Story Secrets - "Fantasy Helps Us Discover Our Own World"

Story Secrets - "Fantasy Helps Us Discover Our Own World"

Author: Fr. Roderick Vonhögen February 14, 2025 Duration: 20:22

It’s Fantasy Friday, and I’ve got two things for you: an inspiring interview with fantasy author and illustrator Robin Rozendal and an update on my own fantasy novel.

Meet Robin Rozendal: I met Robin at the Fantasy Festival in Arcen, and her creativity blew me away. Here’s why:

  • Massive, Original World: Her fantasy books explore living cities—yes, cities with thoughts, emotions, and even mental health struggles. It’s a concept I’ve never seen before, and it’s brilliant.

  • Multi-Talented Creator: She’s not just an author; she illustrates her own books and runs two YouTube channels (in Dutch) about writing and videography. Her writing journey even inspired me to start my own Booktube channel.

Her world-building is next-level, blending human characters with sentient cities that communicate through emotions and memories. If that doesn’t intrigue you, I don’t know what will.

My Novel Update: Inspired by creators like Robin, I finally gave myself permission to write. I’m in month two of my novel-writing journey:

  • January: Focused on plotting, world-building, and character sketches.

  • February: Drafting phase with a goal of 3,000 words a day. Surprisingly, I often exceed that, hitting 5,000 words or more.

The story has evolved beyond my original outline, and that’s part of the magic. Writing isn’t just about getting words on paper; it’s about discovering the story as you go.

If you’ve ever wanted to write, consider this your sign: start today. You might just find a new passion.

Want more insights into my writing process? Check out my daily updates on YouTube: My BookTube Channel.

Check out Robin Rozendal's Channel on YouTube
Visit her website and order her books here


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…