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.

Books for Everyone!

I’ve been loving books ever since I was a little boy. It’s a shame and a disgrace that some politicians and school districts want to ban certain books nowadays. Placing strong restrictions on teachers and controlling how they conduct their classroom hurts the students. The classroom should be a place that nurtures open mindedness, not a place that erases history or attempts to brainwash young minds. I love it when some public libraries and book stores, large chains and small independent ones, proudly display and offer the ‘banned books’ to the general public. This photo was taken at Barnes & Noble, October 26, 2022. – Randolph Randy Camp

Kira on The Campaign Trail at Randie's Free Library

It’s great to see people involved and engaging with their community. Canvassing and participating in grassroots campaigning certainly isn’t for everybody. Kira says that she loves it because she gets to meet and chat with so many interesting people. Kira is campaigning for Dr. Megan Srinivas, running for Iowa House District 30. By the way, Kira is an avid reader and her favorite children’s book is ‘Where The Wild Things Are’, which had a big impact on her life.

Randie's Free Library

Randie Danielle Camp has always had a very giving heart. With limited resources, Randie always tried her best to brighten someone's life, especially through stories and books. Randie is still giving, even during this pandemic and the snowfall we had last night. Have a safe n' Merry Christmas, Everyone. - Randolph Randy Camp (Note: Randie's Free Library is located on Kirkwood Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa)

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’)

APPRECIATING GRACIOUS NEIGHBORS: Randie's Free Library...During this coronavirus pandemic many public libraries are shutdown or only offering limited services. Please consider donating your used books to a neighborhood free library or book exchange. Books have this amazing ability to light up someone's life. Randie's Free Library would like to thank our Kirkwood Avenue neighbors, Mark and Jen, for their gracious donation of over fifty books recently. And again, a big thank you to Sherry Grant, the St. Vincent dePaul Society (Kristen, Chad, and Jennifer), the Forest Branch of the Des Moines Public Library, and so many other kind neighbors who have contributed to the growing collection of books at Randie's Free Library, and for keeping Randie Danielle Camp's dream alive by spreading the joy of reading to everyone. Read, read, read. Thank you, Randolph Randy Camp

*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).

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).

Angels Among Us

Thank God for the Angels among us. This 2020 year thusfar has been a challenge, to say the least, but it’s an unusually warm, sunny November day in Des Moines today. I’d pulled into my driveway a little while ago and noticed a box sitting on my front doorstep. The box was addressed to ‘RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY’. It had traveled over a 1000 miles from Fredericksburg, Virginia! Thank you Sherry Grant for fulfilling my daughter’s dream and for being one of God’s Angels. Sherry, your box of nearly 100 children’s books will certainly put a smile on a kid’s face and brighten a kid’s life here in Des Moines. So many of you are Angels, and the coolest and the most beautiful thing about it is that you don’t need or bother to seek out any fanfare for your good deeds. Yes indeed, thank God for all of you Humbled Angels among us. – Randolph Randy Camp (Note:Located on Kirkwood Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY honors the life of Randie Danielle Camp, who devoted most of her adult years to teaching the importance of literacy and the healing benefits of Bibliotherapy.)

APPRECIATING GRACIOUS NEIGHBORS: Randie's Free Library...During this coronavirus pandemic many public libraries are shutdown or only offering limited services. Please consider donating your used books to a neighborhood free library or book exchange. Books have this amazing ability to light up someone's life. Randie's Free Library would like to thank our Kirkwood Avenue neighbors, Mark and Jen, for their gracious donation of over fifty books recently. And again, a big thank you to Sherry Grant, the St. Vincent dePaul Society (Kristen, Chad, and Jennifer), the Forest Branch of the Des Moines Public Library, and so many other kind neighbors who have contributed to the growing collection of books at Randie's Free Library, and for keeping Randie Danielle Camp's dream alive by spreading the joy of reading to everyone. Read, read, read. Thank you, Randolph Randy Camp

Randie's Free Library

Located on Kirkwood Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa, Randie's Free Library honors the life of Randie Danielle Camp, who devoted most of her adult years to teaching the importance of literacy and the sometimes healing powers of Bibliotherapy.

APPRECIATING GRACIOUS NEIGHBORS: Randie's Free Library...During this coronavirus pandemic many public libraries are shutdown or only offering limited services. Please consider donating your used books to a neighborhood free library or book exchange. Books have this amazing ability to light up someone's life. Randie's Free Library would like to thank our Kirkwood Avenue neighbors, Mark and Jen, for their gracious donation of over fifty books recently. And again, a big thank you to Sherry Grant, the St. Vincent dePaul Society (Kristen, Chad, and Jennifer), the Forest Branch of the Des Moines Public Library, and so many other kind neighbors who have contributed to the growing collection of books at Randie's Free Library, and for keeping Randie Danielle Camp's dream alive by spreading the joy of reading to everyone. Read, read, read. Thank you, 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 Park in Ames, Iowa. (RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY, also honoring Dr. Randie Camp, is located on Kirkwood Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa).

Getting Started

Whatever you want to do in life you can do it. I didn’t realize it back then but the seeds of becoming a writer probably were planted years ago in rural Spotsylvania County when I used to sit along the banks of the Rappahannock River and sort of daydream for hours while watching the water flow.


Yep, when I was a little boy I definitely was one of them book nerds who paid more attention to the Rappahannock Regional Mobile Library route schedule rather than caring whether or not if the Washington Redskins beat the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.


I owe some of my early dedication to a few of my elementary school teachers in Spotsylvania who gave me encouragement, especially when I naively would tell friends and classmates about some of the wild stories and dreams in my head and how the Rappahannock River was like a friend to me. I eventually became a somewhat quiet, shy kid because some of these kids would make fun of me and call me crazy. But I’ll never forget the day when one of my teachers said, “Randy, you’re not crazy, people tend to quickly call anything crazy that they don’t understand, and you’re just crazy about your stories, that’s all, so just start writing them down instead of telling the other kids about them.” Needless to say, I couldn’t stop writing after that.


Today, I’m so blessed and grateful to have readers, followers, and a small-but-growing fan base. Periodically, I would receive emails from aspiring writers from around the world expressing general comments and questions about getting started and copyright protection.


If you’re a budding writer and would like to know more about getting a literary agent, proper novel manuscript format, writing great query letters, or just general questions about protecting your material with the Copyright Office, here are a couple Links that could be helpful:
1. US Copyright Office (https://www.copyright.gov/registration/)
2. Writers Guild of America, East (https://www.wgaeast.org)


Lastly, it might be hard to believe, but it’s actually true that getting started on any or whatever your goals and dreams are can simply start by getting your library card, simple but actually true. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Dani: Lighting Sparks

I have a strong belief that everyone has a special gift and was born for a specific reason. On April 27, 1987 Randie Danielle ‘Dani’ Camp was born. Through the years she has experienced her fair share of setbacks, hardships and dark moments. But her unbelievable driving spirit didn’t let those dark periods deter her from achieving and accomplishing her goals.


Dani has a passion for reading and teaching. Today, Dani is inspiring and lighting sparks in so many kids (and adults), as she is the Family Literacy Coordinator and Educator for Raising Readers of Story County in Iowa (https://www.raising-readers.org)


For those of you who haven’t met Dani yet you should see her face just light up whenever she’s speaking about the powerful impact of bibliotherapy, especially on young kids who maybe going through a rough patch.


This coming Saturday is Dani’s birthday, and she’d set up a fundraiser page for Raising Readers (https://www.facebook.com/donate/2288539324501357/ ) if anyone would like to contribute in honor of her birthday.


As Dani’s father, I’m just blown away by her relentless spirit and passion for reading. I have no doubt about the reason why this beautiful young lady was born.


Happy early Birthday Randie ‘Dani’, and may God bless you as you continue to light sparks in so many others. – Randolph Randy Camp
*(photo taken at Gray’s Lake in Des Moines, Iowa)

Book Talk Event with Author Randolph Randy Camp

Click the following LINK to read the full article about Writer Randolph Randy Camp return to his hometown for a Book Talk Event in Spotsylvania County on December 9, 2017.  http://www.fredericksburg.com/entertainment/arts/books/locally-born-author-of-young-adult-fiction-to-speak-at/article_8c1415b1-a28b-56ea-b13f-c5a5a20a6391.html

The Journey



Sometimes we let others discourage and derail us. Growing up in rural Virginia years ago, I found a sense of adventure and escape within the pages of various books. Yep, even back then I knew that I was a book nerd, and I was certainly teased and ridiculed for it.

When I was young, I absolutely loved reading stories and books about different cultures. I was so fascinated with the Aborigines of Australia and their 'walkabout' ritual (whereby a boy transitions into manhood) that I wanted to experience my very own walkabout here in America. So, at age 15, I up and left my country roots in Spotsylvania County and went on a 'rite of passage' journey. My adventurous journey came to an end in the big city of Philadelphia, in which the juvenile court system there classified as a 'teen runaway' case.

When I was detained at the juvenile detention center in Philadelphia, I remember the intake worker making fun of me to her coworker who was sitting nearby when I'd quickly answered with a no-nonsense expression "I was on my walkabout" when she'd asked with a puzzled face, "Why did you runaway to Philadelphia?" The moment the intake worker heard the word 'walkabout' leave my mouth, she instantly shot her coworker a twisted look as both of them burst into laughter. Still today, I vividly remember that intake worker's look. It was the same look I got from some folks years ago when I used to tell them that I was going to write my own book one day. It was a look that said that I must be crazy...a mental case...just another dreamer.

In contrast, about a year ago, I got a completely different look. It wasn't a condescending look that questioned my mental state, but a look that was of sincere admiration. Just before I'd moved to Iowa in 2015, at a New Jersey book signing event, a young lady approached me and quietly commented, "Mr. Camp, I love the titles of all your books. How do you come up with titles like '29 Dimes' and '...Then The Rain'?" When I explained to the young lady that my stories and novels are usually metaphoric mirrors of my life and my walkabout journey to Philadelphia specifically was the inspiration behind my second novel '...Then The Rain', she immediately smiled and gave me one of those genuine looks of surprise.

In spite of others' ridicule and condescending laughter, don't ever let them discourage you from your goals and dreams. Let your heart guide you and keep you on track. - Randolph Randy Camp

More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Seeds and Harvest

When we're young and innocent we truly don't know how our lives will turn out, but I can attest to the fact that you can enrich your life by doing good deeds and by the positive seeds you sow.
Yesterday I'd received an email query from one of my readers from Hachinohe, Japan. She had read my novel 'False Dandelions' and was curious to find out if I actually had a green thumb or not. Ayane's question instantly set my mind adrift to my early years growing up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, where I would sit under shade trees, scribble out short poems and jot down my thoughts and dreams. Little did I know then that those simple words were seeds...seeds that would one day grow and form a life of their own.
In 1977, when I was 16 years old, I remember sitting in my backyard writing this little ditty about a girl named Shelly who'd run away from home. At that time I didn't even have a title for those lyrics, but through the years, those few words about Shelly, in which I'd initially written 39 years ago, have taken shape and have been transformed into my award-winning story 'Wet Matches', which today is my best-selling book (of my four novels). After high school, I'd joined the U.S. Air Force, and during my off-duty and down time when I was stationed overseas in Korea and Germany, I expanded my short, untitled ditty about this young runaway girl into a short story. As time went on and I was discharged from the military, I would always find time to write and expand this short story even further into a novel manuscript entitled 'Wet Matches', as it is known today.
No, we can't predict our future and we may not always know the roads and paths ahead of us, but there's something special and inspiring to having blind faith in doing good deeds and sowing our positive seeds. And certainly I'm not monetarily wealthy from my book sales, but I do live a blessed and enriched life due to the daily feedback I get from you all. Not a day goes by without me showing gratitude to all of my readers, followers and fans from around the world. Although my books or I aren't on any national or international bestsellers' list, it's definitely gratifying to reap the true rewards of the seeds I've sown so many years ago. And I hope that you too will have a great harvest as well, as you continue to sow your own seeds.
By the way, to answer Ayane's question, no, I don't believe that I have a green thumb because I would get yelled at when I was a boy working for this neighbor lady who would pay me fifty cents an hour to weed out her flowerbeds, and many times I'd mistakenly yank up one of her precious flowers, which I naively thought was a common weed.....Stay positive Everybody! - Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Running Water

It’s a dream come true for me to be able to write and connect with people from around the world with my words and stories. I celebrated my 55th birthday this past week, and I want to thank EVERYONE for all of your birthday wishes and gifts. I came from humble beginnings, and I take nothing for granted. I’m always blown away by the slightest connection and interaction with my readers, followers, friends and family. I’m truly fortunate to have received emails and gift cards from folks all around the globe. It’s not too often that I find myself blushing, but this year, for some reason, my birthday wishes and gifts poured in from people and places that I honestly didn’t expect. Yes, indeed, I’m truly a blessed man.
Growing up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, our family and many other families around us did not have running water (modern plumbing and sewage system inside the home). So, in taking nothing for granted, I’m very appreciative of all gifts and blessings bestowed upon me, but I’ll always be extremely grateful for my sight, the fingers on my hands, the air in my lungs and running water all around me. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

A Pinch of Salt: Character Growth

One of the many joys I get from being an author is having discussions or answering questions from aspiring writers via email or during classroom book talk sessions. Due to my recent move from New York to Iowa, I haven’t had a chance to check my inbox as I normally would. After checking my (overflowing) mailbox yesterday, I thought that it might be best to write this post, as it may answer a wide variety of questions regarding character development, and simultaneously offer what I consider to be my greatest advice to aspiring writers of any age.
Along with never having your characters sound the same, I think that adding a little spice to your character is one of the best tools in creative writing because it makes your characters more realistic and it certainly adds flavor and depth to your story as well. In my novel ‘WET MATCHES’, the backstory of one of my adult characters named Jack was revealed as the plot unfolded. In the story, the reader connects a childhood incident in which Jack experiences in the 6th grade with his current, sometimes unpredictable behavior when he’s interacting with certain individuals.
Providing your readers with some insight into your characters’ childhood experiences or their backstory is a very valuable tool. Showing how your characters are different or may have grown from chapter one through chapter ten is another valuable tool in creative writing, and it’s clear evidence of your characters’ growth.
In real life, no two humans are the same and this should be the same in your stories. No two characters should sound or behave in the same manner. Revealing a character’s backstory is a great method of adding spice and seasoning to your character, which will only enhance and make your whole story more interesting and tasty to your readers.  – Randolph Randy Camp
More Writing Tips at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

A Better World Through Books...Used Books

 Putting a smile on a book lover’s face is priceless. There are way too many people who would love to read a new book but simply can’t afford one, and that’s where you come in. Your used books would have a huge impact on someone else’s life. So, please join me once again for FREE BOOK SATURDAY  (#freebooksaturday) to help brighten somebody’s world. And if you have any photos, please post and share them. – Randolph Randy Camp
Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Tying the Knots (or not): Randy's Writing Tips

As with any story, it’s common knowledge that you should have a good beginning, middle, and a good ending. Not unless you are intentionally setting up your next sequel with an exciting cliffhanger, it’s always best to answer all questions of your plot so that your readers aren’t left scratching their heads at the end.
But, as already mentioned, if you’re strategically setting up the lead in to your continuation, then it’s best to limit your cliffhanger teaser to only one or two characters. You don’t want to leave your readers puzzled about large chunks of the major plot, but leaving them hungry and guessing about “what happened to so-and-so?” isn’t too hard to digest, and if written with the perfect amount of creative tease, it could get your sequel off to a great financial success. – Randolph Randy Camp
Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

GIVING: A WONDERFUL THING

Giving someone the tools to expand their knowledge and imagination is a beautiful thing, and that’s what #freebooksaturday is all about. Simply take your used books and freely offer them to your neighbors. Touch someone’s soul this Easter weekend by participating in your own Free Book Saturday event. And please share your photos, if any. – Randolph Randy Camp
Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Neighbor Helping Neighbor: Global Appeal For Free Book Saturday

Thank you Everyone who participated in the very first #freebooksaturday Global  ongoing Event on March 21st. Give your used books to your neighbors is a win-win for everybody. Let’s make this coming Saturday March 28th a big success as well. Putting a smile on a book lover’s face is priceless. There are way too many people who would love to read a new book but simply can’t afford one, and that’s where you come in. Your used books would have a huge impact on someone else’s life. So, please join me once again for FREE BOOK SATURDAY to help brighten somebody’s world. And if you have any photos, please post and share them. – Randolph Randy Camp
Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp