What drives you? What keeps you going?
I recently received an email from one of my young fans who had asked me, “Do you think that you would ever stop writing?” Her question made me think about many things, one of which was the reasons behind my constant drive to attain and achieve certain goals in life.
I’m a firm believer in doing whatever you’re capable of doing, especially if it’s something constructive and positive, because you’re setting an example for others around you. And in my case, my persistent drive to accomplish certain goals comes from my true love of writing and a deeper belief that even though I can’t always shower my own children with material things and wealth, I can, however, always provide them with a sense of hope and inspiration simply by watching me achieve tiny accolades from time to time.
It’s my greatest wish that my own children and grandchildren go much further in life than myself, and that’s why I’m always reaching higher and higher. Giving a child a sense of hope is extremely valuable, and God bless all of you who are, every day, setting a great example for those around you and those in your personal life as well.
By the way, in answering the young lady’s question, I simply told her, “No, I can’t stop writing — I have a lot of kids and grandchildren.” – Randolph Randy Camp
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USING YOUR DOWN TIME...
As I was digging through a box of old papers, I ran across a few handwritten notes from years ago while I was out in the field in Japan and Korea.
Seeing those notes made me think about how precious and rare it was when we actually had "down time". And because it was so rare we would use it wisely. For me, that meant putting my thoughts on paper. Sometimes I couldn't find a piece of scratch paper so I would write short notes on a piece of cardboard or anything else I could find out in the field.
For all of you women and men still serving in the military, may God bless and watch over you and bring you back safely. And please take full advantage of any down time that comes your way.
By the way, those little notes I used to jot down years ago are now my novels today. Have a wonderful day and enjoy your down time. - Randolph Randy Camp
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As some of you already know, I attend college here in New York. But what you probably don’t know about me is that I consider my best classes the ones off-campus, the ones happening every day in the parks and on the metro.
One of my best classes is when I’m riding the metro and I’m observing the people around me. And another favorite class is when I’m walking through this tranquil city park, just a short distance from the campus, and a few of the regulars (the homeless, panhandlers, and the cigarette peddlers) wave hello to me and invite me to sit down for a brief chat.
Yes, indeed, the conversations and discussions we have with everyday people can be just as educational, engaging and interesting as those within any classroom. -Randolph Randy Camp
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Who we choose to walk with in life has a big impact on who we are and who we may become. When I was coming up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, one of my uncles went to prison for something that I honestly don’t remember, but what I do remember about my uncle is that, while he was behind bars, he meticulously made these beautiful picture frames from wooden matchsticks. Our uncle sent his handmade picture frames to certain relatives while serving his time, and I remember, as a child, being fascinated by the glossy shellac finish and the contrasting colors of the half-burnt matchsticks every time I walked by the multi-picture frame in our living room.
I often meet people who tells me that they feel somewhat ashamed of things in which they’ve done in their past, or that they may have people in their lives who are passing negative judgments on them based upon their past mistakes.
This is when I would share with them my uncle’s story because it shows how our life is a true journey filled with both good and bad experiences along the way, and that people will either choose to remember the bad things from your past or they can talk proudly about the positive things that you’re doing right now. And these are the moments in our lives also when we may have to decide to let certain so-called friends go because they could be the very person actually slowing us down as we continue our life journey. And if I ever I slip up and begin to get some crazy inkling to pass judgment on someone I’m immediately stopped by the memory of that shiny matchstick-picture frame sitting on the end table in the left corner of the living room.
As an afterthought, I pray and hope that I’ve helped or perhaps inspired more people than I’ve hurt during my 53 years here on earth. Stay positive Everyone! – Randolph Randy Camp
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Do you like music? I absolutely love music, especially the sound from an acoustic piano. I play the piano between classes to help deal with some of the stresses of being a non-traditional college student.
And as a writer, I use music as a brief escape sometimes when I find myself a little too deep in my characters’ head, or when I’m writing graphic scenes that can be mentally draining at times.
When life, in general, gets a bit overwhelming sometimes, music helps to calm things down. How do you use music in your life? – Randolph Randy Camp
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Music meant everything to Viki. She loved sharing her songs with the world. Her fans adored her, and she would do anything for them…anything.
‘…Then The Rain’ is a contemporary good vs. evil thriller novel about a female popstar and her band battling a twisted, sadistic preacher to save a devoted young fan and wayward teen.
A frequent question I would get during High School Book Talks is, “What inspired you to write ‘…Then The Rain”? And my answer was pretty simple, “Viki represents the fight in all of us against those who try to hold us down or hold us back.”
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In my 53 years, I’ve been told to “be quiet”, “shut up”, and to “go away” quite a few times , but it’s nice to hear otherwise every now and then.
Recently, I thoroughly enjoyed an interview session at a popular radio station. It feels good to be asked your opinions, your ideas, and your thoughts from someone.
I hope that each one of you have someone in your life who sincerely respects and truly wants to hear your thoughts, opinions, and ideas as well. – Randolph Randy Camp
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We never know sometimes. Every day we see our same acquaintances, classmates, coworkers, and colleagues. Just when I thought I’d really gotten to know someone a little better the hard reality of their actual life hits me right smack in the face.
A Dean’s List straight ‘A’ college student, for instance, is doing her homework by candlelight because she couldn’t afford to pay her light bill. Or what about the coworker who always dresses nice but leaves work ten minutes early so that she doesn’t miss dinner at the soup kitchen.
Nope, we never really know sometimes ’til we look beyond the surface. – Randolph Randy Camp
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