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:

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  Finished a full 40-chapter outline (yay!)

  
  
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  Story divided into three acts, with dramatic turns and personal battles

  
  
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  Focusing on a fast-paced, cinematic style like Blake Crouch’s thrillers

  
  
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  Early medieval setting inspired by real Irish saints like St. Brendan and St. Brigid

  
  
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The 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!

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:

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  The main characters felt flat, and their transformations were too convenient.

  
  
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  The CGI was impressive, but somehow less terrifying than the old-school effects.

  
  
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  Big-name actors popped in and out without leaving a real impact.

  
  
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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!