Help Along The Way

Rich or poor, struggling or striving, I will always be grateful for each and every soul who had a hand in shaping me. In order to grow, every plant needs to be nurtured. Whether it was during our nature walks or working in the greenhouse, I learned a lot from our teacher Ms. Birdie West. Just like plants, we’re all reaching for the sky in one way or another. And certainly, no matter where we’re headed to, we are truly blessed whenever we get a little help along the way. Ever since I heard my Great Uncle Albright Brooks play the spoons when I was a little boy, I’ve been loving music. And when I first heard ‘The Little Engine That Could’ during story time, I instantly became fascinated with the power of words and stories. Without a doubt, these were the seeds of my dream. When I was coming up, certain songs I heard in church and on the radio had a profound effect on me. More than anything, I wanted my own radio. I was eight years old and had not a single penny in my pocket, but I was determined to get my first radio. One day, I was skimming through the sales inserts tucked in the Fredericksburg Free Lance Star. The Radio Shack insert advertised a transistor radio with a stylish brown leather case for $4.99. The Kmart flyer showcased a no-frills transistor radio for $2.99 (with the battery excluded). At that moment, I was on a mission. To make some money, our father taught me and my brothers how to pull copper wires from old, junkie cars and then burn the rubber off in a big, iron barrel. After the bare copper wires had cooled off, we would put them in a brown grocery bag we had gotten from Earl’s Supermarket. I’ll never ever forget that one particular week during my childhood because that was the week when God decided to send a few Angels my way. I had been searching and pulling wires for four days straight, and since I couldn’t afford to buy a brand new battery for the radio I plan to get, my cousin Jimmy James Carter gave me a spare 9-volt battery for free. Back then Jimmy James was our local ‘Mister Fix-It’ man. Jimmy James is a jack of all trades. Y’all should’ve seen my face when Jimmy showed me his sketch book years ago. I was amazed how well Jimmy drew a ’57 Chevy and a Ford Mustang with such perfection! But aside from his artwork, Jimmy James could fix anything. Matter ‘ fact, Jimmy was the first person who showed me what a PC circuit board looked like, as he opened up an eight-track tape player and repaired a broken wire. (Jimmy James is a kind soul who would do anything for anybody. I pray that God continue to watch over him and keep him in good health.) I was so grateful for the 9-volt battery from Jimmy James that day, and now it was time to go to the metal scrap yard to see how much money my copper wires are worth. One of my brothers put his bag of copper wires on the weighing scale and we all watched the needle quickly jump upward. My brother proudly smiled as Mr. Clark handed him three dollars and fifty cents. Next, it was my turn to place my bag on the sensitive scale. My father and Mr. Clark had known each other a long time. When we first arrived at the scrap yard, my father mentioned to Mr. Clark that I wanted to buy a new transistor radio at Kmart with the money I got from my copper. Honestly, still to this day, I remember being so anxious and nervous because it felt like my Earl’s brown grocery bag probably weighed more than the few burnt wires crumbled up at the bottom of the bag. When my bag rested on the scale, the needle barely moved. As I looked down, through the corner of my eye, I could see the tip of Mr. Clark’s dirty work boot slightly touching the outer edge of the scale and the needle suddenly jumped upward! As Mr. Clark handed me three dollars and twenty-five cents, a big sigh of relief swept across my face. It’s the fall of 2026 and things aren’t always easy for a lot of us, but I sincerely hope that each one of you have a few good people and a few Angels looking out for you. – Randolph Randy Camp Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

It's Okay To Dream

Don’t be afraid to dream, big or small. Distance yourself from negativity and surround yourself with positive people. There will be setbacks and disappointments. Positive-minded, true friends will help you through rough patches and rejections. Whenever possible, hone your craft, practice, rehearse, and study the path you’re about to take until you’re fairly comfortable. And most importantly, believe in yourself and learn to turn rejections into your greatest motivation. I remember getting my first rejection letter years ago. Sure, it hurt. But, I kept writing. Don’t let anyone stop you from dreaming. Dreams give us hope, and hope keeps us going. – Randolph Randy Camp (Photo: Me making a point to an independent producer about one of the main characters in ‘Wet Matches’) Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Tell Your Story

Tell Your Story… Don’t let others define you. There are some who are counting on you to quit. The moment we quit is the moment we allow others to label and define us. I was always a ‘school boy’, a book nerd, and I certainly was taunted and teased for it. I remember being laughed at and mocked when I used to tell others about my stories and dreams. My horticulture teacher, Ms. Birdie West (R.I.P.), was one of my favorite teachers back in Spotsylvania County because she was instrumental in building my confidence. “Randy, you’ll get there,” Ms. West would often tell me. In a world where people are getting some sort of joy out of demeaning others, we must never give up on ourselves. It’s mid-August 2025, and earlier today I was informed that four of my books will be published as hardcover editions worldwide. (I wish Ms. Birdie West was still with us so that I could share this moment with her.) We need to be proud of ourselves and never be afraid to express who we are. Don’t be afraid to tell your story. If someone else can benefit from your story then you must tell it, no matter what. And don’t let a rejection letter discourage you. Matter ‘ fact, make good use of that rejection letter by using the backside to outline your next project. – Randolph Randy Camp

Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Keep At It

Finish what you started. Some days are better than others. Keep at it. There were times when I felt like throwing in the towel but I kept at it. Keep chipping away at your goals. In the photo is the plaque mentioned in my previous piece ‘Between Friday and Monday’ (see the full article on LinkedIn.) – Randolph Randy Camp More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Keep Going

Keep Going… Like any other year, 2024 had its fair share of ups and downs. Sometimes we smile when we feel like crying. There were moments when I felt like throwing in the towel. We’ve all had these moments. Sometimes they are fleeting, and sometimes these moments stick around a little too long. We all have wounds and scars that others don’t readily see. We’ve been told over and over to keep moving and keep going, especially when things don’t go our way. It’s not easy but that’s true. We each have different reasons, different motivations and outlets that keep us moving. We have to find a way to keep going. So, as we approach 2025, I sincerely hope that everything works out in your favor for each one of you. And I want to give a Special Thanks to everyone who have continually supported Randie’s Free Library and have kept my entire family in your hearts and prayers. Remember to smile if you want to smile. Cry when you need to cry, but no matter what, don’t ever give up, keep moving, keep going. Happy Holidays, Everyone! – 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

What God Gave You

I hope that 2020 will be the year where your dreams are realized, or at least, you will start making baby steps toward your dreams. God gave each and every one of us something special. I realize that not everyone's been dealt the same hand. Unfortunately, sometimes we get dealt bad cards in life. Regardless of your situation, no matter how deep your hole may seem, please remember that there's always a way out. I know that it's hard to just get up and out of bed sometimes but you must find a way to get up n' move.


Ever since I was a little boy I had this crazy dream of writing stories and writing my own book one day. Sometimes I would get discouraged but one day during story time at my elementary school, I heard the inspiring story of 'The Little Engine That Could' for the very first time and from that day on, I kept dreaming and writing with a renewed sense of confidence.


Today, as a writer, one of my greatest joys is getting an invitation for a classroom book talk session. Whatever your passion, keep believing in yourself, keep dreaming and honing your craft. You never know where or how far your dreams will take you. Let what God gave you get you to where you want to go. - Randolph Randy Camp


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

Make Magic Happen

There’s something uniquely special about you. Discovering this special thing inside of you will be your gift to the rest of us.


Along your journey there will be some who will try to belittle and ridicule you. There will be some who can’t wait ’til you fall or fail, but don’t let anyone slow you down.


In my own life experience, I’ve personally witnessed the beauty of staying true to yourself and staying positive. If you continue to believe in whatever your passion is and always follow your heart you will find out that people will gladly support you and your aspirations. These are the people that will extend their hand when you fall, instead of laughing at you. And this is why I’ve always believed that there are definitely more good people in this world than negative ones.


Sometimes it’s hard to see and realize that uniquely special thing inside of you because you’re constantly in survival mode or simply trying your best to maintain your sanity due to all of the crap surrounding you. If you keep believing in yourself, one day you will make magic happen when you find a way to turn that negative crap into something positive. – Randolph Randy Camp


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

Brick by Brick

You’re capable of doing whatever you want to do. You are here for a purpose. Your thoughts and dreams are important. Regardless of your age, your zip code or your skin color, remember that there’s no expiration date on your goals and dreams. You were born for a reason. Rejection and ridicule are obstacles, but mere pebbles in the road. Don’t get discouraged. Dreams don’t expire. Brick by brick, step by step, keep your eye on the ball. You will get there. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

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

Light Your Fire, Dreams Never Die

I absolutely love music. I was one of those kids who not only enjoyed the beat and melody of a song but I also listened intensely to every lyric. During the late 70’s, I’d acquired a huge vinyl record collection. My taste in music was very eclectic. I had albums by Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley & the Wailers, etc.


Just like everyone else, during my youth I went through several phases. I wanted to be a writer. I always wanted to play the guitar like Hendrix. At one point during these early years in Spotsylvania County, I had this crazy notion that I was going to share my love of music with others by spinning records at a club and make a name for myself as a popular deejay.
I felt compelled to make good use of my extensive record collection. And especially after listening to Bob Marley’s ‘Natty Dread’ album for the first time, something inside of me told me that everybody in Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg should hear this cool reggae rhythm.


At this time I didn’t have my own car yet, so one night I got a chance to ride in my brother Ricky’s blue Dodge Dart (man, he kept that car so clean!) for the very first time. That night Ricky drove me around through Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania while I pitched my deejay dreams to local club managers. I had this crazy dream that I was going to slowly ease some Marley reggae into my dance mix if I’d gotten the job to spin some records one or two nights a week. I remember this one particular manager in Fredericksburg laughing right in front of me when he struggled to properly pronounce ‘reggae’ for the third time and then said, “We just don’t want that kind of music in here, son.”


No, I never did learn to play the guitar like Hendrix. No, I never did become that popular deejay who would  help spread that reggae vibe throughout Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County years ago. But, eventually my dream came to fruition as I wrote a novel that currently sells all over the world. And in this particular novel (’29 Dimes’), I’d created a character named ‘Teki’, who fronts an all-female reggae band in Silver Lake, California. During my book talk sessions, many students have expressed to me how Teki was one of their favorite characters of all from my four novels.


Regardless of your age, if there is something you’ve always wanted to do, please light that fire once again and see it come to life. I’m nearly 60 now, and what I’ve learned over these years is that your goals and dreams may shift and possibly take on different forms or shapes, but in the end, the core of your true dreams never really die. – Randolph Randy Camp


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

Your World Too

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and Birthday Wishes. I take nothing for granted. When I was very young I didn’t even know what it meant to have indoor plumbing or running water. I’ll never forget my humbled beginnings and the backwoods of Spotsylvania County where my dreams were shaped. As a child I used to sit on the bank of the Rappahannock River, watch the water flow and daydream about becoming a writer one day.
Today I’m so blessed and grateful. I truly appreciate every one of you. Regardless of your beginnings, regardless of whatever, don’t let anyone or anything stop you. Whatever limitations or labels others have placed upon you it’s your own description of yourself that matters most. Always remember that you’re uniquely special, valuable and that this is your world too. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Shining Brighter: 2018

Every year we all make new resolutions. Sometimes we accomplish them, and sometimes we just let them fade away. For me, personally, I’ve learned over the years to not put too much pressure on myself by setting strict deadlines or making strong commitments, which were unrealistic in the first place. For 2018, I simply want to shine brighter.


Shining brighter could mean different things to different people. Shining brighter, in my own life, is simply trying to reach and inspire more people than the previous year.


Setting goals and accomplishing goals are two separate things. Personally, taking baby steps instead of giant leaps have been greatly beneficial to me. We all get discouraged, but don’t throw in the towel, just keep taking those small steps. Life is always a struggle, and realistically, things will get rough at times, but in your own special way, I hope that all of you will find a way to shine brighter in 2018. – Randolph Randy Camp


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

Lighting Sparks

It’s Friday, September 29th and I’m filled with gratitude and overjoyed this morning after reading a letter from one of my new blog followers. Melissa is 14 years old. She’s from South Carolina and excitedly informed me that she was motivated to start her own neighborhood newsletter after reading one of my older blog posts.
More than book sales, more than anything, what motivates me most is lighting sparks. This is the blog post that lit a spark in Melissa:

WHY YOU WAS BORN…
As I’m about to pack up and head back home, I can’t seem to get this 17 year old girl out of my mind who’d approached me at the book signing earlier today. She had dyed her hair with yellow and purple streaks similar to ‘Teki’, one of my characters in my latest novel, and she walked up to me slowly with an acoustic guitar strapped around her shoulders.
Unlike the others in line, this young lady didn’t have one of my books in her hand for me to sign, instead she politely asked, “Mr. Camp, can I sing you a song?” I nodded ‘sure’ and she started strumming her six-string. She blew me away as she sung “Vehicles”, a song I’d written for ‘Teki’, which was featured in the novel ’29 Dimes’.
A small crowd had gathered around her as she filled the air with her beautiful voice and played the guitar. Needless to say, it was a special moment. After she’d finished the song, we had a moment to chat, and that’s when she told me that she never knew what she wanted to do with her life until about a year ago when she read ’29 Dimes’ and started identifying with the character ‘Teki’. She went on to tell me that she now is destined to write and hopefully record her own songs.
I told her that she has a God-given talent, and then I reminded her of the old adage, “There are two important dates in your life, the day you was born and the day you discover why you was born.”

I’m slowly approaching sixty now and over the years, I’ve learned that lighting sparks in others has a way greater value than chasing dollars. Have a great weekend, Everyone. And to you, Melissa, thank you so much for re-lighting the spark in me. – Randolph Randy Camp

*(photo: This picture is rarely publicized because the camera actually caught me in the midst of a blink: It was taken after a classroom book talk session)
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

You Are Important Too

All of our goals and dreams start with a vision. It’s our own fear sometimes that stops us from our own potential. If you’ve been dreaming about becoming your own boss, perhaps, opening up your own restaurant but you’ve talked yourself out of actually pursuing it, well, it’s time for you to stop doubting yourself and just go for it! Sit down tonight and begin to write down all of your special dishes you’ve enjoyed making for your family and others over the years. Envision the patrons at the tables reading your colorful menu. If you’ve always wanted to write a novel then stop talking about it and write your opening sentence. And then you have to envision the image or artwork on the front cover. If you want that desk job with that decent salary then envision yourself sitting there at that big oak desk talking on the phone or typing that big important executive memo.  We work all day for others, allowing and helping others to pursue their dreams, but what about your goals? How much time are you devoting to your own dreams and goals? Don’t become that bitter, grumpy person later in life because you’d let your dream wither away. You are important. Your dreams and goals are important. Your goals and dreams can be realized, just envision it!  – Randolph Randy Camp

More at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Wrong Cheerleaders

In my own life, I’ve witnessed an old adage to be true: Do something you love and prosperity will follow. Mind you, over the years I’ve realized that once you stop chasing the dollar you will have a better understanding of true prosperity. Reaching someone, touching someone, moving someone, inspiring someone all have such greater impact than simply having a fat wallet and handing out bills.


We must be careful not to envy and idolize those with fat wallets who maybe keeping us in a state of mental slavery. Sadly, there are those around us who, inconspicuously, don’t want to see you rise. Secretly, they seem to get a kick out of seeing you always below them. Regardless of whatever, stay focus on your passion, your goals and dreams. You will be amazed at how inner peace comes into your life, which is true prosperity.


Surround yourself with those who genuinely celebrate your steps towards your goals. Often, we have the wrong cheerleaders around us. – Randolph Randy Camp


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

Go Far

I don’t know how many times I had the door slammed in my face. And early on, receiving rejection letters became the norm. Don’t let others define you. Don’t let your day job define you. If I’d let the rejection letters slow me down and stop knocking on doors, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now writing this piece to encourage you to go as far as you can and don’t let anyone or anything stop you. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Mile 19: A Runner's Dream

Don’t give up on people. There’s good in everybody, although in some it’s hidden. Often, a person just need someone to believe in them first, before they start believing in themselves.

My legs were close to giving out. It felt as though I was hitting the infamous runners’ wall. My breathing was heavy and my mouth was extremely dry. I was running the Los Angeles Marathon for the second year in a row. I’ve always loved running, and I ran the LA Marathon as a fundraiser for my favorite charity. I was slowly approaching mile 19 where a line of kids, wearing ‘I Have A Dream’ Foundation T-shirts, stood on the side with cups and small bottles of water in their extended hands.

While living in Los Angeles several years ago, I volunteered with The ‘I Have A Dream’ Foundation and worked closely with the “dreamers”, which are kids mostly from low-income, gang-infested neighborhoods who are promised college tuition or vocational school funds after they’d graduated high school. Soaked in sweat, I was turning the corner at mile 19 and noticed one of the ‘dreamers’ stepping out from the group of energetic, cheering kids with the cups and mini-bottles of water. She stepped into my path and quickly got my attention while wildly waving a bottle of water. She made sure that I was only getting water from her. This was a special moment for both of us. This particular girl would regularly roll her eyes and typically shrug off helpful advice and guidance from me for the past several months as she struggled to maintain a positive outlook within a household and neighborhood filled with school dropouts and gang members.

I’m writing this piece today because the girl at mile 19 who’d handed me the much-needed water is now all grown up and doing quite well for herself. She keeps in touch with me, and recently had sent me an email, whereby she referenced the LA Marathon and our special moment at mile 19, and then she went on further, thanking me for not giving up on her and always believing in her.

I hope that all of you have someone believing in you, or perhaps, you believing in someone else. – Randolph Randy Camp

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

Shine On Baby, Shine!

Ever since I can remember I was always attracted to stories that had a bit of truth in them and the ones that left me with a sense of hope that things will get better. And, to this day, when I write my own original stories, I try to embed bits of hope and a sense of truth in them as well. Without a doubt, the book ‘The Little Engine That Could’ changed my life as a kid, and certainly lit the first spark of inspiration for me becoming a successful writer one day.


What are your favorite books or movies? In the movie department, ‘Imitation of Life’, ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’, ‘Butterfield 8’, ‘Billy Jack’, and ‘A Patch of Blue’ are my personal all-time favorite films. Each one of these movies had touched me in a special way when I first watched them so many moons ago, and each of them definitely had a hand in giving me the audacity to dream and possibly think that one of my very own stories would ever grace and come alive on the big silver screen some day.


As 2017 continue to roll out, I sincerely hope that all of you, especially my dear fans,  readers, friends, and followers from all around the globe, become one step closer to your own goals and dreams, and that your life will continue to shine with an abundance of  inspiration, hope and truth.  Yes, indeed, I hope you all shine brightly in 2017! Shine On!- Randolph Randy Camp


(PHOTO: Independent Film Producer Rachel Rand with Screenwriter Randy Camp, 2017)
Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Unattended Tools

Aside from writing I also enjoy woodworking. The other day I walked into my backyard shed and looked at my carpentry tools. It hit me that I hadn’t touched those tools in quite awhile, which got me thinking about how we sometimes don’t utilize our own God-given, natural talents. Some of you are gifted architects, engineers, painters, teachers, carpenters, mechanics, electricians, writers, ect., but, for whatever reason, we often come up with somewhat-convincing excuses for not using our own tools. And I’ll be the first to admit that I’m certainly guilty of this. I told myself that I was going to make at least ten new bird houses this year. After I finish this piece and step away from this computer, I'm going to start making my first bird house of 2017. (I currently have 16 bird houses in my backyard and front yard.)

Do you have tools not being used? Is there a singer inside of you? Do you have a great business mind? Is there a great story inside of you that only you could write? Do you often come up with great product ideas? Is there a great inventor inside of you? How much happier and much more fulfilling and meaningful would our lives be if we started using our unattended tools? – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp