Veteran journalist and bestselling novelist John DeDakis will speak about his new memoir, Plot Twists: A Memoir on Writing and Living, at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on Tuesday, November 10 at 7 p.m. The event offers local writers and readers a chance to hear how DeDakis turned a series of personal “plot twists” – from a Vietnam‑era draft to a career at CNN and the loss of his son – into lessons of hope and perseverance.
From the Vietnam draft to the newsroom
Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, DeDakis entered the Army during the Vietnam era, where he received journalism training. After the service he launched a 45‑year career in broadcast news, including 25 years at CNN and a stint as a White House correspondent during the Reagan administration. He later transitioned to fiction, publishing six mystery‑suspense novels and teaching writing workshops throughout the Baltimore area.
A memoir rooted in personal truth
DeDakis says the memoir grew out of his habit of journaling since age ten. He combed through decades of notebooks to capture the moments that redirected his life, from interviewing Alfred Hitchcock early in his career to coping with his sister’s suicide and his youngest son’s tragic overdose. He hopes the candid account will encourage others facing hardship.
Influences and writing process
While DeDakis did not model his memoir on any single book, he cites Tara Westover’s Educated as an inspiration and credits an online class with literary agent Regina Brooks for practical guidance on structuring a memoir.
Future projects
Beyond the memoir, DeDakis looks forward to more speaking engagements, potential television adaptations of his Lark Chadwick novels, and continued work as a writing coach. He remains committed to offering “encouragement to others” through his stories.
Event details
The conversation with interviewer Austin S. Camacho will be held at The Writer’s Center, 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD. RSVP is available on the center’s website, and the memoir can be ordered online.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
