Story Secrets - Every Choice Leads to Adventure

Story Secrets - Every Choice Leads to Adventure

Author: Fr. Roderick Vonhögen January 31, 2025 Duration: 17:45

What if the story you were reading wasn’t just about someone else’s journey, but yours? That’s the magic of Choose Your Own Adventure-style books. I recently discovered a Dutch fantasy author, Dianne Arentsen, who’s keeping this unique genre alive with her interactive books, Fort Enigma and Mystanica.

These aren’t ordinary stories. Instead of following a single narrative, you make choices that determine the outcome. In Fort Enigma, you solve riddles and puzzles to navigate different chambers, while Mystanica lets you steer the plot with every decision you make. Each choice creates a unique reading experience—no two readers will have the exact same adventure!

Why these books are fascinating:

  • Immersive storytelling: You’re part of the story, solving challenges and shaping the outcome.
  • Replay value: You can read them multiple times and experience entirely different paths.
  • Creative design: QR codes in the book even lead to online games for added interactivity!

These books bring back the nostalgia of old-school adventure games and classic Choose Your Own Adventure books while adding a modern twist. In my latest podcast, I interview Dianne and dive into her creative process. If you love fantasy or interactive storytelling, you won’t want to miss this.

🎧 Listen now to hear the full story and learn why these books might just inspire your next great read.

Read more about Dianne Arentsen on her website: https://www.diannearentsen.nl/
Order her books here: https://www.diannearentsen.nl/webshop/


Ever notice how a great film or television show can linger in your mind long after the credits roll? There’s often something more happening beneath the surface, a resonance that feels almost spiritual. Story Secrets is where we pull on those threads. Hosted by Fr. Roderick Vonhögen, this podcast sits at a unique crossroads, weaving together discussions on faith, popular culture, and pure entertainment. Each episode takes a familiar story-whether from a beloved movie, a gripping TV series, or even a timeless tale-and gently uncovers the themes of meaning, purpose, and humanity hidden within. You won’t find dry lectures here; instead, Fr. Roderick brings a conversational and insightful perspective, revealing how narratives we enjoy in our leisure time can unexpectedly illuminate deeper questions about life, virtue, and connection. It’s for anyone who loves a good story and has ever wondered why it sticks with them. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful friend for a coffee after seeing a fantastic film, where the conversation naturally drifts from plot points to the profound. You’ll come away with a richer appreciation for the craft of storytelling and, perhaps, a new lens through which to view your own journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Story Secrets
Podcast Episodes
Story Secrets - The Chick on the Chimney [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:17
While the world watched for smoke above the Sistine Chapel, I was home with a fever and a head full of stories. In this episode, I share how illness kept me grounded—but not my imagination. Inspired by the live Vatican s…
Story Secrets - Walking With Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
Ever wonder what happens when you follow a calling you barely understand, armed with nothing but faith, ink, and a slightly trembling hand? In this episode, I tell a story I made up on the spot—no script, no notes, just…
Story Secrets - After The White Smoke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:16
The conclave begins tomorrow. In just a few days, a name will echo from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The white smoke will rise. The world will hold its breath. And we’ll meet a new pope. But what if—just for a mo…
Story Secrets - The Power of Daily Storytelling: A New Experiment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:44
I've always believed in the transformative power of stories. Whether it's through Star Wars, the dozens of novels I read each year, or the countless podcasts and TV programs I’ve made, stories shape who I am. But recentl…
Story Secrets - The Story Magic Behind My Book [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:16
At the start of this year, I took a crazy leap: I began writing my first fantasy novel. I was scared — but some friendly fantasy writers encouraged me to just start writing, no matter how imperfect it would be. And wow,…
Story Secrets - Did Twisters Blow Me Away? (Spoiler: Nope) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:01
I finally watched Twisters, the sequel to one of my guilty pleasures: the 90s classic Twister. And honestly? It left me feeling... underwhelmed. Just like the original, Twisters is a popcorn blockbuster full of tornado c…
Story Secrets - What The Predator Gets Wrong About Autism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:28
The other day I watched The Predator—not the classic one with Schwarzenegger, but the confusing 2018 sequel that somehow ended up in my Netflix queue. The film tries to tackle neurodiversity, with a young autistic boy at…