Novelist Rusty Blackwood’s October Newsletter 2018 …

• Posted on 29th October 2018
• in Newsletters, Press Release
• by admin

---

Novelist Rusty Blackwood’s October Newsletter 2018 …

Welcome readers! The energy is building – do you feel it? Such mystery and wonder surround us currently. I’m sure all author’s who write thrillers, horror, and Gothic suspense are reaping immense inspiration and revealing it through imagery of word, certain to make readers not wish to read alone lest they disappear completely into the pages before them or have creatures leap from the pages to sweep them to unknown realms of the imagination. Got to love it!

This is my favorite time of year. The color is breathtaking, the air crisp and clear and the energy is stimulating. As a writer, my imagination can conjure all sorts of imagery, yet I always return to my favorite genre, romantic fiction drama – often with a twist of suspense and wonderment.

This has been a very busy month. Sunday, October 28^th., I finished my last public book-signing tour for my 5-star award winning romantic fiction drama, Willow’s Walk at Indigo Ancaster on Golf Links Rd in Ancaster, Ontario. It really was bitter sweet, I kid-you-not, yet it was enjoyable just the same. All public events and signings for this riveting novel have been a joy, and Willow will forever be one of my most favorite characters – not just a character, but a beautiful and energetic heroine who shows her strength and determination when all odds are against her. And she is not going away. The novel is still available throughout the Niagara area at Indigo Ancaster, in St. Catharines at Pen Center Coles, Fairview Mall Chapters, and Seaway Mall Coles in Welland, and you may also inquire it at the order desk of your local Chapters, Coles, and Indigo. The novel is also available in paperback and Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/Willows-Walk-Rusty-Blackwood/dp/1516987276/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= and https://www.amazon.ca/Willows-Walk-Rusty-Blackwood/dp/1516987276/ref=sr_1_3_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540851704&sr=8-3&keywords=willow%27s+walk

 

To check out photo coverage of this month’s final signing tour for Willow’s Walk, please take these secure links:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/writerrusty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10156982174372033

https://www.facebook.com/pg/writerrusty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10156982201837033

https://www.facebook.com/pg/writerrusty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10156982233757033

I am pleased to say that my upcoming romantic drama, The Perils of Autumn, is well into production with the first rounds of revision for both interior and front and back covers being completed, now the second one will soon begin. If all goes well, the novel should be released for sale in December, possibly earlier. Keep your fingers crossed. I have also received its first reviews, and all have given the novel 5 stars. It’s a great feeling to now have two 5-star novels to my name, and both awarded such while still in pre-release. I love the cover, but I am waiting to approve it before I debut it, so be patient. In the meantime, I shall offer you another excerpt, this one from Chapter 14: Let the Games Begin…

“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?”

Autumn was suddenly unsure, but she didn’t want to give the impression of being timid. The butterflies were again awake, fluttering about as if in a windstorm, but the horse before her stood waiting, not in the least bit nervous or suspicious of the novice that would soon test both their nerves.

“Just take it slow,” Manfred ordered, holding out his hand and coaxing her to move forward. “She is a very quiet natured mare; you need not be afraid of her.”

“That’s easy for you to say, but I’m not so sure. I’ve never sat on a horse in my life, but she is pretty. Will you be sure to stay right by my side?”

“No need to worry, miss, I am right here. Come around to Cinnamon’s left side, put your hands on the front of the saddle, lift your left leg and bend it at the knee. Now, shall I give you a leg up?”

“That’s what Agnes said you would say and do.”

“The woman is right. She doesn’t ride, never has – though I’ve tried to entice her – but she does know how it’s done. I shall help you mount, get you settled, and then lead you out to the paddock where a surprise awaits.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“All will be well, Miss Leeves. One of the first rules of riding is to trust your mount. Just relax; Cinnamon knows what she’s doing.”

With a trembling voice, Autumn replied, “If you say so.”

Positioning her body aside the waiting mare, Autumn soon found herself airborne before coming to rest upon the supple brown saddle providing cushioned support beneath her bottom.

Taking pride in his accomplishment thus far, Manfred announced, “You look truly regal, Miss Leeves.”

The look on Autumn’s face relayed how she felt without the need to voice it, but she did anyway, as she remarked, “I must say it feels frightful yet exhilarating all at the same time.”

With a subtle laugh, Manfred replied, “It’s normal to feel that way. All new riders do. Now, take the reins in your hands, and gently kick your heels against her sides – just easy – she knows what is expected of her, but you must let her know when you wish to move. Not to worry, I have a hold of the bridle. Now, we shall move out into the paddock.”

Cinnamon’s hooves clicked along the cobblestone as horse, rider, and groom moved toward the chilly outdoor paddock looming before them. Arriving in the sunshine, Autumn was amazed to find Cyril Landon, handsomely attired in a grey herringbone riding habit with matching helmet and highly polished charcoal riding boots, sitting atop a very tall, dapple-grey stallion. The English equestrian tipped his cap graciously, a gesture he had long since mastered when greeting a new acquaintance – especially a woman – and one he admired.

“Miss Leeves, might I say how splendidly you sit a horse. You appear as if you were born to the saddle, and you look utterly divine. I have missed this, being in the opulent charm of a lady’s company, and one with such grace. We shall begin our first lesson by simply walking about the paddock, allowing you to obtain the feel of muscular movement beneath you. A horse moves in gracious rhythm, and you respond in kind. It is very much like sitting in a rocking chair. Let it surround you with its air of elegance. Become one with your horse, but most of all enjoy it.”

They circled the paddock in slow steps, each horse sensing the responsibility assigned it. Autumn was tense, and it showed in her body’s rigidity.

“Try and relax, my dear,” Cyril gently ordered, “you have nothing to fear. Cinnamon is as quiet as they come. She is well seasoned to novice riders; I have even assigned her to children. Notice how she softly sets each foot on the ground? She does this as not to jostle you.”

Doing her best to heed her teacher’s advice, Autumn tried her best to relax but felt awkward, like a fish out of water, yet she would remain adamant and carry on. After a while, Cyril suggested she halt her horse and stand quietly near the fence. She immediately pulled back on the reins, finding it surprising that she had accomplished this feat without having to be shown.

“Now, my dear, hold her fast while I entertain you,” he announced in a prideful manner before signaling his horse. They instantly set off in a swift canter around the paddock. Before long the canter broke into a slow gallop. It was plain to see both horse and rider were experts in this discipline, each revealing their knowledge but never trying to outdo the other. Autumn sat in awe, finding this superb performance both enlightening, and thrilling. The grey opened his gate, stretching his muscular body as he moved forward, hooves lightly dusting the ground as he performed each command with perfection. His gate slowed into that of a side-way step, crossing his hooves while graciously sidling to the left, then to the right before setting off once again in a thrilling gallop. This continued until the expert horseman brought his mount to a quick halt before the wide-eyed woman, commanding his horse bow its head, while he gracefully removed his cap, swept it before him, and bowed his head toward the impressed young lady.

<><><><><>

As Halloween is almost upon us, do be mindful of the little witches, ghosts and goblins as they flit merrily along the sidewalks, streets and roads, as you never know when they may take a notion to dart in front of you, so drive with caution and eyes open wide.

<><><><><>

Remembrance Day will happen before my next Newsletter, so I hope all my readers will honor all those who allow our freedoms today. Without their sacrifice – so many giving the ultimate sacrifice – our lives would be totally different. Do not take our freedom lightly, nor freely give it away.

<><><><><>

As this month soon closes, as well as this Newsletter, let me once again thank all of you who continue to support my work in the wonderful ways that you do. Each one is greatly appreciated, for without it, my writing road would be most dreary, so thank you again.

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

Until next month — Cheers!

Rusty B.

I invite you to Like me on Facebook, Follow me on Twitter, and Subscribe  to my YouTube channel.

 

Tags: 'Willow's Walk', Canadian Indie author Rusty Blackwood, Canadian Indie Romance author Rusty Blackwood, drama, fiction, fictional romance, romance author, romance novelist, romance novelist Rusty Blackwood, romantic fiction author Rusty Blackwood, The Perils of Autumn