Meet Cecilia Garcia | Combat Veteran turned Independent Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cecilia Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cecilia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always had a passion for creative writing, but for years, it was more of a hobby than it was a career. My full-time job is in finance, and I love how writing allows me to express myself in a variety of ways. During the pandemic, like many folks, I had a lot more free time on my hands. I decided to focus on my book series and had my first two novellas ready to go by late 2021.

The novella series, Always Forward, had been living rent-free in my head since 2004, when I was deployed to Iraq in the Army. Over the next 17 years, I developed the entire plot, scribbling scenes here and there in my journals. However, it wouldn’t be until the COVID-19 pandemic that I would take writing the series seriously and create a full business plan to self-publish the series.

Writing this particular story has been a form of therapy for me. While I was deployed to Iraq, I was injured by a roadside bomb and suffered from PTSD- post-traumatic stress disorder. Being able to write a fictional story about a female soldier has allowed me to work through my own traumas while educating readers on what it’s like not only for the soldier in combat, but for the family back home.

Initially, I wrote this story for me and my healing journey. However, along the way, I have been able to reach readers worldwide who told me how much my series has helped them, too. Learning this fuels me to keep writing and helping more readers.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an independent author, which means I self-publish my work. Self-publishing is not for the faint of heart! Not only do I write my books, but I also manage working with editors, formatting, uploading for print, as well as all the social media and website management. It’s not easy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love having complete creative control over the entire writing process, as well as being able to control and approve my artwork for my covers.
I would love to say that I have it all figured out, but I am still learning as I go. I go in spurts with my social media. When I am in writing mode, I tend to be more absent from social media. Balancing all the operational aspects, creative components, and marketing efforts can be a challenging task. My goal is to become more consistent in all areas as I enter year five of being an author,

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love West Michigan in the summer! I am a beach girl through and through, and I always recommend spending a few days being a beach bum in Saugatuck at Oval Beach and South Haven beaches. Both beach towns have a relaxing vibe and numerous shops and cafes to explore. When in South Haven, be sure to stop at Clementines for a delicious meal!

I particularly love Saugatuck for the trails around Felt Mansion, and recommend climbing the 303 steps up Mt. Baldy! It’s pretty breathtaking, but so worth it.

Besides an exhilarating hike and relaxing at the beach, I recommend checking out downtown Holland. There is great shopping on 8th Street, and no shortage of breweries to visit. But my favorite is by far New Holland Brewing. I don’t condone drinking, but if you’re an avid beer enthusiast, I promise there’s a locally crafted beer for you.

Finally, I recommend taking a walk through Fred Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. I have been there countless times, but there is always a new exhibit to check out. The gardens are incredibly relaxing, and I’ve found a great deal of creativity while walking through both the indoor and outdoor spaces. And in the summer, they host a great concert series, which is a bonus.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would likely have never published this series without the help of my dear friend and fellow indie author, Author A.A. Lewis. She not only gave me the nudge to write the series, but also helped me through every step of the way when it came to publishing my first book. She is a successful author herself and took the time to mentor me. For that, I am forever grateful!

Website: https://authorceciliagarcia.com

Instagram: @authorceciliagarcia

Other: Tik Tok- @authorceciliagarcia

Image Credits
Joanna Oviedo