Author Randall Franks, co-author of “Stirring Up Success with a Southern Flavor” and former co-star of “TV’s ‘In the Heat of the Night’ ‘Officer Randy Goode’ 1988-1993. (Photo by Chelle Maynard) Welcome to Randall Franks’ Literary World Southern author and bluegrass writer Randall Franks spins tales from the Appalachian hills to the pages of history, blending timeless inspiration with Southern charm in his Appalachian books. An award-winning journalist, actor (“Officer Randy Goode” from *In the Heat of the Night*), hall of fame entertainer, and author of 12 books, Randall’s latest works—“Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy” (out St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2025) and “Seeing Faith: A Devotional”—join a legacy sparked by literary kin like Geoffrey Chaucer and Mark Twain. Latest Releases Randall’s newest titles include “Testing the Metal of Life: The Joe Barger Story” with Joe Barger (2023) and the devotional “Seeing Faith” (2024). Dive into his fiction with “A Badge or an Old Guitar”, a music-city murder mystery, or explore his Encouragers series, capped by “Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand.” A Writing Journey Randall’s pen first danced as an entertainment journalist in college, crafting stories for *Bluegrass Unlimited*, *Singing News*, and *Music City News*. By 2001, he’d turned full-time to print media, earning over 20 press awards for features, travel, and columns—humor and heart inspired by cousin Mark Twain. His debut, the award-winning “Stirring Up Success with a Southern Flavor” (2003) with Shirley Smith, raised funds for Catoosa Citizens for Literacy and graced national headlines. Next came five years with Western legend Ramblin’ “Doc” Tommy Scott for “Snake Oil, Superstars and Me” (2007) with Shirley Noe Sweisz, followed by “Stirring Up Additional Success”. Appalachian roots shine in “A Mountain Pearl: Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes” (2012), inspired by his late mother’s tales—think Laura Ingalls Wilder with a Tennessee twist. The Encouragers series began with “Encouragers I: Finding the Light”, spotlighting everyday heroes and stars with photos and recipes, followed by “Encouragers II: Walking with the Masters” and “Encouragers III”. He teamed with now 108-year-old Silver Dollar City Folk Entertainer and fiddle maker Violet Hensley for “Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way”, then channeled Agatha Christie for his mystery “A Badge or an Old Guitar”. Coming Soon Aiming to echo the prolific efforts by kin like Robert Louis Stevenson and Edgar Allan Poe, Randall’s keeps writing with his upcoming efforts as *”Frankly Speaking: Thoughts on This and That”* and a second devotional, *”Seeing Faith II”*. Explore More Check out Randall’s webseries “Author Amblings” on YouTube for behind-the-scenes book insights: www.YouTube.com/@RandallFranks. Get Your Copies Order via the Randall Franks Store, book pages above, or Randall’s Amazon Author Page. In 2025, he’s releasing one book monthly on Kindle—pre-order now! Kindle Schedule: A Badge or an Old Guitar – Available Now Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy – March 17 Whittlin’ and Fiddlin’ My Own Way with Violet Hensley – April 30 A Mountain Pearl: Appalachian Reminiscing and Recipes – May 28 Encouragers I: Finding the Light – June 18 Encouragers II: Walking with the Masters – July 15 Encouragers III: A Guiding Hand – August 15 Seeing Faith: A Devotional – September 15 Testing the Metal of Life: The Joe Barger Story with Joe Barger – October 15 Stirring Up Success with a Southern Flavor with Shirley Smith – November 10
