Story Secrets - The Story Magic Behind My Book

Story Secrets - The Story Magic Behind My Book

Author: Fr. Roderick Vonhögen May 2, 2025 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, has it been a ride.

Set in early medieval Ireland, my story asks:
👉 What if the miracles attributed to saints actually happened — through a kind of sacred storytelling magic?

Instead of flashy spell systems like you find in Brandon Sanderson’s books, I’m inspired more by Tolkien’s fuzzy, mysterious magic.
In my story, monks and priests collaborate with angels to write magical stories into a sacred book — the Codex Fabulae — and when they read from it, miracles happen. Until... the book is stolen.

Here's what I’m working on now:

  • Finished a full 40-chapter outline (yay!)

  • Story divided into three acts, with dramatic turns and personal battles

  • Focusing on a fast-paced, cinematic style like Blake Crouch’s thrillers

  • Early medieval setting inspired by real Irish saints like St. Brendan and St. Brigid

The hardest part? Not stuffing every idea I have into the first book! I have to keep the story tight, exciting, and leave plenty of mysteries for the future.

May will be a writing sprint: a chapter a day!
I'll keep you posted. And trust me — this world of saints, story magic, and hidden battles for Ireland is one you’ll want to visit.

🎙 Curious about the deeper layers and all the behind-the-scenes struggles?
Listen to the full episode of Story Secrets — it’s all there!


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 - Severance Season 1 Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:51
Have you ever wished you could just skip the workday entirely? Imagine waking up, enjoying your morning coffee, and then fast-forwarding to your evening of relaxing with family, watching a movie, or gaming. It sounds per…
Story Secrets - Life Lessons from the Last Airbender’s Beloved Mentor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:25
If you’ve ever watched Avatar: The Last Airbender, chances are you’ve got a favorite character. Maybe it’s one of the kids, like Aang, Katara, or Toph. But for many of us, there’s one character who stands out: Uncle Iroh…
Story Secrets - What Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Is Truly About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:14
When was the last time a Star Wars story really moved you? For me, it was episode 6 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. This series has surprised me at every turn, but this latest episode was on another level. It’s not just abo…
Story Secrets - What Kind of Tolkien Fan Are You? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:29
Last week, I joined the Dutch Tolkien Society for a special event: the annual Tolkien toast. At precisely 9 p.m. on January 3rd, fans across the world raise a glass to honor "The Professor." It’s a celebration of Tolkien…
Story Secrets - Drafting Dragons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:06
At a bustling fantasy festival surrounded by cosplayers, storytellers, and artists, I had the privilege of meeting Cocky van Dijk—a Dutch fantasy author whose writing is as rich and imaginative as the costumes we saw tha…
Story Secrets - Delicious in Dungeon Season 1 Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:36
Did you know that a lethal Monster Scorpion and some creepy Walking Mushrooms can be turned into a delicious stew? The robust flavors of scorpion meat with the earthy taste of walking mushrooms create a comforting and fl…
Story Secrets - Why Star Trek Unification Left Me Speechless [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
What lies beyond the final frontier? It’s a question Star Trek has always hinted at but never fully explored—until now. In my latest podcast episode, I dive into the Star Trek: Unification short, produced by OTOY, Inc in…
Story Secrets - Skeleton Crew: Why It’s Peak Star Wars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:55
What makes Skeleton Crew such a standout in the Star Wars universe? After five episodes, I’m convinced it’s one of the best things to happen to Star Wars in years. It’s fresh, adventurous, and packed with storytelling th…

«1...678910