Journaling, Grief, and the Craft of Storytelling — with John DeDakis

On this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik speaks with journalist-turned-novelist and writing coach John DeDakis about how writing can support emotional healing. From journaling through grief to shaping lived experience into fiction, John shares practical ways to face fear, access the subconscious, and build momentum one sentence at a time. We cover: using daily journals to process emotion, the discipline journalism teaches storytellers, moving toward pain rather than numbing it, and a simple ten-minute “I feel…” prompt to safely begin. If you’re coping with loss or struggling to start your book, this conversation is a direct, grounded roadmap to begin today.

About the guest :

John DeDakis is an award-winning novelist, longtime journalist, and writing coach. Across a 45-year journalism career—including 25 years at CNN—he reported, edited, and taught storytelling. His mystery/thrillers draw from real life while helping readers and writers navigate grief, meaning, and craft.

Key takeaways:

• Start where you are: a daily journal creates structure to witness emotions, spot patterns, and steady yourself without pressure to publish.

• Use the “I feel…” sprint: write continuously for ten minutes beginning with “I feel…”. Do not edit. This bypasses perfectionism and surfaces what needs attention.

• Move toward the pain: clarity grows by facing fear (of judgment, failure, imperfection) rather than anesthetizing it; action builds confidence.

• Craft follows honesty: first drafts can be messy; revision is where journalism’s clarity and concision strengthen the story.

• Interview your characters: ask, “Who are you and why do you want to be in my book?” to dip into the subconscious and unlock voice, motive, and plot.

• Persistence is psychological fitness: patience through rejections and rewrites develops both craft and self-awareness.

• Grief is broader than death: losses of health, work, relationships, or innocence also deserve space on the page.

• Measure progress in steps, not miles: like a difficult hike, look back often to see how far you’ve come; momentum is built one page at a time.

How to connect with the guest

Website: https://johndedakis.comBooks, coaching, speaking, and contact details are available on John’s site.

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Disclaimer: 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. 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.

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