What is it?
They say writing is a solitary event . . . but it isn’t. Yes, I’m alone at 5 am as I type this. Everyone else is still tucked into bed and fast asleep. Their day will start soon. But the fact is, the effort to take a book from concept to your hands is anything but a one-man show. I’m not a lone cowboy out on this range doing my own thing, riding by my own rules. If I thought that I’d be asking for disaster. No, I’ll be the first to admit this writing thing is a team effort.
The Darlington Society was formed with this team effort in mind. Quite frankly, I need help and support. The Society is a group of readers committed to coming alongside me in this writing process and offering support wherever it is needed, from story planning to promotion to prayer.
Who are They?
Simply, The Society is people, maybe you. Readers, fans, supporters, whatever you want to call yourself. It’s those who recognize the need to support an author in his ministry of writing. No, I’m not asking for money so you can breathe easy. I’m only asking for a willingess to support an author who is following his calling to impact lives one sentence at a time.
The Society is my inner circle, my first line of readers and supporters to bounce ideas off of, to go to with prayer requests, to look to for encouragement and help.
How to Join?
If you wish to join The Darlington Society I ask you to do only two things. 1) Pray about it. I take the Society seriously and hope you will too. This is a reflection of how seriously I take my writing and my desire is to be partnered with others who also take it seriously. 2) Email me at michael_dellosso(at)yahoo.com and tell me you want to be part of the Darlington Society. It’s really that easy. I’ll add you to the mailing list, invite you to the Facebook group, and email you the “badge” to put on your own blog or website.
What are the Benefits?
As with any partnership there’s a mutual scratching of backs. Here’s what you’ll get by being a member of The Darlington Society:
- Discounts on my books. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase my newest release before it hits bookstores for just $11 (free S & H) or any previous book for $12 (free S & H). And, of course, I’d be happy to autograph all of them.
- You’ll receive a PDF Advance Reader’s Copy of my upcoming release making you one of the first to read the new book before it’s even in the final format. You’ll be weeks, if not months, ahead of everyone else.
- You will have access to the private TDS Facebook page that’s for members only.
- You will get an insider’s seat on how the publishing process works. I’ll keep you up-to-date on writing progress, editing, cover art, endorsements, future projects, the works.
- From time to time you’ll get a chance to give your input on story details (character names, scene locations, vehicles, etc.)
- You’ll be eligible for 20% off all my coaching/consulting services and anyone who says you referred them will be eligible for 10% off.
- You will receive a “badge” to post on your own blog recognizing you as a member of The Darlington Society.
What are the Responsibilities?
Okay, here’s where you scratch my back. As a member of The Society, I’ll ask you to:
- Post a review of my newest release (and any previous releases if you care to) on Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, and possibly your own blog.
- Actively spread word about me and my books via Facebook, Twitter, and any other social networking sites you frequent. I’ll pass news along to you and then you can pass it along to those in your circle.
- Be available and willing to give input, advice, answer questions, or even critique portions of writing if needed.
- Ask your local library to purchase my books. Ask your local bookstores to stock my books.
- Most importantly, pray for my writing ministry. I’m not going to ask you to pray everyday, I know for most that’s just not realistic, but I will ask you to pray “regularly.” You determine what that means.
Questions? Feel free to post them below and I’ll do my best to clarify any confusion.
Mike,
I would be more than happy to do whatever is helpful to you even if I’m not a member. You and your family are always in my prayers.
Beth
This is a great idea. Can’t wait for November 1st.
Wow!! Love the idea!! Certainly hope I’ll be a member
This sounds wonderful, Mike, and I’d love to be included. I’ll watch on November 1st. I would commit to praying daily, too. It’s not a burden to do so. Whomever you choose, I wish you best of luck with this new endeavor. I’ll always buy your books because you are one of my favorite authors. I don’t even need to read the blurb on the back!
Thanks, Susan. That’s kind of you and so very appreciated.
Would love the opportunity to help…sounds like a lot of fun. Just an FYI this thread didnt show up in my igoogle gadget that tracks this feed, so some people may have missed it.
Have a great weekend.
I think it didn’t show up because it was a new page I created, not a post. A post will be forthcoming and that should make it to everyone’s inbox. Thanks for the heads-up, Ben.
What a great idea. I will certainly be anxious to see the announcement on November 1. I hope to join you on this journey. God bless.
Interesting how you perhaps are the first author to do this…. I look forward to reading more from you down the line. Have a blessed weekend
Thanks, Julie. I hope to hear more from you . . .
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Mike I would love to be a member it would be an honor to do something like this. I love your books and I am always ready to help where I can. My mom now has all of my books. She is reading them at work and they are asking her about them so my books have gone from NC to Indiana. I will mark my calander for Nov 1
Sounds like a lot of work, and yet it would be rewarding. I will try to remember November 1.
My memory is like Swiss Cheese. God Bless Brother!
I would be honored to join. I’ve done something similar before and really enjoyed the process.
Hey Mike, this is a great idea. Count me in. I’d love to do whatever I can to help.
By the way, I was looking at your bio picture and noticed you need to work on your gardening skills.
Mike, I would be happy to be a part of The Darlington Society.
Thanks for all the interest. The official open call will be November 1. I’ll announce the time when the day draws nearer. The first 25 to respond will be the charter members.
If you have room for me, I would love to be a part of this group. I’ve already asked the Bridgeport Library to buy your books..
Even if you don’t chose me, I will still try and help you with getting your books in stores, and etc.
I love your writing.
You helped me so much when you critiqued my work at the Philly Conference.
Thank you, Deb! You’ve blessed me today. Be ready to join on November 1. It’ll be the first 25.
I made a typo error.. Sorry!
;(
Mike, I would love to join your Darlington Society. I interview authors, write book reviews, and cover literary events for the Miami Examiner.
I pray on a daily basis, and would be happy tp pray for you.
My name is Rosa St.Claire. My link:
http://www.examiner.com/x-16133-Miami-Books-Examiner
Would love to have you on board, Rosa. Be ready to join on November 1. The first 25 are in.
Count me in! I’ll be watching!
Wow! What a cool idea!
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I would love to support you and your writing! I’ll be waiting…
WOW!! This is exciting to get an insight into what a writer goes through in getting a book printed! I’ve known that prayer is important and from reading your notes from the authors in your books I know that it’s very valuable – you’ve learned this. I know this too!
I’m excited about Nov. first and going on this journey with you weather I’m picked or not! It’s going to be fascinating to see what God does!
Blessings to you
Nora
)
Interesting!
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I would love to be a part of The Darlington Society. I am already spreading the word about you and your work through Facebook and Twitter and will continue to do so even if not chosen. I have read your books and completely fascinated by them. You are one of the few writers I include on my must-read-all-of-their-books list.
Hi Mike, do you have room for me?
Deb, you have to leave a comment on my post for today, Tuesday.
Mike, I’ve tried twice to leave posts but evidently I’m doing something wrong. I would love to go on this adventure with you. I have been a fan since your first book. The thing I enjoy about your writing is this: not only is it great writing, but you stand totally unashamed to speak up for the cause of Christ. You are to be commended for that. He is Lord of your life and it comes through in your books. Your books not only entertain but they minister. At least, they have ministered to this reader.
I think it’s neat that you are praying over your entries. Proverbes 3:5,6 are my life verses and I pray for His guidance about every little thing in my life.
May He grant you discernment to make the right choices as you continue to honor Him in your writing.
Susan Snodgrass
Mike is it too late to join? I’d love to have a part in this!!
i would love to be a part of the Darlington Society if it is not too late, I love these kinds of stories to read.
I would love to be a part of the Darlington Society, I think this is a wonderful idea. I have only read two of your books so far and I am starting on a third. I picked up your books a few months ago, your writing is incredible. I will continue to pray for you and the work God is doing through you, God bless.
Jonathan, the group was capped at 25 members in November of last year and their “term” funs for nine months. Check back in June for the next open call for members. I’ll be choosing another 25 to be a part of the Society.
I will check in June then, thank you very much.
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Mike I would love to be apart of the Darlington Society this coming term! I hope I will be accepted. By the way I loved Rearveiw and am looking forward to A thousand sleepless nights! Please keep me posted. God bless. Praying for you.
Joshua Rollins
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Mike, you know I would be honored to help promote your books as I have in the past. I enjoy your writing and your characters. Saturday, one of the members of my writers group was saying how shocked she was when reading a Ted Dekker book. I told the group to buy your books because they are great stories that fall between the romance novels one member was suggesting and Dekker’s books. I’m very interested in reading and promoting your drama and helping you however I can in pursuing your new genre. So if the Lord leads you, please include me in this new group;
As a new subscriber to your works, I would very much appreciate being involved in the Darlington Society. I have read three of your books now, and have greatly enjoyed them. I would feel privileged to pray for your work and would enjoy getting involved in any aspect of the writing process you wish to share. Thanks for the opportunity.
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I guess I’m too late to become a charter member but I would still like to join.
Christopher Meeker
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Can I still join?