Richard Roberts is a memoir author and storyteller who brings 20th-century American life vividly to the page. His journey as a writer began in sixth grade with a school report on Olympic figure skater Sonja Henie—an early sign of the lifelong love for writing that would shape his future. Born in Fayette County, West Virginia, Richard’s early experiences in a one-room schoolhouse during the 1940s gave him a front-row seat to a way of life few remember today.

His personal memoirs explore growing up in rural Appalachia, the shift from country life to city living in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, and the cultural changes that shaped postwar America. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a business degree, Richard worked his way through college while raising a family—an experience that gave him valuable insight into American business, hard work, and the human stories behind everyday life.

With decades of real-world experience and a passion for preserving forgotten stories, Richard writes compelling nonfiction books filled with historical insight, humor, and heartfelt memories. His books are especially popular with readers who enjoy stories about growing up in mid-century America, the Appalachian experience, and reflections on how the country has changed since the 1940s and 1950s.

He has lived in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, and South Carolina, and has traveled through 47 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico. These life experiences—paired with a sharp memory and a storyteller’s voice—bring his writing to life in a relatable, engaging way.

Richard is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Through two marriages, he has seven children, twenty grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. He often jokes that with a family this big, he may just take over America by 2060.

Currently living in Hagerstown, Maryland, Richard volunteers with the Literacy Council, Hagerstown Community College’s Business Incubator, Gatekeepers, the Antietam Exchange Club, and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. He is available for author events, book signings, and speaking engagements.

Follow Richard’s journey and explore his books about American life, growing up in the 1940s, and stories from small-town America—written with heart, history, and humor.