, exploring new techniques and even scriptwriting for a possible Ruin Mist movie adaptation. Though Hollywood interest has come and gone, William remains open to the right opportunity—ever the optimist and visionary.

“That first or next book you write may be the one,” William likes to remind aspiring authors, “but you’ll never know until you put yourself out there.”

Why William’s Story Matters

Ultimately, William Stanek’s life is a reminder that true success isn’t just about accolades or financial gains—it’s about resilience, compassion, and lifting others as you climb. Whether you’re an indie author looking for inspiration, a reader discovering his fantasy worlds, or someone who believes in championing the underdog, his journey speaks to the power of perseverance and heart.

• Resilience in Action: From homelessness to high honors in combat, William’s ability to weather life’s storms underscores the power of determination.
• Family at the Center: His devotion to Hui Cha and their children illustrates how personal relationships can become the driving force for professional success.
• Inclusive Advocacy: From Go Indie to supporting people with disabilities, his passion for inclusivity and diverse voices sets him apart as both an artist and a humanitarian.

Keep Exploring

• Official Sites:
  • williamrstanek.com
  • ruinmistmovie.com
  • bugvillecritters.com
  • robert-stanek.com
• Social Media: Facebook.com/WilliamStanekAuthor

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about William Stanek and his remarkable journey. By supporting his books, art, or advocacy efforts, you become part of a broader mission to uplift the underdog, celebrate creativity, and help shape a future where every voice is heard.