Valerie Hemlin
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Michael, I am a huge fan of your books. I was wondering what The Darkroom group is and how to get an invitation to join? Thanks, Valerie Hemlin
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Valerie,
I'm so glad you have enjoyed my books - and thanks for asking about The Dark Room Group. Here on goodreads there are groups for all kinds of things...people who enjoy a particular genre, authors who want to talk to each other about publishing, and "Author Groups" which we all get when we become an official "goodreads author."
I'm usually found in all these kinds of groups, but where you'll find me most often is in "The Dark Room" (A name taken from the meeting room that Royce and Hadrian use in Riyria). This group is a bit different than most groups in a few ways.
First, it's "secret" - which means it doesn't show up on anyone's group lists, and anything that is written while in that group won't be shared to people's friends. So it's not something you would come across unless you were looking for it.
Second, it's "private" - which means you need an invitation to join, kinda like an exclusive country club. While that sound a bit pretentious, the fact is anyone who wants an invitation can just ask me and I'll shoot them an invite.
Now, as to what it's purpose is. Well as it is "secret" and "private" it allows me to talk a little bit more freely than I can in open forums. For instance, if I'm testing a few different cover designs - I can do that in the group without spoiling any big cover reveal by my publishers. I also frequent often, so it's a good way to get a hold of me. Of course it's filled with people who really like my works, so it allows people to talk to one another like any other bookclub around.
Also, since the people in the group tend to be pretty "die hard" fans - I sometimes offer them special perks and giveaways that aren't give to everyone else. Or if I am running a contest for the public at large, there may be a parallel contest just for members of the group, which since it is smaller, gives these people a much better chance at winning.
It's also the place I go to for finding beta readers. Again, pulling from a core group of people I know and trust.
One last thing I should say about the Dark Room, which is it's a bit like Vegas - what happens in the Dark Room, stays in the Dark Room. So if I give a "scoop" to people there about a release date, or something like that, I ask everyone to keep it under wraps until it is announced publicly elsewhere.
So that's the "skinny" on The Dark Room - no we don't have a secret handshake...but we do have a lot of fun. If you, or anyone reading this would like an invitation - just shot me a message or an email.
I'm so glad you have enjoyed my books - and thanks for asking about The Dark Room Group. Here on goodreads there are groups for all kinds of things...people who enjoy a particular genre, authors who want to talk to each other about publishing, and "Author Groups" which we all get when we become an official "goodreads author."
I'm usually found in all these kinds of groups, but where you'll find me most often is in "The Dark Room" (A name taken from the meeting room that Royce and Hadrian use in Riyria). This group is a bit different than most groups in a few ways.
First, it's "secret" - which means it doesn't show up on anyone's group lists, and anything that is written while in that group won't be shared to people's friends. So it's not something you would come across unless you were looking for it.
Second, it's "private" - which means you need an invitation to join, kinda like an exclusive country club. While that sound a bit pretentious, the fact is anyone who wants an invitation can just ask me and I'll shoot them an invite.
Now, as to what it's purpose is. Well as it is "secret" and "private" it allows me to talk a little bit more freely than I can in open forums. For instance, if I'm testing a few different cover designs - I can do that in the group without spoiling any big cover reveal by my publishers. I also frequent often, so it's a good way to get a hold of me. Of course it's filled with people who really like my works, so it allows people to talk to one another like any other bookclub around.
Also, since the people in the group tend to be pretty "die hard" fans - I sometimes offer them special perks and giveaways that aren't give to everyone else. Or if I am running a contest for the public at large, there may be a parallel contest just for members of the group, which since it is smaller, gives these people a much better chance at winning.
It's also the place I go to for finding beta readers. Again, pulling from a core group of people I know and trust.
One last thing I should say about the Dark Room, which is it's a bit like Vegas - what happens in the Dark Room, stays in the Dark Room. So if I give a "scoop" to people there about a release date, or something like that, I ask everyone to keep it under wraps until it is announced publicly elsewhere.
So that's the "skinny" on The Dark Room - no we don't have a secret handshake...but we do have a lot of fun. If you, or anyone reading this would like an invitation - just shot me a message or an email.
More Answered Questions
Felix
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
"The Riyria ," are taking actions on the stipend you owe them - something about a Blood Eagle? :)
Doris Mahala
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I receive emails from you and the project of Age of Empyre. I have also donated to this project and paid for bookmarks!! I would like to know if you could send me an email for this project or do you give back a refund for everything that you were paid or do you keep all of the money?
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