At Light-Minded Arts, I’m sharing my creative journey, going from hammer to Hollywood—and I want you too to find your way into following your dreams.
To help with that, I interviewed John DeDakis, a veteran journalist, novelist, writing coach, and motivational speaker whose career spans over four decades, including time as a White House correspondent and senior editor at CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. But his real passion? Helping aspiring writers become published authors and using storytelling as a tool for healing.
- From Breaking News to Breaking Ground in Fiction
John didn’t set out to be a novelist. His writing journey began while working at CNN, where the grind of editing pushed him to seek a creative outlet. “It paid well, but I needed something more,” he said. That “something” became fiction—eventually leading to a six-book mystery series featuring Lark Chadwick, a young journalist navigating trauma, truth, and transformation.
His journalism background shaped his fiction writing in powerful ways. “In journalism, every word has to count,” John explained. “That’s true whether it’s a 30-second reader or an 80,000-word novel.”
- Interviewing Hitchcock and the Power of Listening
One of John’s most memorable experiences was a 40-minute one-on-one interview with Alfred Hitchcock. “He was gracious, approachable, and thoughtful,” John recalled. “I asked him about life after death, and he riffed for two minutes about how all thought is energy. It was surreal.”
John’s ability to go deep in interviews—whether with icons or everyday people—is rooted in his belief that listening is a superpower. “When you’re listening, you’re learning,” he said. “Guys could really benefit from listening to the women in their lives.”
- Writing the Other and Stretching Your Voice
John’s protagonist, Lark Chadwick, is a 20-something woman—a bold choice for a male author. But he embraced the challenge. “Emotions aren’t gender-specific,” he said. “I was surrounded by young women at CNN who shared their stories. They became my beta readers.”
This approach echoes a broader philosophy: write what you know, but don’t be afraid to stretch. “Every experience fuels your creative well,” John said. “Even the jobs you hate can introduce you to unforgettable characters.”
- Publishing Realities and the Rise of AI
John’s path to publication wasn’t easy. His first novel took 10 years, 14 major revisions, and 39 agent queries. “Take good notes,” he joked. “It’ll save you nine years.”
He’s traditionally published, but even with that credential, marketing falls squarely on the author. “It’s not selling—it’s telling,” he said. “You’re just letting people know your book exists.”
As for AI-generated books? John’s take is clear: “Without editorial oversight, it’s flabby and riddled with problems. Who wants to read that?”
- Advice for Aspiring Writers
John’s advice for young creatives is refreshingly grounded: “Get a day job. Do what you love, but support yourself. Every experience is grist for your fiction.”
He’s now expanding his work into grief recovery, helping people use writing to process loss—whether it’s a loved one, a job, or even a sense of identity. “Grief is universal,” he said. “Writing can be a way through.”
Whether you’re a contractor-turned-creative or a student with a story to tell, John’s journey reminds us that writing isn’t just about words—it’s about listening, living, and learning. And sometimes, the plot twists in life are the best material of all.
- Contacting John DeDakis
John is very interested in helping people through the journey of processing their grief. He’s keenly passionate about it, and if you have a group that could benefit from his help, he loves being part of speaking events to help. Learn more about how he can help you from his website at: https://johndedakis.com/
You can also catch the whole interview on my YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/DjjhfTiUYSQ
or on my podcast, which you can find on my website here, or where-ever you get your podcasts.
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