Story Secrets

I’ve always loved portal stories—tales where a doorway or gateway leads to another world. It started with Stargate SG-1, but you can see the same magic in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, or even Harry Potter’s Platform 9 ¾. The idea of stepping into another reality is irresistible.

Recently, I had the chance to chat with Dutch author Kelly van der Laan, whose books often play with this concept. Kelly is a master of genre-bending—mixing fantasy, science fiction, and even horror. One of her standout works, The Price of Water, is a thrilling mix of “Die Hard with monsters” set in a futuristic tower.

Here’s what stood out from my conversation with Kelly:

• Writing as a gift: For Kelly, stories are her way of leaving something meaningful behind. Her motto? “Create, affect, repeat.”


• Empathy through storytelling: Her books explore themes of kindness and understanding—important messages wrapped in entertaining adventures.


• A passion for readers: From meeting fans at festivals to connecting over her earliest works, Kelly thrives on the relationships her stories spark.

Whether you love portal fantasies or are inspired by creators who put their heart into their work, Kelly’s journey is worth exploring. For more on her writing and how portal stories continue to inspire me, listen to the full podcast!

You can buy Kelly's books here: https://www.artbooksshop.com/search/?search=kelly+van+der+laan

If you’ve been following Silo on Apple TV+, you know how gripping and thought-provoking this series can be. Season 2’s finale didn’t just deliver shocking moments—it left us pondering themes that feel eerily relevant in today’s world.

Set in an underground society, Silo explores what happens when people are kept in the dark—literally and figuratively. This season dives deeper into the dangers of hiding the truth and the consequences of unchecked power. It’s not just a sci-fi story; it’s a cautionary tale about our own society.

Here’s why the season finale hit so hard:

• A powerful ending: Juliet’s struggle for the truth clashes with the mayor’s descent into despair, revealing how lies—even those told with “good intentions”—can unravel a society.


• A chilling message: The finale reminds us how fear can be manipulated to control people, and how the absence of truth can lead to chaos.


• Big questions for Season 3: With flashbacks to the world before the silos, we’re left wondering why this dystopia came to be and what secrets are still buried.

This is sci-fi at its best—reflecting on our own struggles with truth, power, and the cost of ignorance. If you haven’t watched Silo, now’s the time to catch up.

For a full breakdown of the finale and why this story feels so relevant, check out my latest podcast episode.

As I work on my new fantasy novel, I’ve been diving deep into the genre to figure out where my story fits. Is it epic fantasy like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, or does it lean more toward historical fiction? Right now, it’s shaping up to be a blend: a story set in a fantasy version of early medieval Ireland, infused with its rich mythology and magical traditions.

I’ve been inspired by my travels through Ireland, like the time I stumbled upon a garden full of fairies and gnomes near Glendalough. The woman who created it told me, “A lot of us still believe these fairies are real.” It made me realize how seamlessly history and fantasy can intertwine.

Of course, I can’t ignore the influence of Tolkien. Recently, I interviewed two cosplayers portraying ancient Noldor elves from The Lord of the Rings. Hearing their passion for Tolkien’s world—and the stories behind their handcrafted costumes—reminded me why this genre resonates so deeply. Fantasy isn’t just about magic or adventure; it’s about exploring timeless themes like courage, belonging, and the power of storytelling.

If you’re curious about how Ireland’s myths, Tolkien’s legacy, and my own imagination are shaping this novel, check out my updates on my books YouTube channel. I share daily video journals documenting my writing journey and behind-the-scenes moments that inspire my story.

👉 Visit youtube.com/fatherroderick-books to explore more.

Netflix just dropped a new anime series called Sakamoto Days, and after checking out the first episode, I have to say—it’s more than just another action-packed manga adaptation. This series dives into themes of redemption, family, and the struggle between the past and present, all wrapped in a story that’s both heartfelt and entertaining.

The plot revolves around Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman who gives up his violent life to start a family and run a convenience store. But his past doesn’t let him go so easily, and he finds himself caught between the man he used to be and the father he wants to become.

Here’s what makes this show worth your time:

• A compelling redemption arc: Sakamoto’s journey echoes stories like St. Paul’s transformation in the Bible—choosing a new path while wrestling with the shadows of his old life.


• A heartwarming portrayal of family: Sakamoto’s wife and child aren’t just side characters; they’re the heart of his story, showing love, understanding, and protection for those around them.


• Themes of loyalty and change: Sakamoto’s former apprentice, tasked with killing him, faces his own turning point. It’s clear their journey together will explore loyalty, transformation, and second chances.

Whether you’re an anime fan or just love a good story with deeper themes, Sakamoto Days is a show worth exploring. I’ll keep watching to see how these characters’ journeys unfold—and I hope you’ll join me!

Check out my full podcast to hear why this anime reminded me of classic tales of redemption and family.

The final episode of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew surprised me, not just with its action and drama but with its deeper meaning. This wasn’t just a story about space adventures; it was about freedom, family, and the courage to grow.

One moment really stood out: the kids’ spaceship breaking free from the planet's grasp. On the surface, it’s just a ship flying away. But dig a little deeper, and you see it represents something much bigger—letting go. For the kids, it’s about breaking free from the limits placed on them by their parents and their society. For the parents, it’s realizing that holding on too tightly can sometimes do more harm than good.

Here’s what I found so powerful about this finale:

• The parents’ journey: They start out as overprotective, afraid to let their kids take risks. By the end, they realize freedom is essential for growth.


• The kids’ growth: The adventure forces them to take responsibility and find their own strength.


• The symbolism: From the trapped spaceship to the pile of treasure ignored in favor of saving a friend, this episode is packed with moments that make you think about what really matters.

This episode left me reflecting on how stories like these can teach us about life—especially about trust, courage, and letting go when it’s time.

If this sounds intriguing, check out the full podcast where I dive into these symbolic moments and what they reveal about the core message of Skeleton Crew. May the Force be with you!

Ever wished you could transform into a dragon? Imagine the power to confront challenges head-on, just like Lilith, the protagonist of Kim ten Tusscher's fantasy series. Lilith's journey from captivity to self-discovery is a compelling tale that mirrors our own struggles with identity and belonging.

🎬 Watch the video of the interview here: "A Dragon is a Flying Flamethrower"

In this podcast episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Kim ten Tusscher, a seasoned Dutch fantasy author. She shared insights into her writing process and the inspiration behind her works. Her stories delve into the complexities of good and evil, offering readers a nuanced perspective on morality.

Kim's advice to aspiring writers is both practical and encouraging:

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  Embrace Your Unique Process: Don't feel pressured to conform to conventional writing methods. Trust your instincts and let your creativity flow.

  
  


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  Write for Enjoyment: Focus on the joy of storytelling rather than perfection. This approach can lead to more authentic and engaging narratives.

  
  

For those interested in exploring Kim's work, her"Lilith" trilogy is available in English, with titles like "Bound in Darkness," "Broken in Twilight," and "Born in Light." These books offer a rich tapestry of characters and themes that will resonate with fantasy enthusiasts.

You can buy them via Kim's website: https://kimtentusscher.com/english/books/lilith/

If you're curious about the creative process behind these stories and want to hear more from Kim, tune into the full podcast episode. It's a conversation filled with inspiration and practical advice for both readers and writers.

Follow Kim on social media: @kimtentusscher

In the second season of Silo, the battle for freedom takes center stage, mirroring struggles we often face in our own lives. The series, based on Hugh Howey’s Wool, shows an underground world where people live confined in a massive silo, unable to escape due to the dangers of the world outside. It’s a gripping story that has kept me on the edge of my seat, especially as it reveals the psychological toll of living in a system where power and oppression dictate every part of life.

What stood out to me while watching was how the silo’s society functions under a harsh and controlling regime, where rebellion is not just about defying the rules but risking the lives of loved ones. The parallels to our own world are striking. Whether it's in toxic work environments, restrictive politics, or even personal relationships, we can all relate to that feeling of being stuck in a system that controls us, often with no escape.

What Silo does well is show how even in such a confined environment, there’s still hope. It’s about the courage to rebel and the power of unity. The main character’s actions remind me of the importance of standing up for freedom, even when the risks seem high.

I’ll leave you with this: In times of oppression, we must not lose hope. Solidarity, bravery, and the will to fight for freedom are what drive change. As we see in Silo, even the most confined societies can find ways to break free—and so can we.

• Silo isn't just a story about an underground society; it's a powerful metaphor for the struggle against oppression in our world today.


• The TV series is full of suspense, but the deeper lesson is about maintaining your autonomy and fighting for what’s right.

If you’re curious to dive deeper into these themes, I invite you to listen to the full podcast episode!

At a fantasy festival in the gardens of a Dutch castle, I stumbled upon a surprising duo: a monk and the Pope, sitting on a bench and sharing a pizza.

The “Pope” stood out—not because of his spot-on vestments, but because he was young, wore sunglasses, and had a relaxed vibe you wouldn’t expect from the papacy. Naturally, I stopped to chat.

Tim, the cosplayer behind the Pope, explained why he chose the costume: “I wanted to do something unexpected.” But what struck me most wasn’t his outfit; it was what he does in real life. Tim works with immigrants and refugees, teaching them Dutch and helping them integrate into society.

“It’s about creating a sense of home and bringing people together,” he said. His work echoed the very ideals we hear pope Francis talk about all the time—listening to one another, creating connections, caring for the marginalized, and helping those in need.

That connection gave his costume an unexpected depth, turning a creative choice into something meaningful.

Want to hear the full story? Check out this podcast episode, where I talk to Tim about his outfit, his work, and why festivals like these are about so much more than just costumes and cosplay.

Ever since Skeleton Crew premiered, I’ve been hooked. It’s not every day a Star Wars series comes along that makes me feel like a wide-eyed kid again. But as we approach the season finale, one question keeps popping up in my mind—and I’m sure I’m not alone in this: will there be a second season?

To be honest, I’m torn. On the one hand, the show has been a massive success. It nails everything we love about Star Wars: adventure, heart, and that feeling of hope we desperately need in real life. But on the other hand, I’m not sure how a second season would work without losing some of the magic that makes this one so special.

Here’s what’s making me doubt:

• The kids’ dynamic is the heart of the story. Watching them grow, bond, and find their way back home has been the emotional core of this series. If they age too much between seasons, can the story still deliver the same sense of wonder?


• The journey feels complete. They’ve already found their way back to their planet, At Attin. Sure, there are loose ends to tie up, but the main quest—the one driving everything—seems resolved.

But here’s the thing: Disney and Lucasfilm aren’t just in the storytelling business—they’re in the business of giving fans what they want (and, let’s face it, making money). If there’s enough demand, I can absolutely see them greenlighting a second season.

And now, here’s where it gets interesting. Skeleton Crew creators Jon Watts and Christopher Ford recently shared that they already have ideas for continuing the story. They’re considering a time jump to accommodate the aging cast, similar to how Stranger Things handled it. According to Watts, “We 100% have an idea for a second season and know what we would do.”

So, could we get a second season? Absolutely. Should we? That’s up for debate. Either way, I’ll be thrilled to see how this season wraps up. If the finale is anything like the rest of the series, it’ll be a home run.

What do you think? Should Skeleton Crew continue, or is it better to leave it as a one-season wonder? Let me know your thoughts—and may the Force be with you!

Have you ever read a book where the main character’s identity completely changes how you see the story? That’s exactly what happened to me with The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. It’s a brilliant sci-fi series about a self-aware robot grappling with free will, binge-watching soap operas, and, surprisingly, its own identity.

When I first read the series, I imagined Murderbot as male. Maybe it was the audiobook narrator’s voice, or just my own bias. But I was shocked to find that many readers saw Murderbot as female—or even beyond gender entirely. Turns out, Murderbot is an "it." It prefers to avoid pronouns like "he" or "she." But fans can’t seem to agree on what that means for its personality or how it should be portrayed on screen.

That’s where the upcoming Apple TV+ adaptation gets interesting. The studio cast Alexander Skarsgård in the lead role, and the internet is already buzzing. Is it the right choice? What does this casting say about how we interpret characters like Murderbot?

In this episode of my podcast, I dive into:

• Why the Murderbot Diaries work so well as first-person storytelling.


• The humor and humanity in a robot’s perspective.


• The controversy over Murderbot’s gender (or lack thereof).


• My thoughts on the upcoming Apple TV+ adaptation.

If you’re a fan of stories that challenge assumptions or just love great sci-fi, this is one series you don’t want to miss. And if you’re curious about how the show will handle Murderbot’s unique personality, you’ll want to hear my take on what could go right—and wrong.