Williams-Garcia's family traveled before they settled in Seaside, California. Her father was in the army. People often made racist remarks to her when she was a child. She has spoken about it in her books and in interviews. Williams-Garcia attended Hofstra University. She paused her writing career to major in economics and pursue her dreams in performing arts. After college, she wrote her first book, "Blue Tights". It was repeatedly sent back to her, so Rita stopped writing and took time to have children. Finally, "Blue Tights" was published and won awards. Williams-Garcia wrote more books.