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Teacher turns to self-publishing

By Justin Vick
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Ashley Wondra had tried for years to get a children’s book published that was loosely based on a lesson her youngest sister learned about the spirit of Christmas.

But instead of giving up after several rejections, Wondra decided to try self-publishing. 

Now she’s among the more than 15,000 authors who have found readers through print-on-demand publisher Xlibris. Copies of her first book, “Kelsey’s Coat,” can be found alongside bestsellers and classics at online bookstores, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

“I wanted to get the book out to as many places in a short a time as possible, and they seemed to have the marketing I needed,” said Wondra, 28, of Charlotte. “I would love for a traditional publisher to pick up the book one day, but I knew I had to start somewhere.”

The story is about a young girl who cleans out her closet for things her family can donate to others during the Christmas season — only to realize she has outgrown her favorite coat. 

“The story itself makes you want to cry,” said Wondra’s mother, Pam Sibley. “It’s about giving and being so fortunate and not realizing it. We’re all so touched by the story.”

The book also explains how Angel Trees at the mall work. 

“I hope that families can read this book together around the holidays and learn about sharing and giving to those that are less fortunate,” Wondra said. “Often times we forget the true meaning of Christmas and why it is far better to give than to receive.”

The earliest drafts of “Kelsey’s Coat” date back to a assignment Wondra did for an education class at UNC Charlotte. She has since used the book in her classroom by leading second-grade Harrisburg Elementary students step-by-step through the writing process. 

She read the story to students last year and had them imagine what illustrations they would draw to tell the story. Then they discussed how they were similar to the ones drawn by her illustrator, Thomas McAtter.

“When she’s in her rocking chair, reading to the children and talking about writing and illustrating books, she is in her element,” said Martha McCall, principal of Harrisburg Elementary. 

McCall hopes Wondra can inspire more children by reading her book to the student body in small groups as the Christmas season approaches.

Wondra said she’s excited about the start of the new school year, as well as getting to know students in her class. She anticipates a busy fall and holiday season promoting the book and writing another one if time permits. 

Colleagues are impressed with Wondra’s time management, considering she is also seeking certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and raising two young children with her husband, Joey. 

“She’s like a Wonder Woman,” said Karly Groedel, who also teaches second grade at Harrisburg. 

Wondra credits her family for the motivation to pursue her dream of getting published, especially her mother; father, Doug Evans; and grandmother, Donna Baldivid.

“We all have talents, some of which we fail to take advantage of,” Wondra said. “I am so lucky to have so much support from my family, and I am always reminded to use my talents and share them with others.”

• Contact reporter Justin Vick: 704-789-9138.