Williams’ interest in science fiction came from her father, who read Edgar Rice Burroughs books to her as a child.

[2] She became interested in Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine (as it was then titled) while in graduate school at Washington University.

In 1982, Williams was hired at the magazine, and worked with Isaac Asimov for ten years.

While working there, she co-founded the Dell Magazines Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing (at one time called the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy writing).

Most recently, she edited Enter a Future: Fantastic Tales from Asimov's Science Fiction.