SOUTH POINT -- Without aid of a formal education or even a computer, South Point native Rebecca Lesler has realized her dream of becoming an author.

Lesler's book, "The Magic Stone: Return of Two Kings," the first in a three-book series, is in pre-production at PublishAmerica and scheduled to be released in late June.

"I don't have a computer. I write everything longhand," said the 2003 South Point High School graduate and divorced mother of two. "The Workforce Development Center in Ironton really helped me. They became my support group, let me use their computer and believed in me from the start. They just became a whole new family for me."

As a teenager, Lesler battled depression. At 19, a pregnancy ended in miscarriage. Through it all, writing became Lesler's voice -- first in poetry and short stories, followed by the 2005 start of "The Magic Stone," her first book. The book, aimed at a 7-to-13-year-old audience, is a 56-page fantasy filled with wizards, sorcerers and a princess.

"I love (Harry Potter author) J.K. Rowling's books. They're just awesome. That was sort of the inspiration behind my book," said Lesler, who works as a waitress at the Boston Beanery in Ashland. "I just wanted to write for my children and all children. My niece loves the book."

Instead of self-publishing as many aspiring authors do, Lesler submitted a query to PublishAmerica, who loved her book and signed on to do the printing. Lesler was pleased that the book generated no rejection letters.

"The only thing they said when I sent the book to them the first time was that it wasn't long enough, so I had to lengthen it," she explained.

Lesler said her goal -- besides encouraging children to read -- is to show people that having setbacks or being from a small town doesn't have to limit their possibilities.

"Nobody thought a girl from a small town with no formal training could do this," she said. "I want people to know anybody can do it. I'm living proof."

Lesler said the book, which will retail for approximately $6.95, will be available through most major bookstores, local bookstores and online booksellers such as Amazon. For more information, visit www.publishamerica.com.