From Newsroom to Novel: How Your Career Experience Makes Your Book Stand Out with John DeDakis | Ep. 86
Award-winning journalist and novelist John DeDakis joins host Allison Lane to show how your career, no matter the field, can power your book. From CNN’s breaking news desk to gripping thrillers, John shares how professional expertise makes stories believable, urgent, and unforgettable. Allison and John break down writing techniques for pacing, building suspense, tackling difficult truths, and navigating today’s publishing world.
With honesty and wit, they tackle harnessing personal stories, even life’s hardest moments, and blending hard-earned skills into bestselling pages. Allison shares her own real-life experiences to prove that every background can bring something bold to the table. Practical advice on pitching, overcoming imposter syndrome, publishing realities, and finding your writing community rounds out this insightful, encouraging episode.
Allison and John cover:
- (00:00:00) Turning career expertise into captivating stories
- (00:02:07) Secrets for pacing, suspense, and urgency from a newsroom pro
- (00:05:25) How to hook readers and agents from page one
- (00:09:44) Busting through imposter syndrome and getting started
- (00:12:05) Writing about hard life experiences with authenticity
- (00:16:18) Why vulnerability and real emotion create a connection
- (00:19:36) Understanding today’s book business and handling rejection
- (00:23:44 Query and proposal tips that get attention
- (00:26:20) How to find agents, writing communities, and expert feedback
- (00:28:06) John’s best advice: just start, revise, get feedback, and believe in your story
Resources Mentioned:
- John DeDakis website: https://johndedakis.com/
- John’s Book: Enemies Domestic: Book Six in the Lark Chadwick Mystery series: https://bookshop.org/a/55773/9798890221537
- Publisher’s Lunch newsletter: PublishersMarketplace.com
- Allison’s FREE Book Proposal Guide: lanelit.com/book-deal
Listen in to learn how to use your background to make your book stand out, master story structure and pitching, and get honest advice from publishing insiders.
