The Quill & Candle — Episode 4: The Walk That Wrote a Novel

The Quill & Candle — Episode 4: The Walk That Wrote a Novel

Author: Fr. Roderick Vonhögen July 14, 2025 Duration: 19:50

This is the episode where it all comes full circle.

Ten months ago, I came to Glendalough in Ireland and had an idea for a fantasy novel. Now, I’ve returned—after two weeks of hiking, dictating, and dreaming through the Irish wilderness—with a finished first draft.

In this episode, I take you with me on my final writing walk through the Wicklow Mountains. Along the way, I share:

  • How walking became my most powerful writing tool

  • How ancient ruins and fairy gardens ended up shaping my fantasy world

  • What a real day looks like on a writing retreat (spoiler: it involves instant noodles)

  • The method I used to write 45,000 words while still exploring, thinking, and resting

This isn’t just a recap—it’s a living snapshot of what it means to create in rhythm with nature, and to trust the story to find you as you go.

Whether you’re a writer, a creator, or simply someone curious about how books are born in the wild—I hope this journey inspires your own.

🕯️ Read the full newsletter version here: The Quill & Candle #4
📬 Subscribe to daily flash fiction & behind-the-scenes writing life at: https://fatherroderick.substack.com
🎧 Looking for creative tools & tips? Try my second Substack: https://storytellerscompanion.substack.com


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 - What Went Wrong with Your Favorite Movies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:13
Have you ever wondered why some of your favorite movies feel so authentic, even when you know it’s all make-believe? Take Titanic, for example. Part of what made the acting feel so real was the genuine fear of the actors…
Story Secrets - Shadowlands: C.S. Lewis's Love and Loss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:38
Here on the Story Secrets podcast, I’ve reviewed movies, TV shows, books, and even video games. But this time, I’m diving into something I’ve never talked about before: a theatre play. And not just any play, but Shadowla…
Story Secrets - A Spooky Adventure with Heart: City of Ghosts Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:21
What if you could actually talk to ghosts? Not just in some spooky, fake haunted house on a Halloween night, but for real—crossing over into the world of spirits, building friendships with the dead? That’s the brilliant…
Story Secrets - The Mind-Blowing Finale of Severance Season 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:27
Wow. The Season 2 finale of Severance was nothing short of brilliant. Apple TV+ has done it again, delivering a masterpiece that feels like the best thing since Lost. But unlike many mystery-box shows, Severance gives yo…
Story Secrets - The Pit: The Grittiest Medical Drama Since ER [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:31
If you were addicted to ER back in the day like I was, you might want to check out The Pit. It’s a new medical drama starring Noah Wyle (Dr. Carter from ER), and it has that same chaotic, high-intensity energy—but with a…
Story Secrets - Wheel of Time Season 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:09
Have you seen the first episode of Wheel of Time Season 3? Amazon dropped three episodes at once, and I’ve watched the first one—and wow, they have seriously stepped up their game. For those unfamiliar, Wheel of Time is…
Story Secrets - The True Story of St. Patrick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:03
Most of what people think they know about St. Patrick isn’t actually true. He wasn’t Irish. He probably didn’t chase snakes out of Ireland. And he definitely didn’t invent green beer (sorry, folks). But here’s something…
Story Secrets - Warrior Cats: Into the Wild Review (Spoilers) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:32
Okay, confession time. I did not expect to get emotionally invested in a book about warrior cats. But Into the Wild pulled me in fast. At first, I thought, "Oh, this will be a fun, light read." And then suddenly, I was k…