Picture a tech trailblazer turned storyteller, weaving magical tales in the misty Blue Ridge Mountains—meet Robert Beatty! This American author, once a cloud computing pioneer, now enchants young readers with his #1 New York Times bestselling Serafina series, blending history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. His knack for crafting heroic young heroines has captivated over a million readers worldwide.
The Making of Robert Beatty
Born with a passion for storytelling, Robert Beatty started writing at age 11, inspired by his mother’s gift of an old electric typewriter. While studying mechanical engineering and computer science at Michigan State University, he taught himself coding and worked as a draftsman, honing his problem-solving skills. His tech career skyrocketed as he founded Plex Systems in 1995, revolutionizing manufacturing with his Plex Manufacturing Cloud. Named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007, Beatty sold his shares in 2006 to focus on writing, a lifelong dream fueled by his love for fantasy and history.
Moving to Asheville, North Carolina, Beatty found inspiration in the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the historic Biltmore Estate. His three daughters, Camille, Genevieve, and Sylvia, sparked his shift to children’s literature, urging him to write stories about brave, quirky girls. This family collaboration became the heartbeat of his creative process.
Robert Beatty’s Unforgettable Stories
Beatty’s debut, Serafina and the Black Cloak (2015), introduces Serafina, a cat-like girl living secretly in the Biltmore Estate’s basement. This spooky mystery-thriller, set in the Gilded Age, became a #1 New York Times bestseller, staying on the list for over 60 weeks and winning the 2016 Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize. Its sequels—Serafina and the Twisted Staff, Serafina and the Splintered Heart, and Serafina and the Seven Stars—continued the saga, earning starred reviews for their thrilling plots and rich historical settings.
Beatty’s second series, Willa of the Wood, explores the Great Smoky Mountains through Willa, a magical Faeran girl with ancient forest powers. Launched in 2018, it hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, praised for its atmospheric blend of history and magic. His latest novel, Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood (2024), tackles a hurricane’s aftermath, with Beatty donating all royalties to flood-affected communities. His style weaves vivid settings, strong female leads, and themes of courage, identity, and nature’s beauty, resonating with readers aged 8 and up.
Beatty’s stories draw from his love for the Blue Ridge Mountains, where he hikes and explores with his family. His background in robotics—co-founding Beatty Robotics with his daughters—adds a hands-on, inventive spirit to his narratives, while his passion for birdwatching and wildlife rehabilitation infuses his work with a deep reverence for nature.
Why Robert Beatty Matters
Robert Beatty’s impact transcends his bestselling books. His Serafina series is taught in over a thousand classrooms, inspiring young readers to embrace courage and curiosity. By crafting stories for his daughters, he’s empowered a generation of girls to see themselves as heroes. His robotics work, recognized by NASA and President Obama in 2014, showcases his commitment to STEM education, making him a role model for blending creativity and innovation.
Beatty’s conservation efforts, from wildlife rehabilitation to flood relief donations, reflect his dedication to preserving the natural world that shapes his stories. As an executive producer on the upcoming Willa of the Wood TV series, he’s poised to bring his magical worlds to new audiences, cementing his legacy as a storyteller who bridges history, nature, and imagination.
- Birthplace: United States
- Key Works: Serafina series, Willa series, Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood
- Awards: 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year, 2016 Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize
- Fun Fact: Beatty and his daughters built robots displayed worldwide!
Snag Serafina and the Black Cloak and dive into Robert Beatty’s thrilling, magical world today!