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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
4.8
421421 ratings
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
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