Building Character

We all go through changes. I’m not the same person after some of my past military experiences. It’s been six years since my daughter Randie’s passing, and no doubt, this has impacted my life greatly. I miss our long, heart-to-heart talks about anything and everything. Noticeably, my writings have certainly changed over the past few years, and I would like to share with you some of my storytelling lessons. Hands down, one of the most important aspects of storytelling is character development. Were there any changes in your main character’s life? If so, how did these changes influenced your character’s outlook? In real life, none of us are the same as we were a few years ago. Your characters are no different. In telling your story be sure to show your character’s growth. And equally essential, make sure none of your characters sound the same. We each have our unique way of expressing ourselves. No two characters in your story should ever sound the same. As writers, we run the risk of confusing the reader if we don’t distinguish one character from the next. I wish you continued success in whatever you’re pursuing. Don’t ever give up and keep climbing that ladder! – Randolph Randy Camp More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Books, the Ticket to Anywhere

Books, the Ticket to Anywhere… Although we may have been economically poor way back then, we were also rich in so many other ways. During the school summer break, many of my classmates would go on fun road trips and exciting family vacations to places such as Yellowstone National Park and Disney World. Thanks to the Central Rappahannock Regional Mobile Library, which serviced Fredericksburg, rural Spotsylvania County and other surrounding counties, I also got to travel to exciting places during my summer break, thanks of course, to the books I would read from the bookmobile. I love how books can take you anywhere, regardless of your income. – Randolph Randy Camp (book nook photo thanks to bookmania) Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Heart of Gold

Heart of Gold… It’s not easy to experience heartaches and trauma and still come out of it with a loving, golden heart. Although Randie went through a lot of rough patches, she persevered and wouldn’t hesitate to reach out and help others, if she could. During her darkest days, Randie found comfort in reading certain stories. Relatable characters helped her get through some very traumatic events in her own life. We all have our favorite poems and songs to lift our spirit when we’re feeling down. Randie believed strongly in the healthy benefits of bibliotherapy. For most of her adult life, Randie devoted her time to promoting literacy and bibliotherapy. Once again, I want to thank all of you for keeping Randie’s dream alive with your book donations to Randie’s Free Library (and to the Little Free Library at Moore Memorial Park). Two days ago, a package from Dublin, Ireland arrived for Randie’s Free Library. Inside was a nice note from Enya, along with four books. In the brief note, Enya shared how she was moved and inspired by Randie’s story that she’s seriously considering creating a free book exchange in her neighborhood, which is on the outskirts of Dublin. By the way, in this short note, Enya also shared an interesting Irish saying, ‘If God sends you down a stony path, may he give you strong shoes.’ Thanks to people like Enya and people like all of you, my grief and pain of missing Randie is eased a bit. After going through such terrible periods, Randie had every right to be angry. But, instead of being mad at the world, Randie chose love, and chose to help others. It’s comforting to know that Randie’s heart of gold is still being felt around the world. – Randolph Randy Camp Note: Randie’s Free Library is located on East Kirkwood Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa and the Raising Readers of Story County Little Free Library (which is dedicated in Randie’s honor) is located at Moore Memorial Park in Ames, Iowa.

Acts of Kindness

Yes, it’s true, today’s headlines are definitely disheartening. The news makes it hard to believe and trust anyone anymore. While I was in the Air Force I experienced things that made me sick, but every day I fight to regain my trust in people. Every now and then others show their kindness and that helps me in my struggle to regain this trust. No matter how cruel and mean the world gets though, ultimately I do believe that there are more kind and goodhearted people out there than bad ones. Case and point, on this sunny January morning, an anonymous act of kindness was shown at RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY. May God Bless each and every one of you who continually maintains a kind heart regardless of the heartless things you see and read about in the news. – Randolph Randy Camp

Thank You

We all have a special light in us. It’s been over five years since Randie ‘Dani’ has been physically gone but her spirit is still felt every single day. It is five days before Christmas, and within the past two weeks, RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY has received book donations from all around the globe. I would like to especially thank Akiko (from Hachinohe, Japan), Lina (from Cologne, Germany), Terry (from Tallahassee, Florida), and Jamila (from Nairobi, Kenya) for their generous book donations and helping to fulfill Randie’s dream. Sometimes these packages come on my most darkest of days and I can’t even express to y’all how my spirit is instantly lifted when I see them at my doorstep. It’s like Randie is sending me messages from Heaven, saying “I’m still here.” It warms my heart to know that Randie is touching people from around the world and that her light is still shining. And once again, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for your book donations, and may the light inside of you will continue to shine brightly! Have a wonderful Christmas EVERYONE. – Randolph Randy Camp

Beauty Around Us

In spite of all the negativity in the world we still have a lot of beauty around us. I think I have a fascination with murals. When I was writing my fourth novel ’29 Dimes’ I featured several murals within the story. Silver Lake and Echo Park, California have quite a few gigantic murals. (Photo: Dutch artist Leon Keer working on a colorful mural in downtown Des Moines, near Grand Avenue and Tenth Street.) When things get a bit weary try looking for the bright spots around you. – Randolph Randy Camp

A Blessing Came Today

I want to thank Matt, Vikki (middle), and Samantha ‘Sam’ (far-left) for their generous book donation to RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY today. Matt is an alumni of Iowa State University, and he personally knew Randie. When Matt was a kid his favorite children’s book was ‘Go, Dog. Go!’ Vikki’s favorite children’s books were ‘Cinderella’, ‘Snow White’, ‘Black Beauty’, and she enjoyed all of the Disney-related stories when she was a little girl, especially the stories with animal characters. Sam likes poetry and enjoys reading poems to her kids, and she tells me that ‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’ is one of her little daughter’s favorite books.

Don't Ever Give Up!

Keep taking baby steps toward your goals, and no matter what, don’t ever give up. Hands down, my all-time favorite children’s book have always been ‘The Little Engine That Could’. And still today, after all these years, this book have gotten me through some pretty rough moments. Keep striving! (Photo: May 2025, Moore Memorial Park, LITTLE FREE LIBRARY honoring my daughter Dr. Randie Danielle Camp, near Iowa State University in Ames.) – Randolph Randy Camp

Go Further

We want our kids and the generations coming behind us to stand taller and go further than us. In so many ways, my daughter Randie went further and stood taller than I ever will. In spite of countless obstacles and hardships, Randie maintained a warm, giving heart. And it’s this particular quality she possessed, I believe, is the reason her spirit is still felt and with us today. On this day, April 27th, Randie was born in Oceanside, California. I miss our long talks. One minute Randie would be telling me something personal about her life, and the next minute, in her uniquely Randie way, she would shift gears and be telling me about the reasons bell hooks (one of Randie’s many favorite authors) wanted all of the letters of her name printed in lower-case. I’m still having trouble accepting Randie’s passing. A lot of you over the past few years have helped me and our family deal with this never-ending grieving process. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you and I sincerely hope that you and all of your loved ones continue to grow and go beyond even your own expectations. – Randolph Randy Camp

The Power of Movies, Saving Our Children

My daughter Randie and I would have long, deep conversations about books, movies, stories and relatable characters. When I woke up this morning, I thought about Randie and the likely conversation we might’ve had, if she was still with us. I’m pretty sure Randie would have made a comment or two about some of her favorite books that could help people, particularly help kids, to better understand and cope with some of the heated political rhetoric going on right now, as we get closer to election day on November 5th. And I’m sure I definitely would have mentioned one of my favorite movies, NO WAY OUT (1950), which dealt with America’s race relations in a very impactful and entertaining way. The original movie ‘No Way Out’ was made seventy-four years ago but its subject matter and message still resonates today in 2024. Personally, I love this film because it leaves the audience with the very important message that everyone has value and that we all need each other, regardless of our background or skin color. Using words, lyrics, stories, music, and movies are all valuable tools of bibliotherapy. My daughter Randie used books and stories to help her cope with so many heartaches and obstacles of her young life. And for me, I sometimes escape and use journaling and writing stories to help myself cope with certain traumatic events, especially the severe events during my military years. Without a doubt, I know that bibliotherapy can be a very useful tool to help us cope with today’s sometimes-intense political discussions. If you’re still unsure about who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election, I highly recommend anyone to at least watch the ‘No Way Out (1950)’ movie first before casting your vote, especially if you have any concerns about our kids’ future and any concerns about our future race relations here in America. For our kids’ sake we must do something to bring better understanding and healing to this nation. – Randolph Randy Camp

Everybody Has A Story

There’s something uniquely special about each one of us. We all have a story. Some of us keep it bottled up, while some of us freely let it out. The manner in which we express ourselves and tell our stories comes in so many different forms, singing, writing, paintings, spoken-word, artwork, crafts, etc. A few days ago at my grandson Noah’s High School graduation party, I had the privilege of chatting with Nancy Gebhart and some of her art student-friends. Y’all should’ve seen their faces light up when they were each telling me their particular favorite style of art. It’s inspiring to see people excited about their passion and connecting with others in their own unique, creative way. My daughter Randie connected with people through her love of books and literacy. For me personally, expressing myself through writing is such a great healer and a much-needed outlet. Indeed, there’s a story in all of us. What’s your story? Let it out. Side Note: Photo (of Nancy Gebhart and her friends) taken on May 26, 2024 next to the Little Free Library (which is dedicated in honor of Dr. Randie Danielle Camp) at Moore Memorial Park in Ames, Iowa. – Randolph Randy Camp

Stories That Heal: Powers of Bibliotherapy

STORIES THAT HEAL… I’ve always felt at home when visiting the public library. It’s a place where, regardless of your race, ethnicity, bank account or zip code, no one there ever made me feel as though I didn’t belong there. Ever since I heard ‘The Little Engine That Could’ during story time years ago, I felt the power of books and stories. Over the years I learned how bibliotherapy has helped me get through some very difficult events and rough periods. Whether it’s coping with past military trauma or loss of loved ones, reading books, listening to certain songs, journaling or writing my own stories, bibliotherapy has become a necessary outlet for me. The past year was very therapeutic for me, as I spent months rewriting several drafts of ‘Coreville Park a reggae novel’. Although grief and trauma have no expiration date and can linger for years, writing Coreville Park was extremely helpful to me during my ongoing healing process as I was able to channel out some of my pain and old wounds in a creative way. Going to the library, for me, always meant that I could learn something new, which is one of the greatest lessons I’d learned from the teachings of Marcus Garvey. ‘To always be learning and bettering yourself’ is a lesson Marcus Garvey regularly spoke about. In writing Coreville Park a reggae novel I was able to rediscover some of the interesting facts and details of the Rastafarian and reggae culture. Marcus Garvey played such an important role in the foundation of the Rastafarian way of life. Long before there was reggae music there was Marcus Garvey. Here’s another interesting fact about the Rastafarian culture: True Rastas eat only Ital foods (natural foods from the earth). Rastafarians do not eat processed foods or canned food items. Growing up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, I used to dream about places like Australia, Japan and Jamaica, in which I would read about in the many books I’d checked out from the library as a kid. To see my book ‘Coreville Park a reggae novel’ sitting on the shelf at any public library is a dream come true. Whatever your dreams and goals are I hope that they are all realized, and please don’t hesitate to take full advantage of your local library to help and assist you along your journey. Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp (Photo taken at Des Moines Central Public Library, January 2024)

Winter Blessings

Winter Blessings…There’s no shortage of goodhearted neighbors. There’s no shortage of books or winter blessings at RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY and that’s the way Randie would have it. On this cold January morning, I woke up to find numerous toys, games, and books in and around Randie’s Free Library, donated anonymously by the kindness of neighbors. Without a doubt, Randie’s giving spirit is still spreading. It’s a wonderful way to begin 2024.

Autumn Blessings at Randie's Library

Autumn is here. The leaves have fallen and kindness is still permeating. It’s October 20, 2022 and on this bright Thursday morning, RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY was gifted three bags of books. It makes me smile to see people supporting their neighborhood book exchanges and free libraries. And, by the way, if anyone would like to checkout and read the paperback edition of ‘Monica A Short Story Collection’ (which features the short story ‘Randie’s Free Library’) please check the catalog of the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, the Urbandale Public Library, the Des Moines Public Library, etc. for its availability. It truly is a blessing to see Randie’s giving spirit still shining. – Randolph Randy Camp

Dr. Randie Camp...Finding Home

It’s amazing how some people can attract and draw in so many people towards them. And it’s so special when you go out into the world and you actually find true, sincere genuine love. Some of us get lucky with that, and some of us don’t. My daughter Randie was certainly one of the lucky ones. Randie poured her heart and soul into her goals and dreams. She was always climbing higher. Randie was very fortunate when she landed in Ames, Iowa and found ‘home’ there. In the Iowa State University directory (in Dept. of Human Development and Family Studies) this is what Randie said in response to ‘Hometown’, ” I always felt that ‘home’ is a feeling…not a place.” Randie was working on her Ph.D. when she fell ill and couldn’t cross the finish line…but you know what…Yes indeed! Randie’s home team picked her up and carried her across the finish line themselves! From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank all of the good folks at Iowa State University for posthumously awarding ‘Dr. Randie Danielle Camp’ her Ph.D……To me, what the ISU faculty did for Randie was very similar to the Simon Cheprot story. (If you’re unaware of what this Kenyan marathon runner did last year at the 2019 Okpekpe Race, then please do go and check it out…so inspiring!) Again, I would like to thank Tera Jordan, Amy Popillion, Cassandra Dorius, Megan Gilligan, Carl Weems, Kere Hughes-Belding, Laura Jolly, William Graves, and Jonathan Wickert. – Randolph Randy Camp The following text is written in Randie’s own words……I’m not sure this accurately depicts my relationship with reading. Obsessed and addicted come to mind but I could do without the negative connotations. Bookworm? According to Merriam-Webster.com, a bookworm is “a person unusually devoted to reading and study”. Hmmm, getting warmer but I collect books too. Bookworm + collecting books = bibliophile. That’s better but there is still huge piece of my relationship with reading being left out. I love the smell of books, the confirmation email noting an ebook purchase, the way books gather on shelves, the moment the author hooks me into either loving or hating a character, browsing the library, talking about books, reading books aloud, sharing my love of reading with others (especially children or adult non-readers), when one more page turns into three more chapters, helping others understand the value of early literacy, turning to a book for the support and love that the world cannot offer, finding friends in a character, using books to educate myself on an unknown, holding presentations to teach others how to use books as a supportive tool for coping with everything and anything. I just love reading, everything about reading. As it happened, my childhood was very rocky. Books were my constant. My love of reading made it possible for me to develop the skills I needed to cope with life and pursue something better. Now, I seek to empower others. – Randie Danielle Camp (as stated from ‘Randie’s Book Reviews’)

*Please note: The LITTLE FREE LIBRARY honoring Dr. Randie Danielle Camp is located at Moore Memorial Park in Ames, Iowa. (RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY, also honoring Dr. Randie Camp, is located on Kirkwood Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa).