Canadian Novelist Rusty Blackwood’s August Newsletter 2018 …

• Posted on 28th August 2018
• in Best Romance Novels, Fiction Romance Novels, Newsletters, Romantic Fiction Author Rusty Blackwood, The Perils of Autumn, Willow's Walk
• by admin

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CANADIAN NOVELIST RUSTY BLACKWOOD’S AUGUST NEWSLETTER 2018

Greetings everyone! Welcome to my end of month Newsletter for August 2018. It is mind boggling how fast the summer of 2018 has sped by, and we are soon to be in September. Summer vacation is over, school will be reconvening, and everything will settle back into a normal routine. At least we hope so.

This month has been spent finishing my upcoming dramatic novel, The Perils of Autumn. The page-turning story is now in Proofread, capably undertaken by my trusty assistant, Beth.  When completed, the novel is off to the publisher. For this oh-so-important work, I have chosen Canadian company, Tellwell Publishing, located in British Columbia. I am truly excited, not only for this new novel of which I am extremely proud to have my name upon, but also to be working with a Canadian company. When I first started publishing back in 2009, there were no Canadian self-publishing companies showing up in my research, which is why I ended up using American companies. Nothing wrong in that choice, however it is a satisfying feeling to work with fellow countrymen and women. I will speak a bit more about the new novel and offer an excerpt further on in this Newsletter.

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When a book is released, the author can expect the better part of two, sometimes three years of ongoing promotion for it in the form of personal appearances, public book-signing tours, and media coverage. Since the time of releasing my first published work and up to the present, I have been kept busy with all three outlets that I had mentioned above, plus trying to write new work. It isn’t an easy road, yet I love it, and look forward to the next exciting road to travel down. Beginning in October, I will be doing my last public book-signing tour around the Niagara peninsula for my celebrated, 5-star award-winning romantic fiction drama, Willow’s Walk. This riveting novel was released in November 2015 for a short period of time, then briefly pulled for a quick revision, and then re-released in early 2016. It seems like yesterday, yet it shows how fast time flies. Now, with The Perils of Autumn soon off to the publisher, it is time for Willow to make her final personal appearances. However, she is not going anywhere where she can not be found and obtained. Check her out in paperback and Kindle on all Amazons. Paperback copies are also available at Seaway Mall Coles in Welland, Pen Center Coles in St. Catharines, and Indigo on Golf Links Rd. in Ancaster, ON. She may also be obtained through the order desk at your local bookstore.

Check out the October lineup for Willow’s Walk:

https://www.facebook.com/events/433299487166439/

https://www.facebook.com/events/1389767164489845/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2202262260005021/

I also expect a November signing date for Willow at Seaway Mall Coles. Please watch for confirmations, and updates.

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As I mentioned earlier, I am both pleased and proud of my newest novel The Perils of Autumn, that primarily revolves around life at Landon Lawns Stables in the posh community known as The Meadows, located just outside Lexington Kentucky. In early July of 1970, newly graduated RN, Autumn Leeves, is sent on assignment from Lexington’s Saint Joseph Hospital to care for the terminally ill wife of English equestrian horse master, Cyril Landon. Life at a professional thoroughbred racing stable is filled with excitement, wonder, and drama, as Autumn finds out while being swept into it. The stable also employs Duff Taylor, a world renown jockey acquired for his expertise on the track, as well as the back of a horse, but he has a secret, and one he will go to any length to protect.

On this note, I invite you to enjoy this except taken from Chapter 14: Let the Games Begin

The housekeeper immediately entered the suite carrying two large boxes in her arms. “Good morning, Autumn, I trust you had a good night. It’s nice to see you back.”

Smiling in anticipation of what this was all about, Autumn replied, “It’s good to see you too, and I’m glad to be back. I am also excited about today; I can’t wait for my first lesson. You know I’ve never even sat on a horse – not even on a pony as a child – so I guess my excitement is understandable,” and letting her gaze fall on the large boxes, she asked, “What do you have there?”

The look on the housekeeper’s face resembled that of the cat that swallowed the canary. It was plain to see that she couldn’t wait for the boxes’ intended recipient to receive them.

Walking further into the bedroom, Agnes announced, “These are from Mr. Landon to you. He hopes they will be to your liking, and that the size is proper. I am to let him know on both accounts.”

Autumn was beaming with pleasure. She had yet to receive a gift from any man, and she couldn’t wait to tear into these. Her hands trembled while she helped Agnes place them on the bed where she quickly proceeded to open them. She couldn’t believe what lay before her eyes. The first box revealed a complete riding habit, consisting of a chocolate brown riding jacket in suede, tan jodhpurs, and matching hard hat covered in the same luscious fabric as the jacket. The second box revealed flat heeled, high-topped, chocolate brown riding boots in soft polished leather. She couldn’t wait to try everything on, certain she would feel like a princess riding her white steed, yet she was unsure as to what horse she would be assigned. She would love for it to be Majestic Beauregard but realized he was way too spirited for a novice like her, and that was without the need of Cyril reminding her. But she hoped it would be a horse fully as beautiful. That of course would be up to Cyril, but she was certain he would choose well.

Before long she was dressed in her gifts, standing before the full-length mirror, admiring her reflection. It was as if she were centering on a stranger, someone whose clothing made her sophisticated and worldly. She had always marveled at the ladies decked out in their fine riding habits on the televised equestrian events she had watched. It was thrilling, and she couldn’t wait to walk among the fine horses in the stable awaiting her arrival. She immediately felt like a champion, instantly understanding what those whom rode spoke about.

Autumn was so excited, it made it difficult to eat breakfast, though she did manage to gulp down a raisin bagel topped with cream cheese, washed down by a strong cup of coffee. Agnes sat across the table from the excited young woman, enjoying her own breakfast delights, all the while doing her best to control her amusement.

“Tis not going to hurt you to consume more than you have, you know. A few extra bites will not weight the horse down,” Agnes stated, keeping her growing chuckle at a minimum.

Acknowledging the housekeeper’s good intentions, Autumn replied, “I must agree, Agnes, however I can’t seem to help it. I have butterflies in my stomach. I don’t recall feeling this way when I faced my final nursing exam in hopes of acquiring my hatband. You must think me rather silly; I mean it’s only a riding lesson, but I do want to make Mr. Landon proud and not cause him to regret his generous offer.”

Agnes finally chuckled aloud, as she said, “When you get to know Cyril better you will realize he is not the task master that some on staff make him out to be. I hear the stories coming from the stables, however I know my good friend better than most, and I also know those on staff that like to, shall we say, talk. They do not realize how fortunate they are to be employed by such a caring, generous man.”

Autumn had somewhat settled, the activity in her stomach finally resting. Maybe Agnes’ words were needed; after all she was a close friend of Cyril Landon and wouldn’t be saying these things if they weren’t true.

“Now, my dear,” announced Agnes, “you had best trot down to the main stable. Manfred is expecting you shortly.”

“Mr. Montgomery?” Autumn questioned surprisingly. “I was of the understanding that Mr. Landon was teaching me.”

Nodding her head in acknowledgment, Agnes announced, “He is. However, as head groom and trainer, it is Manfred’s job to get your horse tacked up.”

Autumn revealed her total lack of simple stable protocol when she questioned, “Tacked up?”

Taking her time to explain, Agnes stated, “It means to prepare for the lesson. The horse must be saddled properly, its bridle comfortably in place, and you must be aware of how this is done, especially should you have to do it on your own one day. You must also be present to be given a leg up, meaning assistance in mounting your horse. It’s very simple really. I have never ridden, but I have watched both Cyril and Alice around their horses. They did everything with them, rarely needing assistance with anything, though Manfred used to assist Alice at events, tacking up her horse, and making sure everything was proper. However, here at the stables they did most everything themselves, of course Manfred was hired for his expertise in the field, and it shows in the care of the horses. I believe he loves each one of them; but I know he has his favorites, especially two.”

“And they would be?” Autumn questioned, her interest rising.

“Sir Dapper Dan, who is a huge dapple-grey hunter and Cyril’s daily stalwart companion, and Devil May Care, the huge black stallion who is responsible for bringing the Triple Crown trophy to Landon Lawns … but it’s not merely because of the high achievements the horse has brought, it’s the horse itself.”

“I see,” Autumn mused openly, “I remember seeing them one day during my daily stroll around the stables, but it must not have been a good day for the big black one as he appeared anxious, almost angry. He was pawing the floor of his stall and pacing about as if he had a burr under his tail. I didn’t venture near, still I couldn’t help noticing his elegance.”

“Yes, he is striking. I have only seen Cyril ride him once; then again it is Manfred’s job to exercise him, and the horse seems to behave himself for him; can’t say the same for Duff Taylor. Then again he only rides him in races.”

“I suspected that,” Autumn stated, “I believe it’s Mr. Taylor sitting atop that same horse in the picture displayed on the wall across from my suite. I noticed it the day I arrived.”

Nodding her head, Agnes replied, “Yes, that’s him. Cyril likes to display portraits of his horses and jockeys throughout the corridors of the mansion. There are many that are most impressive; though the one you just mentioned is not one of them; at least in my opinion.”

Autumn instantly picked up on the fact that Agnes cared little for the head jockey. She knew not why, but she could relate to the uneasiness the man brought when in proximity to him, even his picture. However, it was not her place to pass judgment or even have an opinion of someone she didn’t know, but she could well pick up on the vibes of those who did. Nine o’clock was growing near; it was time to head to the main stable.

“Good morning, Miss Leeves!” exclaimed Manfred Montgomery enthusiastically, making it clear he was glad to see her. “Are you ready to begin a new chapter in your life?”

He stood beside a mid-sized horse, deep ginger in color, and gentle in temperament. It was obvious the horse knew the ropes for it stood quiet, not as much as lifting a hind foot while the seasoned groom went about his duty.

“How do you like her?” he questioned, turning to face the excited soon-to-be- rider.

“It’s a she?” Autumn questioned as she moved closer.

“Yes, this is Cinnamon, the gentlest mare in the stable. She’s an old girl; turned twenty this past spring; been around here a long time. She’s not a thoroughbred, like the others; her breed is Morgan, and Mr. Landon has always used her for pleasure. She’s perfect for you, a good size but not too big. A new rider should never start out on a horse that is too large or feisty. Mares usually prove much better for this than geldings, and never a stallion. Cinnamon is perfect, and I’m sure the two of you will become old friends in no time. Do you want to give it a try?”

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I have had the pleasure of working with many talented photographers, but not all were a dear friend like the one I recently lost. It has always been said that a talented eye not only captures life, freezing it in time, but it truly touches the essence of the soul. My friend never ceased to do that, with every picture he took, every frame, every time the shutter opened. He adored red roses, could capture them in only his artistic way. He did not shoot the one above, however the one in the image comes close to his talent and I believe he would like that. He was not only a fellow artist, he was my friend of many, many years, and I will never forget him.

“Fly forever free, Sammy.”

Salvatore (Sam) Restivo

June 5, 1934 – August 13, 2018

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As we speed toward the end of August and the beginning of September, I would like to take this opportunity to ask each of you to keep an ever-steady hand on the wheel, and your eyes prepared for young children on their way back to school. You may never know from where they may appear, so be aware, drive with caution, and be safe.

I would like to thank ‘each of you’ for your ongoing support of my work in the many ways that you so kindly do. It is greatly appreciated, and I hope you know how much it means to me.

And as always, support your local authors, as well as all your local talents in the Arts.

See you next month!

Rusty B.

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Also visit my official website, www.rusty-blackwood.com, and check out my many titles on Amazon, as well as other fine online literary outlets.

 

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