Story Secrets

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 battlesFocusing on a fast-paced, cinematic style like Blake Crouch’s thrillersEarly medieval setting inspired by real Irish saints like St. Brendan and St. BrigidThe 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! Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe

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 chases, cheesy accents, and implausible survival scenes. But while the first movie had this raw, thrilling energy (and that unforgettable roaring sound design), the sequel felt like a safe remix — same story beats, less heart.A few things stood out:The main characters felt flat, and their transformations were too convenient.The CGI was impressive, but somehow less terrifying than the old-school effects.Big-name actors popped in and out without leaving a real impact.It was fun, sure. But Twister is still my go-to for guilty weather thrills. Also: no Lisa Loeb music this time. Major missed opportunity!Want the full review — including my thoughts on tornado YouTubers and why nostalgia isn't enough? Check out this week's Story Secrets podcast! Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe

There’s this one scene in Andor Season 2, Episode 2 that made me laugh out loud… and then immediately feel bad for laughing.It’s the moment when Cyril Karn, overwhelmed by his controlling mother, just collapses face down on the bed. Total shutdown. And yes—it has already become a meme. But what makes this scene so brilliant (and relatable) is what happens right before.Dedra, the ruthless Imperial officer, calmly dismantles Cyril’s mother with a few sharp words—and likely a handful of well-researched family secrets. It's like watching a power play at the dinner table that feels just as terrifying as the Empire's grip on an entire planet.But here’s the thing: this personal drama mirrors something much bigger happening elsewhere in the episode.Director Krennic is planning to subjugate a peaceful, artistic planet—not with guns, but with manipulation. Divide the people. Fuel internal conflict. Let them destroy themselves from within. Sound familiar?Fake newsMedia manipulationLeaders sacrificing people for power and resourcesThe parallels with real-world politics—from Russia’s tactics in Ukraine to the Panama Canal disputes—are hard to ignore. And Andor doesn’t want you to ignore them. This is Star Wars at its best: holding up a mirror to our own world through the lens of a galaxy far, far away.🎧 Curious how deep this rabbit hole goes? I talk about all of this (and more) in this episode of my podcast. Check it out! Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe

The first three episodes of Andor Season 2 are out—and wow, they remind me why this show might just be the best Star Wars we’ve ever had on TV.What makes Andor stand out? It dares to slow down. It gives space for moments to breathe, for conversations to land, and for emotions to feel real—not rushed like in some of the movies.This season jumps forward in time toward the events of Rogue One. We’re getting closer to that terrifying moment when the Death Star becomes fully operational. But the real power of the series lies in how it mirrors the world we live in today: the rise of totalitarian systems, power-hungry leaders without a moral compass, and the cost of standing up against evil.One scene in particular stayed with me. Cassian is about to escape with a stolen TIE fighter. A young woman helps him—but she’s terrified of what might happen to her if the Empire finds out. Andor tells her something beautiful and heartbreaking:“This is bigger than you. You know you have to do this. Even if it means sacrifice, this is who you are.”This is the kind of storytelling that sticks with you. It’s not just about space battles and rebels. It’s about courage. About finding your role in the bigger picture—even when it’s hard.If you’re not watching Andor yet, give it a try. This isn’t just Star Wars nostalgia. This is Star Wars at its most meaningful. Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe

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 the heart of the story. Tries... and mostly fails.The kid is smart, often overwhelmed, and largely misunderstood by the adults around him. And yes, the film hints that his autism makes him special—even evolutionary. But in the end, he's reduced to a narrative device. A MacGuffin. It feels tacked on and shallow.It made me reflect on my own writing. In my fantasy novel, there's a young deaf character named Brendan. He's the brother of my main character, Tighe. And after watching The Predator, I realized just how important it is to get his role right. Not just for the plot. But for who he is.Here’s what I’m aiming for:Brendan’s deafness isn’t a gimmick.His difference makes him essential to the resolution.The story wouldn’t work without him.He brings a unique strength, not a weakness.Representation matters. But only when it’s meaningful.🎧 Curious to hear how a gory alien movie made me rethink character development in my novel? Tune in to the full episode. Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe

At the end of the first quarter of 2025, I'm ready to take the next step in my creative journey. For the past three months, I’ve been working hard on writing a fantasy novel – a project I’ve dreamed about for years but never dared to start. It’s been tough, but also incredibly rewarding.The truth is, writing can be a lonely process. I spend hours at my desk, conjuring up characters and stories only I know. And while I talk about the process on my Booktube channel, I’ve realized I want to share even more of this journey.What if instead of waiting until the book is done to share the story, I share the chapters as I write them? It sounds terrifying but exciting at the same time. And it makes the whole process feel much more manageable.Here's the plan:I’ll release the audiobook version of my story chapter by chapter on my Story Secrets podcast feed.I’ll also share behind-the-scenes content and story walks for my supporters in the private community.It’s a chance for you to join me on this journey from day one, and to be part of the creative process!I’m incredibly excited but also a little scared. Sharing an unfinished story is like giving someone a peek into my mind – flaws and all. But I believe this experiment could be something really special.So if you want to be part of this new adventure, stay subscribed to the podcast and join the community on my Discord server at FatherRoderick.com/discord.More updates are coming soon! And if you’re feeling generous, your prayers for this crazy, creative experiment would be much appreciated. Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe

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 and extras filming scenes in massive water tanks, with entire sections of the ship tilting and throwing them into the water. Talk about dedication to realism!It’s stories like this that fascinate me. I’ve always been drawn to how movies are made—the triumphs, the disasters, and all the creative problem-solving that goes on behind the scenes. Reading books and memoirs about how classic movies were filmed has taught me so much about storytelling. And when you find out what went wrong with some of the biggest blockbusters, it gives you a whole new perspective on why some of them ultimately work and others flop.Recently, I discovered a podcast that scratches that exact itch. It’s called What Went Wrong and it’s hosted by Chris and Lizzie, a dynamic duo with great humor and tons of research skills. They dive into famous movies like Titanic, Predator, Blade Runner, The Fifth Element, and even The Godfather—revealing all the behind-the-scenes drama that studios prefer to keep under wraps.For example, did you know Predator was a nightmare to film because of the low budget and grueling conditions in the jungle? Or that Blade Runner was so miserable to make that Harrison Ford hated the experience, especially filming at night in the rain for months? And then there's The Fifth Element, which, despite its quirky brilliance, carries a weird undertone once you learn about its director’s personal life.Every episode of What Went Wrong makes you want to revisit these films with fresh eyes. It’s like discovering a hidden layer to movies you thought you knew inside out.So, if you’re a movie nerd like me and love discovering how the magic (or sometimes the disaster) happens, go check out What Went Wrong. You won’t regret it.Link to the podcast: What Went Wrong Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe

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 Shadowlands by William Nicholson. You might know this story from the movie adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins, but I haven’t seen the movie. Instead, I listened to an audio recording of the stage performance.What makes this play so fascinating is its focus on C.S. Lewis. Yes, the same C.S. Lewis who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia. But this isn’t about Narnia’s magic and wonder. It’s about something far more personal and heartbreaking – his real-life relationship with Joy Davidman and his struggle with grief after her death. This is the story behind his book A Grief Observed.The play starts with Lewis meeting Joy, a brash, direct, and creative American woman who is a huge fan of his work. Their cultural differences make for some hilarious and awkward moments. Lewis is this introverted, socially awkward academic, while Joy is loud, confident, and unapologetically herself. But it’s her sincerity and courage that slowly break down his walls.But what makes this play hit so hard is when Joy becomes seriously ill. Suddenly, the fantasy Lewis created in Narnia seems powerless against real-life suffering. And that’s what this play explores so well: the tension between imagination and reality, faith and despair. It’s gut-wrenching but incredibly beautiful.William Nicholson, who wrote this play, is an absolute master of his craft. He understands Lewis so well that the dialogue feels like you’re listening to the man himself. And Joy? She’s brought to life with such authenticity and spirit. It’s all the more impressive knowing this play was based on their real-life correspondence.So, would I recommend it? Absolutely. If you want to explore a side of C.S. Lewis you may not know and be genuinely moved by his journey, Shadowlands is worth your time. Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe

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 premise of City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab. And it’s more than just a cool ghost story; it’s a story about identity, friendship, and finding your place in the world.The book follows Cass, a young girl who, after a near-death experience, gains the ability to cross over into the realm of the dead. And her best friend? Well, he’s a ghost! The story is set in Edinburgh, a place rich with paranormal legends. And of course, her parents are TV hosts chasing ghost stories for their hit paranormal show. Talk about awkward family dynamics!What I love about Schwab’s writing is that she’s not writing just for the market; she’s writing for the kid she used to be—someone who didn’t quite fit in, someone who felt different. Cass’s journey feels like an invitation to anyone who has ever felt out of place. It’s a charming yet eerie tale with deeper themes of life, death, and friendship.And it’s not just all atmosphere and spooky vibes. Schwab knows how to raise the stakes and keep the tension high without feeling cheap. There’s a real sense of danger and mystery that drives the story forward. Plus, she wraps things up in a satisfying way while leaving room for more adventures. It’s a skillful balance that many writers could learn from.If you’re looking for a quick, fun, and slightly spooky read, City of Ghosts is worth checking out. And if you enjoy it, there’s a whole series waiting for you! Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe