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
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I’m back in Glendalough, where the idea for my fantasy novel was born. A year ago, I was walking along the ancient pilgrim paths here, and my imagination just ran wild. What if the old stories about saints and miracles were all true? What if the forests hid elves, wild beasts, and unseen magic?

That spark turned into the book I’m now finishing. Being here again, surrounded by lakes and monastic ruins, I feel why I wanted to write this story in the first place. Because stories have always been the oldest form of magic I know. They transform how we see the world, lift us out of our everyday struggles, and connect us to something bigger.

In this episode, I share:

• The moment this book idea came to life.

• How the history and legends of Glendalough shaped my story.

• Why I think stories themselves are a form of real magic.

If you’ve ever wondered where ideas come from or how places can feed your creativity, you’ll want to hear this one.

Welcome to another cozy, story-rich episode of The Quill & Candle, where fantasy, faith, and long walks collide in unexpected (and often hilarious) ways. In this episode, I recount a memorable visit to a fantasy festival held—of all places—in a decommissioned church… complete with protestors at the door and cosplayers on the catwalk.

✨ What’s inside:

• My encounter with protestors yelling “Don’t lose your soul!” (spoiler: I went in anyway)

• Reflections on why fantasy and faith aren't enemies—and what the Bible has in common with epic fantasy

• How three long walks gave birth to three brand-new story ideas—including:

  • A children's trilogy about a cat, a dragon, and pirates

  • An interactive "choose-your-own-adventure" story blending Star Wars, Middle-Earth, and anime

  • A sci-fi short inspired by a tired museum worker and some unruly school kids

• Behind the scenes of this week’s short stories, from magical cauldrons to underwater wishes

• A book review of The Cat Who Saved a Library by Sosuke Natsukawa—and why its message matters more than ever

🎧 Listen now and let me know what you think in the comments.

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• The Daily Scroll for a brand-new short fantasy story every morning: https://fatherroderick.substack.com/s/the-daily-scroll

• The Quill & Candle for this weekly podcast, book recs, writing updates, and more: https://fatherroderick.substack.com/s/the-quill-and-candle

Thanks for being part of this journey.

—Father Roderick
Priest. Storyteller. Daily writer of strange and magical things.

📚 Mentioned in this episode:

• The Cat Who Saved a Library by Sosuke Natsukawa

• Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (anime)

• How to Train Your Dragon (live-action adaptation)