Rusty Blackwood #32 of the 113 Finalists for 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading 2011

• Posted on 1st September 2013
• in Interviews
• by admin

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# 32. Rusty Blackwood
I’ve enjoyed writing ever since junior high-school. I attribute that enjoyment to my favorite teacher who instilled her love of expressive word deep within me, which I carry to this day. I believe when you truly enjoy something, you continue to do it simply for the pleasure it brings. I find word expression much more entertaining than merely typing words for the sake of content. If I don’t feel it, I don’t bother to express it.
I would love to have my words read by millions who wish an outlet, whether that is a good laugh, a thought in poetic rhyme or an escape to exotic, romantic places within their own mind. Writing is a not always birds chirping softly, or flowers blooming sweetly where the flow of words automatically burst from your fingertips, it can often be long, grueling hours spent staring at a blank page yet when inspiration consumes your mind, the charge it brings is simply electrifying.
I don’t know if I have experienced what would be considered victory as a writer, but if feeling warmth simply because I have brought a smile, a chuckle or a heartfelt tear to someone through my written words, then I have experienced what I feel victory must be. When it comes to a mentor, at least to me they do not need to be famous or revered in any way, they simply have given endless support, constant encouragement and the will to go after your dream. I have had both the pleasure and fortune to have had three. My late father, James Beecroft who shared his impressive ability to absorb color and texture in everything that nature provides, my late junior high-school teacher, Mrs. Gladys Carroll who supplied constant support and encouragement to write that next piece better than the previous and never give up my dreams, and finally my late stalwart and wonderful friend, Elaine Bennett who showed me what standing on my own two feet is all about. I believe I express these invaluable traits in everything I do, but mostly when my muse comes alive upon a blank page, it is then I know those wonderful people are still with me.
I have never liked business, I actually find it boring if not over-rated and I don’t think there is anything that can kill a creative idea faster than dwelling on the logistics of the future sale, granted we all strive for success, but I would be very happy if I never had to discuss the mindboggling details of a confusing contract ever again. I would much rather sit at my desk, tea cup at my side pounding away on my keyboard.
I never really had a solid vision of what it would be like to be an author because for me it just happened, but I can’t say I’m sorry it happened in the way it did because it was something I had always wanted to do.
Creating an impressive, interesting character can often be a challenge, but one I always look forward to. Characters have a history, a present, they elicit feelings and they experience everything a living person does. I love the aspect of character creation. What I enjoy most is simply creating someone I like, possibly someone I don’t and simply putting them in a situation, but that’s what makes the process interesting. An impending character can be and do whatever the author wishes and I find immense satisfaction in creating them and the same method applies to storylines. A vivid imagination does wonders in this area, and it’s where you can truly let go of your thoughts and feelings regardless of how immense they may be.

Photography by Miss Carson E. Doan.

Tags: Canadian Indie author Rusty Blackwood, romantic fiction author Rusty Blackwood, The Author Show 2011 contest semi-finalist