#99 John DeDakis: From White House Press Room to Novels & Edits
Episode #99 – John DeDakis: From White House Press Room to Novels & Edits In this episode, I talk with John DeDakis — former White House correspondent, longtime journalist, editor at CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer , now novelist, writing coach, and editor. We unpack what it means to tell stories in news versus fiction, the hard lessons behind writing & rewriting, and how editing makes (or breaks) everything. We cover: · What it was like being a White House correspondent (including covering presidents, handling fast-breaking political stories) · Working in newsrooms, particularly editing for CNN's The Situation Room and what senior copy editing taught him about clarity, deadlines, and truth in storytelling · How John made the jump from journalism to fiction: his first novel, the process, revisions, the rejections, and ultimately getting published · The importance of editing: in journalism, in novels, in shaping story structure, voice, pacing — how a good editor or self-editing can elevate a work significantly About John DeDakis · Former White House correspondent (during Reagan administration) · Senior Copy Editor on CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer · Author of six mystery/suspense/thriller novels in the Lark Chadwick series, including Fast Track , Bluff , Troubled Water , Bullet in the Chamber , Fake , Enemies Domestic . · Writing coach and manuscript editor; leads workshops; teaches novel writing at literary centers/conferences. What you'll get out of this episode · Insights into how journalism and fiction intersect — what lessons from news help with writing novels · Real talk about rejection, rewriting, and patience in creative work · A picture of how editing isn't just polishing, but deeply structural: voice, pace, truth, character, etc. · Inspiration if you're a writer in transition, or thinking about how to build authenticity and ethical foundations into your work https://johndedakis.com/ The podcast I am trying to remember the name of is Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell 🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/wereyoustilltalking/