Were You Still Talking?
Joel Albrecht
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#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/
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