{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Fdd970263-4d3b-4ea3-a32a-4ee4d22411da","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Writing Through Grief: Turning Loss into Honest Storytelling and Craft | John DeDakis","description":"On The Soul Mirror with host Shreya, award-winning novelist, former White House correspondent, and longtime CNN editor John DeDakis explains how to write through grief with clarity and courage. We cover first-draft flow, using the subconscious, reframing personal pain through fictional characters, the value of journaling, and why sharing work with beta readers reduces isolation. This is a practical, no-fluff guide for writers, creators, and anyone navigating loss who wants tools that work.\nAbout the guest:\nJohn DeDakis is an award-winning novelist, former White House correspondent, and longtime CNN editor turned writing coach. Across six novels, he weaves themes of grief and loss into propulsive stories, mentoring writers to turn lived experience into authentic narrative.\nKey takeaways:\n\n\nStart where it\u2019s natural: draft in first person to bypass perfectionism and get the story out.\n\n\nMine your subconscious with \u201cwhat if\u201d questions; revise for craft later.\n\n\nReframe pain through fictional characters\u2014facts can change, emotions stay true.\n\n\nCourage follows action: write despite fear; confidence grows from doing.\n\n\nKeep a journal to capture a real-time emotional record you can\u2019t reconstruct later.\n\n\nJournalism habits\u2014deadlines and concise prose\u2014sharpen pacing and clarity in fiction.\n\n\nControl momentum with rhythm: vary sentence length, scene intensity, and narrative \u201cbreath.\u201d\n\n\nGrief is individual: people respond to the same trigger differently; avoid comparison.\n\n\nBeta readers widen perspective, counter isolation, and strengthen structure and stakes.\n\n\nPlot meticulously or \u201cpants\u201d your way\u2014either is valid if it serves the story.\n\n\nHow to connect with the guest:\nWebsite: johndedakis.com\nWriting/Coaching inquiries: via website contact page.\n\nWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it\u2019s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty\u2014storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate\u2014this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:\n\u2022 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being\u2022 Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth\u2022 Holistic Healing & Conscious Living\u2022 Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment\nWith over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.\n\ud83d\udc49 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.\nContactBrand: Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.comWebsite: www.healthymindbyavik.comBased in: India & USA\nOpen to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.\nCHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavikBe a guest on our other shows: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguestVideo Testimonial: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/testimonialsJoin Our Guest & Listener Community: https://nas.io/healthymindSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/\nOUR SERVICESBusiness Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymin","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/5d2a9c0d-da60-479d-ab84-b52de3cc90f6/mjexzs5wbmc.jpg"}