As many long-time listeners of the podcast know, Randy is a passionate fantasy writer. During his 13 years in solitary confinement, writing became his lifeline. Creating intricate worlds and vivid stories in his mind was what kept him grounded, offering an escape from the isolation and harsh realities of prison life. Through his storytelling, Randy found a way to endure—proving that even in the most confined spaces, the imagination knows no bounds.

Elise and the Magic Well is a fantasy novel that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through a world of myth and wonder. Young Elise’s life changes forever when she stumbles upon a magical realm filled with wizards, unicorns, and mythical creatures like hippogriffs. As dark forces threaten both worlds, Elise must embark on a quest to find the legendary Magic Well, a source of immense power capable of saving everything she holds dear. But to succeed, she must face unimaginable dangers and convince the adults around her—no easy task for a little girl burdened with such a monumental responsibility.
What makes this story even more remarkable is that it was written by Randall Via, a man serving a 1,214-year sentence, who spent 13 years in solitary confinement. Despite his circumstances, Randy used his time to craft this imaginative tale, drawing on his own struggles and triumphs. Elise and the Magic Well is not just a fantasy—it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the boundless potential of the human spirit, even from behind prison walls.