By Cristi McKee | Photo: R.C. VanLandingham (cover art by Amy Lew Alexander)

Tallahassee author, R.C. Vanlandingham, recently released his 12th book, “Peter Puckett & the Amulet of Eternity,” on October 12, 2019. A Cairo, Georgia native, father of 3, and husband to Elena, the inspiration behind VanLandingham’s newest book came from the desire to write a “wholesome, christian story.” Wanting to write something that his children could enjoy, and ultimately that “God would be pleased with,” the story of Peter Puckett was born. 

Already named a #1 New Release in Christian Fantasy on Amazon.com, “Peter Puckett & the Amulet of Eternity” follows the story of 10-year-old Peter Puckett, who prays for help from God to save his ill mother. He gets sent on an exciting journey through Evermore, a fantastic world filled with goblin, giants, monsters, and more. All while testing his faith, surviving the Realm of Goblins, having minotaur encounters, and swimming past the Leviathan, Peter learns about how God keeps his promises to his people. 

This is the first book VanLandingham has published under his real name—not his pen name—which he credits to his sons’ encouragement. “My boys wanted me to publish this under my real name because they were always telling their friends that their dad was a writer, but there were not any books under my real name. This book is much better than my other books (thanks to the Holy Spirit), so I’m very happy to claim it and promote it,” he explains. 

VanLandingham drew from his own life to create the characters found in “Peter Puckett.” “Peter Puckett is an amalgamation of my 3 boys,” he says. “His appearance is very similar to my oldest. My father has dementia like Peter’s grandfather, and I was a Marine like Peter’s father.”  He has been an avid writer since childhood, saying “I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. I used to write them on notebook paper and staple them together like books.”

Peter Puckett’s story isn’t over yet, either. “I’ve already begun praying about and formulating the next story, and have begun writing a spinoff story,” VanLandingham reveals. He ultimately believes that “this story is an important one, and the message of the book is one God wants more people to hear.” Together, with God’s guidance, it is his hope that Peter Puckett can be turned into a “fruitful ministry, spreading the love of Jesus to those who currently live in darkness.” 

So how did he come up with the idea for this book? “I credit the Holy Spirit with the story. I’m not talented enough to come up with a story this moving,” he admits. VanLandingham wanted to write a story that was similar to the likes of the “Harry Potter” series, but that also helped disciple his children as Christians. “I prayed and prayed that God would give me a story that would glorify His holy name, show people the beauty and joy of Jesus Christ, and help lead people to salvation through Jesus Christ,” he says. “I think He delivered.”