John DeDakis: Author, Manuscript Editor and Writing Workshop Leader

MY BOOKS: In my fiction, I’m one of those men who write as women (but don’t ask me what I wear when I write). I’m also a CNN journalist who became a novelist. My novels feature strong female protagonist Lark Chadwick. She’s a young, strong-minded young woman trying to find purpose in life. 

In FAST TRACK, Lark solves the mystery of the car-train collision that orphaned her as an infant. The novel deals with suicide, mentoring relationships, and journalistic integrity.

In BLUFF, Lark’s mentoring relationship with her crusty boss Lionel Stone continues as she investigates the mysterious death of Lionel’s daughter while hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. I hiked the Inca Trail to research the book.

In TROUBLED WATER, Lark is about to begin her first day on the job as a cops and courts reporter at a daily newspaper in Georgia when she discovers the body of what turns out to be a serial killer’s first victim.

In this tale, Lark gets caught up in deadly office politics at a newspaper in trouble because of tumultuous changes within journalism.

Although my novels are a progression of Lark’s life, I purposely wrote each one so that it can stand alone without having to be read in order.

MY SERVICES: I’m also the leader of writing workshops around the country for aspiring and/or struggling writers. Would you be willing to host one of my writing workshops in your area?

That “Services” tab also reveals that I do manuscript editing and public speaking. If you’re an aspiring novelist, memoirist, or non-fiction author, I’d love to give your manuscript a critical look. I deal with the nit-picks as well as the big picture. I also provide writing tips in my blog.

So, pour yourself a glass of wine. Take your time browsing. And keep in touch.