Author Name:
Julia Angela Torres
Book Title:
How Could They Not See? A Memoir about Trauma, PTSD and Resilience
Website URL:
Social Media Links:
IG: jatorresauthor
LinkedIn: Julia Torres Barden
What is your latest book about?
My latest book is a memoir about the severe childhood trauma I survived – which led to my diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adulthood. Believing I’d just been handed a mental health death sentence, I wrote my story down to inspire others that resilience and recovery are possible. I also wanted to bring awareness to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), a medical movement linking pre-morbidity to unresolved trauma as we age. Did you know doctors believe your unresolved trauma from childhood can cut your life short by up to 20 years; manifesting in negative medical repercussions in your body? My story serves as a cautionary tale about how crucial it is to prioritize your own mental health.
What inspired you to write your book?
I survived a random abduction and sexual assault when I was only nine years old by a man claiming to be a police officer. I am extremely lucky my captor set me free. With eternal gratitude, it is my calling to share my story to educate others (parents, teachers, teens, the community) about how to recognize trauma in others – especially children.
You completed this book while taking part in the “Write Your Nonfiction Manuscript in 90 Days” course with Stephanie Chandler and the Nonfiction Authors Association. First of all, congratulations on that accomplishment! How did this course help you in your goals to finish your first draft?
Stephanie’s course was very well timed for me because it helped me stay on track while providing guidance and fellowship with other authors at a pivotal time in my writing process. Further, Stephanie’s knowledge level and mentoring abilities are incredible! She’s like the Smithsonian of Self-Publishing!!
Now that you finished your book, what are your plans for it?
I am in over my head in marketing my book! Every single day, it is on my mind to network with groups I believe would be interested in my book or to create social media reels and posts to drive interest. I am also having good luck with independent bookstores in asking them to carry my book on the spot! I continue to send out advance reader copies to key influentials, as well. In fact, two of the three leading experts on childhood trauma and ACEs have responded to me!
What else is next for you?
Despite my limited budget, I signed up to be a sponsor of my local writers’ group’s conference next month to intentionally invest in my own community of readers. The time frame is also Hispanic Heritage Month, a strong tie-in for my own cultural roots. I’ll also be reaching out to libraries and schools to offer my book to Guidance Counselors and School Psychologists for free – while I continue doing all that I mentioned above! As I told Stephanie recently, I realize now that completing one’s manuscript and sending it off to the publisher is only the beginning of that long journey you’ll be on with the glorious book you created!
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Thank you, Nonfiction Authors Association for all the support! Writing a book can be a lonely and isolating journey. I’m very grateful for my membership which keeps me connected to other like-minded professionals.
Learn more about the “Write Your Nonfiction Manuscript in 90 Days” course, starting November 6, 2025: Learn more about the course here.
