AuthorsDen: Reviews at a Glance

Recent Reviews for John DeDakis

My First Kiss (Short Story) - 11/19/2009 4:21:52 AM
Awww, wonderful memories. xx

My First Kiss (Short Story) - 10/31/2009 10:32:10 PM
Great story. Reminded me of a crush I had and the procrastation of telling him how I felt. I never told him, because I was shy and scared.

My First Kiss (Short Story) - 9/13/2009 4:23:14 PM
I loved it! Great story. Yes, Tom was a bit faster. He kissed me in grade school...5th or 6th grade. Coleen

My First Kiss (Short Story) - 9/11/2009 11:39:08 AM
I like the staccato cadence of your writing. It seems you weigh each word, which I appreciate as a reader and respect as a writer.

The Wren (Short Story) - 7/16/2009 8:35:52 AM
Very nice, and moving.

My First Kiss (Short Story) - 7/16/2009 7:26:06 AM
Nice story and well ended.

My First Kiss (Short Story) - 6/27/2009 1:51:49 PM
John, thanks for the compliment! You're right -- those were the days! Loved that age. Tom sent me the link so I could read your story. Glad you're doing well. Val

My First Kiss (Short Story) - 6/23/2009 5:27:09 PM
Precious memories, John, my first kiss happened on a Sunday drive. My friend Scotty had more experience in these matters and I observed his actions with the girl he was with and it looked like this kissing thing would be a lot of fun. I was nervous as all get out, heart beating fast,palms sweating,wondering just how to turn my head so my nose wouldn't get in the way, I turned to say something and she planted one on me. I immediately thought that I had died and gone to heaven. It was the beginning of what has been a lot of pleasure over the years, I still like smooching. Thanks for sharing. Robert Ballard

My First Kiss (Short Story) - 6/19/2009 6:36:10 PM
Dear John, This was precious--brought back memories of my own first kiss--surprising similiar lol. It's nice to se yoy here on the den. check out some of my stories under my name--Micki Peluso. Let me know when you write something else or track me here and I'll track you. Good track record with cindy-but I've got you be by a decade or mose <g> Micki Peluso

My First Kiss (Short Story) - 6/19/2009 9:21:38 AM
Good story, John; well penned! :)

Raquette Lake (Short Story) - 9/25/2008 10:08:12 AM
That's some terrific writing. I particularly like the format. You evoked a clear emotional response in me - several, as a matter of fact - and there is no greater measure of good writing than that. Well done. I also thought you captured the girl's circumstances in the manner in which she "spoke." Keep writing! -- Dave Lane

Soul 159 (Short Story) - 3/6/2008 4:37:52 PM
Don't know how I missed this one before, John, but I had a few spare moments so I came browsing. This was a very touching story, a bit disturbing and I know it will stay with me. I really like the character of Curt; I felt he was the basic spirit of the story, though he only actually appeared briefly. The little touches with him wanting to get home and go trick-or-treating with his kids, that made him endearing and made the loss of him that much sadder. Anyway, I really enjoyed this. When I find myself with a few spare moments again, I'll be back :)

Soul 159 (The Long Version) (Short Story) - 1/30/2008 2:48:14 PM
Wow. OK, now I'm REALLY intimidated. This was really good! Excellent imagery and attention to detail and emotions. When are you gonna write the next chapter?....

The Wren (Short Story) - 1/19/2008 5:59:53 PM
John, I thought this story was very sad, and at the same time, very right. I didn't catch on until nearly the end that Luke wasn't exactly coming home for a visit. That she named the Inn after him was a beautiful tribute and made the ending satisfying, if not happy. I enjoyed reading it.

Raquette Lake (Short Story) - 1/18/2008 5:07:36 PM
What a wonderful story. I really like the way you wrote it in small, bite sized segments back and forth between the two characters. It spoke volumes about human nature, we are so quick to judge others without knowing their situations. It was kind of sad, and rather uncomfortable too, because who hasn't smugly judged a stranger. Excellent work!

Overcoming the Fear of Rejection (Article) - 11/3/2009 12:27:05 PM
John, This is great advice! Everyone will not like our style of writing, but those that do are worth the effort. Our goal as writers is to reach as many people as we can, whether that number is 10 or 10,000. Blessings...Frances

5 Ways to Stay Organized While Writing a Novel (Article) - 10/6/2009 11:01:15 AM
I'm going to venture fiction next, even though the story will largely be based on my grandmother's life. I have printed this up for reference. My lack of organization made my memoir incredibly difficult to write, so thank you for the practical, helpful advice. I'm ready to dig in... jen

The Art of the Book Signing (Article) - 12/5/2008 1:01:53 PM
John, I love this article. And, I've been working to perfect my book signing techniques. Thanks for sharing it with us. Patricia A. Guthrie Waterlilies Over My Grave In the Arms of the Enemy

Confessions of a Cross-Gender Writer (Article) - 12/5/2008 12:28:59 PM
Oh my gosh! I think we (women) do it all the time when we write in third person. I write pov in woman and men pov's. Although, I admit, the heroine usually does have the lion's share. I just can't help that. But, it's interesting about how to get inside the head of the opposite sex. I take my books to my friend, Bruce, who says "A man would NEVER say (think, do) that." So, I too, go back to the drawing board and rewrite. Very intersting life you've lead John. I love Situation Room. I'm also a mystery/suspense, romantic suspense lover and writer. It's what I do. (well besides all the other things I do) Patricia A. Guthrie Waterlilies Over My Grave In the Arms of the Enemy

A Young Woman Tries to Figure Out What to Do With Her Life (Article) - 11/23/2008 10:16:33 AM
well done

So, You Have to Give a Speech? (Article) - 8/13/2008 8:47:13 PM
I might sign up for a toastmaster club one of this days....great advice...please do not stop providing us more insights about book writing or other related articles. More power!

A Meditation for Journalists (Article) - 8/13/2008 8:36:00 PM
I did try my best to "raise my voice for understanding". My theory about the evolution of creation where even God is just a part of the creation is not so much popular especially in the religious community. Was it because our minds are preconditioned to what we believe or we are simply afraid to change what we already believe?

Reflections on a Reunion (Article) - 6/20/2008 10:19:51 AM
My cousin Paul who now resides in the Indiantown Gap Military Cemetary told us often of his war days. He got over just as the war ended, but had to stay to help too, and said he had k p duty, guard duty, some frightening nights on that, he pitied the little children over there, everything was war torn and bombed. He often spoke of his army buddies and how they sometimes traveled to France, for a rest. He stayed over 2 years, and came home to find a baby sister was born, just months old and me 2 years older. He had never seen us. He came to Hershey Park, where we were having a picnic and took me on the merry go round and I cried he said. To this day I admire him for his stories he told, miss him, he died at age 76, and love him dearly. He was an uncle to all my kids and more. Loved to reminisce about the war in his last days and I loved to listen over and over to his stories. They never forget once in a war.

When Only a Few People Show Up (Article) - 3/3/2008 7:29:29 AM
It's everyones nightmare, what if, but to be successful is great, to be valued is even greater. an inspiring article.

Confessions of a Cross-Gender Writer (Article) - 2/27/2008 4:10:26 PM
yeah this is quite different. I don't remember coming across a man writing as a woman. But I do have a man inside me and a novel which I haven't published yet is about the male emotional-artistic-physical-philosophical experiences. The novel has been with me for years now and I really have to complete it.But I understand the challenge and it's exciting actually. good luck for your next book. cheers, S

So, You Have to Give a Speech? (Article) - 2/23/2008 10:58:37 AM
Eighteen years in business and it still gives me great angst to address a group! Thanks for breaking it down, John. I'm going to use your pointers next time...I'll let you know how it goes! Regards, Barb

So, You Have to Give a Speech? (Article) - 2/9/2008 8:04:33 AM
Hi John, This is a very helpful article. I have trouble speaking, but this article breaks the experience down from scary to manageable. More, more! Mary (alias Eve Caldwell Black)

So, You Have to Give a Speech? (Article) - 2/9/2008 5:13:57 AM
Great advice John! Speak from your heart! It works Every Time and it will work for others too! Blessings... Frances

So, You Want to be a Journalist? (Article) - 2/4/2008 2:25:48 PM
Great tips John! I've been toying with this idea. Thanks! Frances

The Art of the Book Signing (Article) - 1/29/2008 8:37:45 PM
Excellent article to help keep an author's expectations real. All elements can be perfect - the right location, the right advertising, the right day. But, for some unknown reason, sales can be minimal at best and the aspiring author is left bewildered and deflated. However, not all is lost. There's always another day, another location, and another marketing approach that awaits. Excellent posting and great advice! Lorna

The Art of the Book Signing (Article) - 1/27/2008 12:27:41 PM
I will have my first book signing ever soon, I hope. Your article is just what I needed to get my thoughts in order. Also, I'll definitely get a "guest book" for people to sign and include their email addresses, if they like. Thanks! Leann

The Art of the Book Signing (Article) - 1/18/2008 8:07:12 AM
This is an extraordinarily helpful article - especially for those of us with delusional expectations about being inundated with prospective buyers while we sit back comfortably not having to do much more than smile and sign. Being one without much inclination to directly elicit sales, I wish I had read your article before my first not so fruitful events. Thank you for such sound advice.

The Art of the Book Signing (Article) - 1/17/2008 10:21:32 AM
Wonderfully written article with great points. You have provided good, solid and constructive tips. Many thanks -- Sincerely, Deborah Simpson.

Reflections on a Reunion (Article) - 5/29/2006 5:11:32 AM
It's wonderful that you got your father's WWII memories on tape, John. Far too many of our valiant WWII vets are now gone, their memories with them. My father, also a WWII veteran, died in 2000; and he sadly never even got to see the finally completed WWII Memorial in DC.

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 11/18/2009 6:44:46 AM
These words penned are very profound! John I found this poem interesting, "A solitary figure straddling the short distance separating Life from eternity." Much Love, Margaret, Inspire Hope

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 10/16/2009 5:44:50 PM
I can respect this and enjoy at the same time. I love to look at the really old head stones and imagine who they were. Thanks for this John. PS. Hush, you just might hear them

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 9/24/2009 12:00:16 PM
I loved the picture you painted with your words.

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 9/10/2009 4:28:10 AM
John - Loved the contrast of the peacefulness of the cemetery and the roar of the Parkway, Hush Their lives have stopped, yet the souls of So many others speed past them, oblivious. The "oblivious" works on both the literal and figurative level. The repetition of "hush" throughout the poem creates a gentle peacefulness in sound and meaning, especially that last "hush." Hush I stop and stand silent on a patch of sacred ground, A solitary figure straddling the short distance separating Life from eternity. Hush I'll be back to read more. - David

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 6/29/2009 7:45:32 PM
I'm a bit late getting here, John, but so glad I finally got the chance to read your beautifully crafted Cemetery at Sunset. Having spent a number of years in the District, I am quite familiar with Rockcreek Park--and in fact miss it. -gene.

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 6/20/2009 2:24:27 PM
You wrote: A solitary figure straddling the short distance separating Life from eternity. Hush * * * ...straddling the short distance... Heard, if only. Understood, if we dare. Great work here, John. Be blessed!

Of Frosted Flakes and Southern Comfort (Poetry) - 5/5/2009 3:32:31 AM
Wonderful! The love you have for your father is strongly evident in this piece. Precious moments in time aren't the ones we spend doing large things, rather the quiet moments connecting with loved ones. Nice job!

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 5/5/2009 3:29:52 AM
Very nicely penned. This poem gave me a peaceful feeling. Hush

Half Our Lives Ago (Poetry) - 4/3/2009 11:57:03 AM
Very nice reflection, John....the ways of youth viewed from the seat of maturity. How many times have I thought of how I might have done things differently, but the thoughtfullness for what actually was, there is a better reward.....Jerry

Of Frosted Flakes and Southern Comfort (Poetry) - 4/3/2009 11:54:05 AM
You touched me even though you frightened me for a moment that he might pour his drink over his cereal...already been amongst those who mix whiskey and coffee. I liked the write, especially in light of the recent loss of my own father...Jerry

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 4/3/2009 11:49:47 AM
I echo the thoughts of others here that I greatly appreciate the contrast between the hush for the dead and the place as connected to the bustle of the living, a well-done contrast coupled with the feelings of respect and awe....Jerry

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 3/4/2009 5:21:22 AM
The eerie part of this for me right now is that they just issued an arrest warrant to that Salvadoran illegal alien in the case of Chandra Levy (whose remains were found in Rock Creek Park - for those unfamiliar with the case). May she now rest in peace. It's been a long time since I last walked through Rock Creek Park, but in spute of all of the hustle and bustle, I think we should heed the warning an hush.

Of Frosted Flakes and Southern Comfort (Poetry) - 3/4/2009 5:13:01 AM
It is such a hard thing to have to watch as our elders submit to letting of the things that they and their beloved cherished so much in order to move on and learn how to live alone again (maybe not entirely alone - just without their beloved). I also got a bit teary-eyed while reading this. I loved the title, too.

Half Our Lives Ago (Poetry) - 3/4/2009 5:05:50 AM
Wow! I can definitely relate to this one. I am in my 40s now and have done that, not once, but twice within the last three years. The seventh stanza definitely rings true in both situations. I once again let go of the one that I met straight out of college, but the one that I dated in high school is still a great friend.

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 2/23/2009 8:10:48 AM
You not only capture the serenity of the cemetery of the ones who have earned their peaceful rest; but also the busy bodies who are striving everyday to get there. I love this poem!! Sandie Angel :o)

Half Our Lives Ago (Poetry) - 1/13/2009 11:39:09 AM
My first love is my present love, twenty-five years and two children later. Our love is not the idylic infatuation of yester-year, but a deep pond of giving, sharing, and becoming--a pond whose surface reflects the environment we have created. I sometimes catch a glimpse of myself mirrored on the glassy surface of our pond, and know that I am growing older. The same reflection lights my beloved's eyes with admiration, and I know that he sees beyond the toll that time has taken and basks in the treasures of our deep, deep, pond--a love that began 'half our lives ago.' A sweet sentiment, John, that got me thinking about the love of my life both yesterday and today. Beautifully penned.

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 12/27/2008 2:55:44 PM
There is nothing like the solemnity of a cemetery to turn our thoughts to deep and mysterious musings. Thank you for sharing "Cemetery at Sunset." Linda

Half Our Lives Ago (Poetry) - 8/2/2008 6:33:36 AM
This piece is a beautiful and reflective piece. This is my favorite part of the poem, "We're fifty now, or close to it, Long removed from an island summer of frolic -- and fudge, We talked about God, but experienced forbidden pleasure." It sums up life so beautifully, as we can all relate to a more simple time in our lives when we were carefree and enjoyed what I call "the decadent" times of exploration and forbidden pleasures. This poem has so much deep meaning, and reminded me of my earlier years. I am 41, but I think back at my younger years and see how much I have grown, and have changed. This is an excellent poem. Stop into my authors den if you have a chance.

Of Frosted Flakes and Southern Comfort (Poetry) - 8/2/2008 6:29:08 AM
Memories never dim. Your memory will always be in your heart. I love your writing style, as I was able to see the faded photos in my mind, as you described the way you sat by the crackling fire. This is a very moving and touching poem. It reminds me of the stories and times that I had spent visiting with my grandfather. The simple things about a special person in our life are the things that we remember the most. I can picture the old house in my head, as you write so descriptively. Wonderful poem! Stop into my authors den if you have a chance

Half Our Lives Ago (Poetry) - 7/31/2008 8:43:38 AM
Yes, I agree! This is a somber subject. My first wife died of cancer and it took over 20yrs. to write about our experiences during the last days of her life. I have the short story on my Author's Den Website. Please visit when you have time. Blessings, John Michael

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 7/12/2008 2:23:59 PM
You provide pause for reflection, John. Mayhaps that's why I want to be cremated. I do love the way you expressed this though. Love and peace to you, Regis

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 6/27/2008 5:00:20 PM
Intense and compelling. Superb writing! Wanda

Of Frosted Flakes and Southern Comfort (Poetry) - 6/15/2008 11:52:16 AM
He not really all gone, but is here with us in his spirit and on Father's Day this is a great tribute to write about him. It fits today and he was a great man and remembering him this way is so great of you. Back in those days, men were different than today and felt more for their families too and did more. Today eveyone is so busy, and no time for them to get together always. A great trip you took that day with your Father, and memories made for all time. Peace and love go out to you and yours.

Half Our Lives Ago (Poetry) - 6/15/2008 11:49:22 AM
This is a true write from your heart, reliving that first love, and saying what remembrances come from it. Things change fast and yet some things remain in our hearts forever and stay forever. Half our lives ago is so sentimental poetry, it is well worth reading and pondering over. Good luck to you in your future still.

Cemetery at Sunset (Poetry) - 6/13/2008 11:07:23 AM
My Father's birthday March 23 1908 and also his death day March 23 1972. I love to visit the cemetery and now have to go see Hubby Tom Aug 17 07, I probably told you his date before, anyway this photo is so fantastic, and your write is so endearing to me. I just have a thing with cemeteries and won't let go. I am so glad I read you write today, it will be in another month Tom would have gone a year, and I still don't know where I am coming from or going. Mostly that is quite frustrating too. But therapy is the den and the good poems here too.