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Michael Dow

Goodreads Author

Born

in The United States

Website

http://www.darkmattersbook.com

Twitter

darkmattersbook

Genre

Science Fiction, Thriller, Suspense

Member Since

October 2015

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Michael Dow spent 25+ years in corporate America, in roles running the gamut from consultant to CEO. He has worked at companies ranging in size from start-up to over one billion dollars in revenue, and in locations across the globe, from Washington DC to Saudi Arabia. DARK MATTERS is his first work of fiction (though his competitors have accused him of writing fiction for decades).

Mike grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia Engineering School. He has also completed the Harvard Business School General Manager Program. He currently lives in Traverse City, Michigan, with his wife and two teenage daughters.

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What inspired you to write Dark Matters?

Michael Dow Thanks for asking! I've always been fascinated by our universe, how we got here, and the ultimate fate of humanity. In addition to reading the likes o…moreThanks for asking! I've always been fascinated by our universe, how we got here, and the ultimate fate of humanity. In addition to reading the likes of Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury etc. as a kid, I followed Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, Brian Greene, and others with equal (if not greater...) interest.

The idea behind Dark Matters has percolated in my head for well over a decade, though the details of the story have evolved over the years. For instance, the backdrop of a world dictated by a handful of the ultra-rich was a recent addition, as you can probably guess. But the main story line of dark matter's purpose, and humanity's ultimate fate, is the same one I stumbled on almost 20 years ago. I don't recall an exact 'aha' moment, though.

Hope that helps, and stay tuned for more! The second book in the trilogy is well underway; I'm hoping it can get released before the end of 2016... (less)

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Any advice on Crowdfunding? Thanks!

Michael Dow Hi Gary, I assume you're referring to crowdfunding for self-publishing of a novel? I would first take a look at the successful projects on Kickstarter…moreHi Gary, I assume you're referring to crowdfunding for self-publishing of a novel? I would first take a look at the successful projects on Kickstarter (and maybe Indiegogo as well) that are similar to what you want to do, there are a lot more good examples than when I did it a few years ago. You really need a video, and some creative rewards (lots of options for books, especially works of fiction) - signed copies, acknowledgment, picking character names, etc. You'll see lots of examples. Personally, I would NOT do add on products like t-shirts or coffee mugs or posters; t-shirts especially are a huge hassle collecting sizes and adding to the mailing. That was a mistake on my part, it's a distraction, and I don't think anyone funded the project because of the t-shirt. In fact, several said "no thanks" when I asked if they still wanted one.

Have a good spread of rewards, from a few bucks to hundreds or thousands, depending on how much you are going to raise.

Then, the real secret is publicity. Email the project link to friends, share on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Get it out there. Best case is a catchy "hook" that can be used in the advertising. See if you can attract local media. When my project launched, I had several friends ready to fund it so it was partially funded almost immediately, and did not languish at 2% funded for weeks. I would also run the project no longer than 30 days, maybe less. That is plenty of time.

Good luck!(less)

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Michael Dow’s books

Average rating: 4.09 · 749 ratings · 82 reviews · 4 distinct works • Similar authors

	Dark Matters (Dark Matters Trilogy #1) 3.90 avg rating — 463 ratings — 7 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Betrayal (Dark Matters Trilogy #2) 4.26 avg rating — 127 ratings — 7 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Exodus (Dark Matters Trilogy #3) 4.52 avg rating — 98 ratings — 7 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Dark Matters Trilogy 4.44 avg rating — 61 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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Series by Michael Dow

Dark Matters Trilogy (3 books)
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Michael Dow (Goodreads Author)

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Michael is Currently Reading

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How to Stay in Love: A Divorce Lawyer's Guide to Staying Together

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101 Best Rowing Workouts

by Sarah Fuhrmann

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Keep Your Love On: Connection Communication And Boundaries

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Michael Dow is currently reading How to Stay in Love: A Divorce Lawyer's Guide to Staying Together by James J. Sexton (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Mar 26, 2026 11:01AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of How to Stay in Love by James J. Sexton. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — How to Stay in Love by James J. Sexton <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Michael Dow rated a book it was amazing The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert by John M. Gottman	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Mar 26, 2026 10:47AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Michael Dow rated a book it was amazing Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Nov 15, 2025 07:56AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Grit by Angela Duckworth. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Grit by Angela Duckworth <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Michael Dow rated a book it was amazing Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego by Lachlan Brown	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Very straightforward and real I found this book.at the exact right time! It really lays out the way to follow Buddist practices to get to know yourself better, forgive yourself and others, and makes mindfulness practices (from just being in the NOW to ...more
Oct 16, 2025 11:53AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Hidden Secrets of Buddhism by Lachlan Brown. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Hidden Secrets of Buddhism by Lachlan Brown <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
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Oct 13, 2025 08:13PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of State of Fear by Michael Crichton. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — State of Fear by Michael Crichton <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
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Quotes by Michael Dow (?)

“comes”
― Michael Dow, Exodus

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“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity. And I’m not sure about the universe. – Albert Einstein”
― Michael Dow, Dark Matters

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“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies. – Groucho Marx”
― Michael Dow, Dark Matters

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