Hello, my fellow Vocalites. My name is Sharon Combs, but many of you know me as Mother Combs or MC. Some of you may have even read a story or poem of mine; perhaps several of my writings have been perused by a few. I come before you to confess to each of you that I now have a problem.
It started in June of this year. As many of you may recall, I was encouraged to publish my children's book, Sunshine and Butterfly Kisses: Sean and Old Lady Moore. I followed the advice of several of my Vocal friends, but instead of trying to find a publisher, I decided I would go about publishing the book myself.
I began formatting the book early during the second week of June. Getting the pictures to line up just right with the words was a bitch, but I finally figured everything out. There were many late-night formatting adjustments. Time just slipped right on by.
Finally, on June 18, my first book was published. The excitement was palpable. I immediately had to shout it from the rooftops. I'd given birth to a little brain child, and I had to show her off, and boy, did I.
Then, the excitement of a brand-new book wore off, and I began thinking. There surely was some other writing I had done. Enough to fill a hardback book. That should be compiled into a collection.
My love poems! I knew there were enough of them! So, I began on June 26th, looking through the beginning of my poems. The ones from back in 2021, and I started sorting through all my poems.
With ease, I formatted the poems on the pages. After all, I'd already done this on a smaller scale. What took the longest was changing the pictures for some of my poems to my own AI creations made in Gemini, so that the pictures would have decent quality. (Yes, I would love to have an artist illustrate my books one day, but I am unable to at this time.)
Once I submitted my manuscript and the cover photo to Amazon, I received a notice that it would take up to 72 hours for the book to be approved. When I checked my email the next morning (July 6), the hardcover had been approved. A nice little surprise.
At this time, I finished formatting the paperback. So once submitted, I patiently waited. Like the hardcover, it was published almost immediately (July 7).
I'm in the process of working on the ebook for Kindle. Plan on doing the same to the first book also. I'm just tinkering around with the formatting to make it as appealing as possible before I make them live and online.
My newest book shows as my most popular book on Amazon right now. It's called Verses of the Heart: Love Poems by Mother Combs. I picked the finest printing available to me, so that those who buy the book can be proud to own one.
Now, here lies the problem. I'm already thinking of the next book's title. And the next's. And possibly, maybe the one after that...
I'm ready to begin formatting and setting up another book! I caught myself several times in the last few days looking through my Vocal stories and poems, trying to decide if I should compile any of them under one cover. Or maybe there is a short story that has enough bones in it to make it into a novel. Or maybe I should bite the bullet and finish my fantasy novel.
There are so many options open to me, and I know I will soon give in and create another. I've become addicted to the creation of a book, the formatting, and the publishing. Seeing my name on the cover has me jonesing for more.
I may need help. I don't want help. Somebody needs to stop me. I don't want to quit. I need a straitjacket. I have to write.
My name is Sharon "Mother" Combs. I have an addiction. I'm an Author.
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Comments (22)
Heheh this sure does sound addictive but a good use of time. I am super proud of you and would like to buy one when I can to support. “ I may need help. I don't want help. Somebody needs to stop me. I don't want to quit. I need a straitjacket. I have to write.” love this, humour and truth! One day I’d like to do something similar but I just don’t think I have a enough on anyone theme as yet… nor do I have a big audience, but we will see down the track. It’s exciting to see your friends doing it though. 💚😄
I am so very excited for you!!!
Mother Combs, You most be so proud of yourself. You format your own books and got them published. Way to go!!!! I love your children books cover. It might be a children cartoon series someday. I can't wait to read your creations 🥰🥰🥰🥰
This was great! So happy To see you branching out into the book world. Wishing you so much success
This is an addiction to be proud of, lol. And so happy for you again, MC/Sharon!! 💛 Go you!!! 🎉 No matter how many you publish, every single one will be a milestone worth celebrating. You're absolutely rocking! And of course I just bought a copy! (I still need to leave a review for your first one, so bear with me on that)
Aw you on a roll LYSAS. Brilliant!
Haha! Congrats, Mother Combs! I can imagine I'd be just the same! I love the thrill of a new project with writing and actually having a physical copy of something you've written sounds so exciting! Enjoy the journey!
It's not an addiction. It's a part of your life. The thing that makes you happy, actualized, and fulfilled. Some people play golf, but at the end of the day they have 18 holes, forgotten by the next round; but you have a book. As I'm into my 70s now, another motivation has me doing EXACTLY what you're doing: publishing on AMAZON my work. (I just finished a 4-volume set of my Story-a-Day of 2024, which some of you may remember.) Now, on my book shelf, I have my (traditionally published) pregnancy book, four novels, five short story collections, a children's book, and even a primer on a constructed language I created. Something about holding your creation in your hand, and not just your mind. And something even surreal but extraordinarily wonderful, citing my age, is that my desendents will be able to crawl into my brain and live these with me, see what I was thinking, know how I was feeling (better than any diary). Imagine if you could page through your great-grandfather's writings! Sure beats that one-under-par on the 18th hole. Keep doing it. Even if it's a physical legacy of page-turning that only you will do, if it makes you happy, how few things actually do that, right?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Sharon. I burned my straitjacket years ago. Embrace the addiction. I always enjoy reading your work and I'm sure I'm going to enjoy your collection.
You don’t need a straight jacket, Sharon. If working on a book gives you that much pleasure, book your way away! There’s nothing like holding a book with your name on it. Second only to birthing a child, and for some people - first!
So very happy for you, and thank you for sharing b both your thoughts as well as the process. Maybe some of us scaredy cats will jump in.
Congrats on your brave foray into publishing. As addiction goes, yeah! I have thoughts for myself for what you are doing. Gives me courage. Keep on going strong.
I know the hard work it takes to publish on your own. Formatting is a B…h Congratulations and yea it appears you are addicted
Hi - congratulations, and I understand your addiction! I did take a look at your poetry book - did you mean to put the suggested reading age as 13 - 18 years?
You're on a roll! And no, I would never wanna stop you. This is a good kinda addition and I'm soooo happy for you hehehehehehe
I'm already there, have four planned and eight published, you are stuck now, great article
I see what you did there, you tease, you. Lol. I’m so proud of you and your efforts. I have yet to brave the process, but want to. My reads have dropped terribly on vocal, so I am having doubts. Thank you for being such an inspiration and joy to follow
Ohh you have confessed! Now your name will be all over Amazon, Kindle, and who know where else! Order will start flooding your email and you will need extra cups of coffee to cope with demand! Ohh you have confessed your addiction! :D does it mean you now will be writing non-stop to feed your addiction of publishing another, another, and another, and perhaps one more after that? Congratulations! 🥳 Keep going. Feed the addiction.
I have the same addiction!
This is such a relatable and hilarious ‘confession’. It’s the best kind of addiction to have!
Hi Sharon. Always wanted to know your name. I am thankful for your supports.
Why not compile a few of your horror offerings next?