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

Testify: Where Ya From

No matter where you’re at or what you’ve been through you can still reach your destiny. As a kid growing up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, I would sometimes get really sad because the world around me didn’t always match the world in the books I would read and one day hope to write myself. But, at the little country church on the then-dirt and gravel road, I remember listening to the uplifting gospel songs of ‘Ain’t Gonna Study War No More’, ‘This Little Light of Mine’, and listening to the encouraging sermons from Elder John ‘Sonny Boy’ Carter and Elder William Camp (my father). Whether they were preaching behind the pulpit of the Highway Christian Church down on Camptown Road or speaking with you outside in the yard, their words were always positive and encouraging. I have fond memories of my time at this little church. Although no one had a lot of financial wealth, I remember when people would stand up to testify in church, they were so grateful for what they did have. I’m truly grateful for these two men because they, along with my wonderful school teachers, played a big role in keeping me motivated. “A tree without roots will not grow” is a quote from Marcus Garvey, and I certainly will never forget where I came from or those who have had a hand in shaping me. – Randolph Randy Camp Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp (Photos: Highway Christian Church, Elder John ‘Sonny Boy’ Carter, Elder William H. Camp, Sr)

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

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

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

Teacher Appreciation from Author Randy Camp

At age 18, during June 1979, a couple weeks before Randy Camp’s High School graduation, he wrote the ‘Put Something Back’ letter-to-the-editor, as a ‘thank you’ to his teachers of Spotsylvania County, Virginia… “LETTER TO THE EDITOR” which was published in the local newspaper FREDERICKSBURG FREE LANCE- STAR on June 5, 1979… PUT SOMETHING BACK, GRADUATES URGED To the Editor: I am a senior at Spotsylvania High School and will be graduating in a couple of weeks. This year many seniors from our area high schools will be going away to colleges and trade schools to become professionals in the business world and other fields. I hope that many of us will return to this area to put our skills and special training to work. We must not forget where we come from or those who helped us to get where we are (or will be). I can’t speak for every senior, but I have taken something very valuable from this area, and I feel that I must put something back to show my appreciation. I am speaking of education. I have learned that a person should give if he or she has received. I hope that the class of ’79 will join me in the future to reimburse our hometown. RANDOLPH 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

Just Believe

'JUST BELIEVE'....When I was in elementary school I remember telling my classmates on the playground about the wild dreams I would have and they would just make fun of me and called me crazy. I learned that people are quick to call you crazy when they don't understand you. People are quick to belittle and ridicule you when they are jealous or envious of you. As I got older I remember one of my teachers encouraging me to write down my wild dreams, and would tell me not to let anyone discourage me and just believe in myself. - Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Your Discovery

I’m so truly blessed to have such genuine caring friends, fans and followers in my life. I hope that all of you are encircled with people who sincerely want to see you flourish and rise (and not those who secretly laugh at you if you should stumble.)


It’s March 12, 2018 and once again, I’m reminded of that old familiar adage, “There’re two important dates in your life, the day you was born and the day you discover why you was born.” Regardless of your age, the color of your skin, or where you come from, I honestly believe that there’s something uniquely special inside each of you.


Thank you EVERYONE today for your Birthday Wishes, and if you haven’t already, I hope that you will soon discover why you was born. – 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

Always Putting Something Back

I’ve cleaned toilets, worked in factories, worked for years within the service industry while simultaneously chipping away at my dream of inspiring and reaching people with my stories. My greatest dream is that my kids, my grandkids, and the future generations go further in life than they ever imagined. I sincerely owe, at least partially, my drive and determination to the public school teachers of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, for all of them helped shaped me into the person I am today. I am so blessed to receive letters of questions and thank you’s from readers from around the world, but whenever someone from my hometown sends me an email or message of thanks, regarding one of my stories, it instantly reminds me of the summer of 1979. Of all of the scripts, novels, blog posts, and articles I’ve written over the years the one that I will always be the most proud of is the article I wrote 38 years ago:


(At age 18, I wrote a “LETTER TO THE EDITOR” which was published in the local newspaper FREDERICKSBURG FREE LANCE- STAR on June 5, 1979)


PUT SOMETHING BACK, GRADUATES URGED
To the Editor:
I am a senior at Spotsylvania High School and will be graduating in a couple of weeks. This year many seniors from our area high schools will be going away to colleges and trade schools to become professionals in the business world and other fields. I hope that many of us will return to this area to put our skills and special training to work. We must not forget where we come from or those who helped us to get where we are (or will be). I can’t speak for every senior, but I have taken something very valuable from this area, and I feel that I must put something back to show my appreciation. I am speaking of education. I have learned that a person should give if he or she has received. I hope that the class of ’79 will join me in the future to reimburse our hometown.
RANDOLPH CAMP
Spotsylvania


Learn more at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp