Robert Beatty (author)

Robert Beatty
OccupationNovelist, technology-entrepreneur
EducationBachelors in mechanical engineering (BSME) with a concentration in computer science and computer aided manufacturing
GenreFantasy, historical fiction, middle-grade
Website
robertbeattybooks.com

Robert Beatty is an American technology entrepreneur and author of historical fiction, fantasy novels. He has published 6 books with Disney Hyperion, which have been translated to over 20 foreign languages. Robert Beatty is an executive producer for the television adaptation of Willa of the Wood, which is in the early stages of development.[1]

Early life

Beatty began writing at the age of 11 when his mother provided him with an old electric typewriter to play with.[2][3][4][5] He was an avid reader of fantasy and wrote books in his free time.[3]

After receiving a TI-99 personal computer from his father, Beatty taught himself to code and learned six programming languages prior to enrolling in college. From 15 years old until he entered college, he worked as a draftsman at a company that constructed automated assembly lines. Beatty learned that he was effective at troubleshooting and streamlining production.[3][4][6]

Robert Beatty attended Michigan State University where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in computer science. His continued interest in writing led him to enroll in literature courses, as well.[3]

Career

Technology entrepreneur

Beatty earns Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award

While still in engineering school, Beatty gained employment as an engineer drafting automotive parts for a local manufacturer called MSP. Frustrated with the disorganization and inefficiency of the factory, Beatty created and implemented a communication system called Plexus at MSP that successfully improved and restructured the operation of the company.[3]

Following the successful transformation of MSP, the Plexus software was in high demand among companies seeking to streamline manufacturing, lower costs, and improve quality control. Beatty and Richard McDermott, president and owner of MSP, started Plexus Systems, LLC in 1995 to meet this demand and sell customized Plexus software designed by Beatty to meet the specific needs of each company. As the CEO and chief architect of Plexus, Beatty became one of the leading pioneers in the development of cloud computing.[3][4] Beatty was the 2007 recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.[7]

Novelist

Beatty autographing books and greeting fans at an author event

In 2006, Beatty sold the majority of his shares in Plexus, but continued with the company as a technical consultant and Chairman of the Board, at which time Beatty began to focus on his writing career.[4][3]

Intent on improving his writing skills, Beatty developed relationships with the editors of Narrative Magazine. He later served as Narrative Magazine’s Chief Technical Officer, a member of the board of directors, and eventually Chairman of the Board.[7]

Encouraged by his eldest daughter, Beatty began to write for a younger audience.[2][3][6][8] With the encouragement and support of his family, he wrote the first book in the Serafina Series, Serafina and the Black Cloak, which was acquired by Disney Hyperion.[2][4][6][8] Understanding the importance of marketing from his experience with Plex Systems, Beatty and his family produced a book trailer for Serafina and the Black Cloak.[4][9][10] The book trailer was an important component of the successful launch of Serafina and the Black Cloak on July 14, 2015,[3] which eventually rose to the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller List and remained on the list for over 60 weeks.[8]

Following the success of Serafina and the Black Cloak, Disney Hyperion decided to create a series based on “Serafina” and contracted two more novels with Beatty.[3] Serafina and the Twisted Staff was released on July 12, 2016,[11] debuting at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List.[12] Serafina and the Splintered Heart launched July 3, 2017[11] placing the Serafina Series on the New York Times Bestseller List.[12] Beatty's success continued with the debut of the first book in a new series, Willa of the Wood, which launched at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List in the summer of 2018.[12][2] Disney Hyperion signed Robert Beatty for three more novels: Serafina and the Seven Stars released in July 2019,[13] Willa of Dark Hollow released in spring of 2021,[14][11] and an additional novel yet to be determined.

Television production

Robert Beatty will serve as an executive producer for the television adaption of Willa of the Wood. The dramatic rights for the Willa book series were purchased by eOne. eOne has signed Amy Adams’ and her company Bond Group Entertainment to produce the TV series.[1]

Awards and nominations

Bibliography

Serafina series

  1. Serafina and the Black Cloak (2015)
  2. Serafina and the Twisted Staff (2016)
  3. Serafina and the Splintered Heart (2017)
  4. Serafina and the Seven Stars (2019)

Willa series

  1. Willa of the Wood (2018)
  2. Willa of Dark Hollow (2021)

References

  1. ^ a b White, Peter (January 10, 2020). "Amy Adams' Bond Group Teams With eOne To Adapt Robert Beatty's Fantasy Thriller 'Willa Of The Wood' For TV". Deadline.
  2. ^ a b c d Peiken, Matt (July 23, 2018). "Robert Beatty Could Have Retired in His 30s. Then He Pursued His Second Goal and Became a Bestseller". Blue Ridge Public Radio.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Treff, Arthur (October 2015). "A Tale of Two Passions:Robert Beatty's journey from cloud computing innovator to New York Times Bestseller". Capital at Play.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Hefley, Marie (Spring 2020). "Robert Beatty: Imagination, Invention, and Reinvention". The Great Smokies Review.
  5. ^ Gilmer, Jason (April 5, 2016). "At Home with Robert Beatty". Carolina Home and Garden.
  6. ^ a b c Neal, Dale (June 2, 2015). "Disney to push Biltmore-themed novel". Citizen-Times.
  7. ^ a b Stockman, Kate (December 21, 2015). "Technology Pioneer Becomes Best-Selling Author". Blue Ridge Now.
  8. ^ a b c Van Zandt, Christine (July 19, 2019). "Interview with Best-Selling Middle Grade Author Robert Beatty". Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
  9. ^ Nathan Orris, Jen (July 13, 2015). "Fletcher Tech Exec Brings Disney Magic to Mountains". Bold Life.
  10. ^ Correa, Veronica (July 10, 2018). "Q&A with author Robert Beatty". Daily Tarheel.
  11. ^ a b c d "Best Middle Grade Novels of 2015". Goodreads, Inc.
  12. ^ a b c "Children's Middle Grade Hardcover Best-Seller List". The New York Times. July 29, 2018.
  13. ^ "Serafina and the Seven Stars". Disney Publishing.
  14. ^ "Robert Beatty". IMDb.com, Inc.
  15. ^ "Best Children's Books of 2016". Amazon.
  16. ^ Wilson, Seira (November 27, 2018). "Best Children's Books of 2018".
  17. ^ "Best children's books of 2019: ages 9 to 12". Amazon.
  18. ^ Editors, Barnes and Noble (November 21, 2016). "10 Great Young Readers' Books to Give in 2016". Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  19. ^ Burel, Maria (June 26, 2019). "July's Best New Books for Young Readers". Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc.
  20. ^ "Willa of the Wood (Willa of the Wood, Book 1)". Bookshop.com.
  21. ^ "2018 Nominations: Elementary/Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction". cybils.com.
  22. ^ "Willa of the Wood Now Available from Robert Beatty". Great Smokies Mountain Association.
  23. ^ Oberhelman, David (June 2, 2016). "2016 Mythopoeic Awards Finalists Announced". The Mythopoeic Society.
  24. ^ Leone, Nicki (July 3, 2016). "Celebrate Independents! Announcing the 2016 Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize Winners". Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance.
  25. ^ Santoro, Alessia (December 12, 2018). "The Best Books For Kids in 2018, as Voted by Actual Kids and Parents Who Read Them". POPSUGAR.
  26. ^ "2020 Master List Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Illinois Children's Choice Award" (PDF). rebeccacaudill.org.
  27. ^ "2018-19 South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees". ABBE Regional Library System.
  28. ^ "The Best Kids Chapter Books and Novels of 2018". The Children’s Book Review. January 9, 2019.
  29. ^ "2017-2018 Volunteer State Book Award" (PDF). tsaltn.org.