Romantic Fiction Author Rusty Blackwood’s September Newsletter 2017 …

• Posted on 29th September 2017
• in Fiction Romance Novels, Newsletters, Romance Drama, Romance Fiction, Romantic Fiction
• by admin

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An autumn welcome to each of you! The weather here in southern Ontario has been something else! Record highs to frigid lows, never knowing how to dress, or what will be in store in a week or so. But we are lucky here, no destructive hurricanes, flooding or earthquake activity, and for that we give thanks where thanks belongs. All of the natural disasters that have befallen so many lately have been happening as long as records have been recorded, and long before that – right back to the beginning of time. Category 5 hurricanes, F5 tornadoes, 6 – 8 point earthquakes and massive floods have been happening every so often as well. They are horrid happenings, there is no doubt, but they are part of nature’s cycle, always has been, always will be. I hope wherever you are you are safe.

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I have had a quiet summer with regard to literary events, and I like that. I keep my nose to the writing grindstone enough throughout the course of the year, without feeling guilty that I have taken some time off to enjoy something else – life. However in late August I returned to my keyboard to once again begin work on my upcoming romantic drama, The Perils of Autumn. I’ll talk a bit more about this later on in the Newsletter, but first ….

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I was pleased to be asked if I would write a follow up edition to my 2012 adult comedy short, The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom, which I was delighted to do. The result of this effort can be enjoyed within the pages of Derwood Returns. The audacious and eccentric Englishman is back, demanding as ever, and hoping for a much better result than what awaited him on his first visit to the beautiful village of Vinehaven on the Lake. This time he takes up residence in the swinging Sunset Villa Retirement Center, located directly across the road from the infamous Anchors Away, from which he was ostracized in 2012. This delightful comedy romp is available in both paperback and Kindle editions at www.amazon.com and www.amazon.ca. Paperback edition is also available at www.createspace.com.

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The riveting, page turning, 5 star award-winning romantic fiction drama, Willow’s Walk, is still going strong. I invite you to take an unforgettable walk with her as she leads you down paths of which you will wonder how the outcome can be anything other than what you would expect – but will it? I do hope you will find out, as many readers have, and very much enjoyed.

Willow and I ‘welcomed the fall’ last Saturday, September 23^rd/17 at the lovely COLES in Seaway Mall, Welland, Ontario. It has been well over a year since I was last there, and it was nice to be back, somewhat like returning home. I always enjoy Seaway COLES. They have been good to me over the years, most accommodating and supportive; this is what an independent author hopes for, and is most appreciative to find. I am pleased to announce that Willow’s Walk is coming to the romance shelves in this fine store, so be sure to watch for them. In the meantime, take this link to view coverage of my signing: https://www.facebook.com/pg/writerrusty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155869296117033

Willow’s Walk also sponsored the early morning Warrior Weather reports given daily by Joe Crawford of The Joe Show the week of September 18^th through the 22^nd. The sponsorship is not yet finished, so be sure to check into Joe’s daily report on https://www.facebook.com/JoeShowLive/?ref=br_rs to catch the upcoming segments sponsored by the beautiful Willow.

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As mentioned earlier in this Newsletter, I am back to work on my newest romance drama, The Perils of Autumn. This story is sure to touch you, and for those who love the equestrian world, you are sure to find enjoyment at the fictional celebrated Landon Lawns Stables, located just outside Lexington Kentucky in a posh area known as The Meadows. Enjoy this generous excerpt from Chapter 7: A Day of Surprise and Happening –

“I’m leaving now, Agnes,” she called to the housekeeper while descending the stairs, “Would you tell Mr. Landon I’m on my way to my mother’s and I’ll return around nine this evening? Mrs. Landon is to have her medication with each meal today, and be sure she takes it, even if she doesn’t consume very much off her plate. It is imperative she take her meds – oh – and be sure that she drinks a lot of fluids. She very much enjoys ginger ale with a twist of lime, but no ice. Oh, I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to spending time with my mother – it’s been quite awhile since I have.”

Agnes, realizing the cab sat waiting out front, stated, “If you don’t get a move on and stop the chatter the day will be gone. Now off with you!”

Realizing the housekeeper was right; Autumn sped toward the front door, but stopped, whirled around, and said, “Thank you again, Agnes! Take care of my patient!”

With that she tore down the walk to the awaiting cab, climbed in, and gave a quick wave to the housekeeper who was standing in the doorway, waving back, and shaking her head in dismay.

The drive into Lexington would take a good half hour; possibly longer if the traffic was heavy. Autumn sat as if on pins and needles, the desire to see her mother growing stronger with each acquired mile; after all it had been quite some since they had seen each other – too long – and an overwhelming guilt filled Autumn to capacity. She tried centering her thoughts on more desired topics, like what they might discuss, how they might react to certain happenings they had each encountered, and would they still feel the immense bond they had always shared? Autumn was a grown woman, yet whenever she was in her mother’s company she digressed to a child; one who felt unsure of herself, and one who couldn’t help but feel inferior by way of achievement. Abigail, though she would never admit it, often felt the same. They were both strong women who had fought their own demons yet had somehow risen above the conflict. But the love they shared was immovable; the roots bedded so firmly in rock the strongest earthquake could never dislodge them. As the cab sped along, Autumn let her mind travel to these same thoughts, and as they encompassed her, a familiar warmth spread through her. Before she knew it she had arrived at her old home. She immediately paid her fare, and climbed out of the cab. The desire to race up the walk had overtaken her, but she was no longer the same girl who used to do that on return from school each day, so she measured her step, and moved toward the front door with its fading yellow hue. She reached for the doorknob, turned it, and then opened the door, as she called, “Momma, I’m home! What is my surprise?!”

As Autumn’s cab had pulled away from Landon Lawns that morning, the daily ritual had been well underway with the arrival of the Saturday load of hay and straw. William Brown was busy overseeing their removal from the truck to placement in their proper areas, when Manfred Montgomery, followed closely by Duff Taylor, arrived in the stable. It was plain to see that Manfred was irate in knowing the arrogant jockey was still on his heels, appearing to follow him wherever he went. It had been like that all morning, starting with the early run about the exercise track, and ending in what appeared an adult game of fox and goose.

In exasperation, Manfred turned on the jockey, and snapped, “Are you so bored that you have to follow me around like a lost pup?!”

Realizing he was getting under what he considered the thin skin of the trainer, Duff replied, “Last time I looked it was a free country, allowing anyone to walk wherever they wish. I haven’t noticed any signs stating otherwise,” and he immediately whacked his ever-present riding crop across the top of his right boot.

Not taking the jockey’s obvious bait, Manfred cast an evil eye toward the riding crop, and then quickly walked into the box stall of his favorite equine, the feisty Devil May Care. The huge stallion threw back his head, rolled his chocolate eyes in a defiant manner, and proceeded to gather himself as if he were about to rise on his hind legs.

Manfred stopped instantly, as he gently said, “Ho, my good boy, it’s all right. No need to be getting fired up. Nothing is wrong, and nothing is going to happen to you.”

Duff Taylor, though defiant, could see for himself that he was not welcomed in the box stall, and stopped before venturing in. Duff may have been arrogant by way of attitude, but he was not stupid when it came to reading a horse and its intentions, especially when provoked.

“Best be careful around him,” Duff stated, moving back a couple of steps as he did.

“You think?” questioned Manfred flippantly. “What was your first clue?”

Duff appeared to shrug off the trainer’s blatant dig all the while taking up position behind the bar-lined outer wall of the stall. Clutching the steel bars, he said, “That fella can be a handful; I ought to know. The last couple of races kept me going to control him. There’s a mean streak a mile long.”

“Is that so?” remarked Manfred cautiously. “You wouldn’t by any chance be referring to yourself?”

“What are you hinting at, Montgomery?” Duff questioned, seemingly to thrust his chest as he spoke.

Not showing the least remorse for his accusation, Manfred answered, “It takes a cold-hearted person to mistreat an animal, regardless of the situation.”

“What do you mean? Explain that remark!”

“I hardly think the remark needs explaining. You know perfectly well to what I’m referring.”

Duff openly scoffed as he brought the crop across his boot, and then snapped, “Spit it out!”

“You use that damn crop more than you should, and in ways you should not! Don’t think I haven’t noticed!”

“What in blue-blazes are you on about?”

“The welts on Devil’s right hind flank, courtesy of that damn riding crop. There is no need to beat a horse – anytime – nor is there any excuse for it! You are so consumed in having to cross the finish line first that you’ll do whatever it takes to acquire it – even if means whipping your mount beyond measure!”

“You can’t prove it!” Duff fired openly. “I’m not the only jock who rides that wild beast, and I’ll be damned if I let you insinuate it was me!”

“You’re the main jock here, as well as the only one who rides Devil in races, so who the hell else would have done it?”

“You’re reaching if you’re trying to lay the blame on me, Montgomery!”

“I’ll do a damned sight more than that, Taylor. I know it was you, and it stops now!” With that, Manfred lunged at the startled jockey, snatched the riding crop, and proceeded to lash it across Duff’s legs, cursing loudly as he did.

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I haven’t done a recent Press Release but those which I have done are always at the touch of your fingertips. I have chosen the one I’m listing here as one whose message never grows old, and it is most important to remember – especially in this day and age with world problems as they are with unscrupulous people lurking everywhere – so have a read, comment if you’d be so kind, and share it on. http://bit.ly/1RwPPu2

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I recently, last night in fact, posted an article posted by fellow author Helana Kline accompanied by her own thoughts and views about the topic. I totally agree with her views, and added my own to my posting. You may catch this at the Friends Who Like Rusty Blackwood page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1756442551251093/ The posting is near the top, or immediately after the link to this Newsletter. Some very interesting information, especially if you buy your reading material on Amazon and base your purchase on the written reviews. It would be nice to hear your thoughts on this.

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As September closes, let us welcome mystical October, the month of sounds in the night, falling leaves, and spirits making their rounds. It is also my birth month, and I invite you to stop by my Rusty Blackwood Facebook page on October 5^th between 9am and 9 pm, click the invite event to ‘Celebrate Rusty’s Birthday with Words’, and let me know if you have a favorite character or storyline from any of my titles. It is simply to have some fun, and help me celebrate my day of birth. Be sure to intermingle with others – as well as me – for this is what words are for. I hope to see you on October 5^th at https://www.facebook.com/events/1513460022035295/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22page_id_source%22%3A192607652032%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22page_id%5C%22%3A192607652032%2C%5C%22tour_id%5C%22%3Anull%7D%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D

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Thank you, as always, for all your wonderful support in the past, as well as ongoing. It is greatly appreciated. Please continue to support your local authors, as well as all your local talent in the Arts.

Visit my official website rusty-blackwood.com, and please ‘Like’ me on Facebook, and ‘Follow’ me on Twitter.

Cheers!

Rusty B.

 

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