Author Rusty Blackwood’s February Newsletter 2020 …


Courtesy of Google images ©

 

Author Rusty Blackwood’s February Newsletter 2020 …

 

Welcome to my end of month Newsletter! The early part of this month here in Niagara, and Ontario in general was very blustery, typical February weather, but as the month progressed here in Niagara the snow disappeared, the temps rose, almost like early spring weather. Today the snow is back, and the weatherman is calling for a storm to sweep the area, but we shall have to wait and see.

® © 2019 Rusty Blackwood

The weather doesn’t have an impact over writing, that is unless we suffer power outages, which I have been fortunate in not having to endure. And of course, online events and promotions continue regardless of how deep the snow is outside.

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© 2019 All Rights Reserved by Author

I have said this many times since this novel’s release, but I am extremely proud of this title, not just because it was given a 5 star rating by Readers Favorite Books, as well as being awarded Finalist in Romance by the International Book Awards and the American Book Fest Best Book Awards, but because of the endearing story it tells. I love the characters in this novel as well as the settings. Of all the stories I’ve written thus far, if any could come true and encompass me into them, The Perils of Autumn and its follow up, Return to Autumn, are the stories I would love to live in.

*Working cover for Return to Autumn

Return to Autumn continues to grow as the story carries on to its end having picked up as four years from where it leaves off in The Perils of Autumn. I have been sharing excerpts and insights into chapters, and recently even the entire Chapter 9. Today I would like to share an excerpt from Chapter 25 : Autumn Tastes Victory

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It was closing in on noon when a refreshed Autumn mounted Ladies Pal. A few deep breaths had done their job, for she felt better and was ready to enter the showring. Her mount was anxious. He had stood on this exact spot many times knowing what was expected of him, and today was no different. Autumn could sense his thoughts as his ears flicked back in wait of her command to begin. The entrants before her had excelled, setting the bar high, yet she would not let this bother her. She knew she had a horse that could leave today’s contenders in the dust; all she needed to do was ride him and let him do what he was known for.

 She hadn’t watched the prior contenders, however Manfred made sure not to miss them. He realized the caliber of horse it would take to win top prize; it could not refuse a jump, falter in any way, and complete the course in the least amount of time. Today’s course consisted of twelve jumps, ranging in height from four feet to five feet six inches and rather condensed together, which left little room for error. There were an assortment of jumps consisting of square, ascending, and descending oxers. There were also triple bars, cross rails, a faux brick wall, one Liverpool, and two combinations. Ladies Pal was used to them all. Autumn not so much. She felt comfortable with most jumps, but if she were to experience problems with any it would be the combinations. These jumps demanded perfect stride between each, and Ladies Pal was a fast horse. This could cause problems when the distance between the jumps were close, thus requiring accurate measurement at a slower speed. Autumn had experienced the problems she envisioned throughout the practice course at home, but it may work well today, and she was willing to give it her best shot.

 She quickly scanned the audience to locate her handsome husband, knowing he would be there lending support in whatever way required. She realized he only expected the will to try, regardless of the outcome or the standing on the completed scoreboard. Autumn swiftly thought of Alice Landon, her placements at these events, the blue ribbons she had won that were still displayed proudly on the office walls. Yet she would not be intimidated by her predecessor’s excellent horsemanship. All she could do was ride to her best ability, and she would.

 “We have a special treat for all spectators who patronize these events at The Meadows Equestrian Center, especially those who support and follow the applauded equine contenders of Landon Lawns Stables,” announced the event’s commentator Chester Hargrove in a kind yet commanding voice. “Well, today we are pleased to welcome Ms. Autumn Leeves-Landon, wife of the celebrated owner of Landon Lawns Stables, horse master, Cyril Landon. She will be competing on Ladies Pal, the applauded thirteen-year-old American warm blood who has championed this course many times. Ms. Leeves-Landon wears the number five today, and she is next to compete. This is her first time contending, so let’s have a fine Meadows’ welcome for her, and Ladies Pal.”

 Realizing it was now or never, Autumn signaled her mount forward among the applause, moving slowly at first, then increasing to a measured canter as horse and rider rode their allowed check of the course. Ladies Pal moved with confidence, showing his knowledge of what was expected of him. Each course is different in its layout, yet to a seasoned contender, the requirement of the jumps does not matter. He could ace it, and he knew it. Furthermore, Autumn knew it.

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Courtesy of Google images ©

My local events calendar is starting to fill, with the first signing of the spring season for The Perils of Autumn taking place on March 8th at Indigo Ancaster, Ancaster, Ontario from 1 – 4:30 pm to the immediate right of the front entrance before the Local Author display of books. I will also have copies of my 5-star-award-winning romantic fiction drama, Willow’s Walk on hand for those that love an absorbing dramatic read. If you are planning to be in the Ancaster area on this day, I cordially invite you to come by and meet me, have a chat, and obtain a personally signed copy of either The Perils of Autumn or Willow’s Walk – possibly both and do check out the event promo here: https://www.facebook.com/events/185519962539350/

Courtesy of Google images ©

Media coverage is a huge part of any writer/authors’ agenda, and I am no different. Please take the provided secure link to the latest coverage by Cat Townsend Lyon Media Services as she offers up a most insightful read from ‘Her Reading Den’. https://anauthorandwriterinprogress.wordpress.com/2020/02/23/coming-late-spring-the-follow-up-to-the-perils-of-autumn-by-award-winning-romance-author-rusty-blackwood-here-is-a-taste-of-whats-to-come/?fbclid=IwAR32FieQ81X-65IZ5PX7xiK8x-xUdnjDcljP5cbX5i2GNJQ8dVOAksxs2w8

NOTE: Though the release date for Return to Autumn currently states late spring, that has changed. At the present I don’t have a release date to give readers except to say over the summer, possibly fall, but it will come, so please watch for it.

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All Rights Reserved by Author © 2019

I have not yet started on the new Derwood for the comical series that has captivated readers with the eccentric English gent’s hilarious antics, but Derwood Comes Home will be coming this year to join the first three in the ongoing series, beginning with The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom, followed by Derwood Returns, and the latest in the series, Derwood Goes Caribbean. All three titles are available in Paperback and Kindle at Amazon. I hope you check them out.

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I would like to personally thank each of you for your ongoing stellar support of me and my work. It is appreciated more than you realize, and I hope you continue to do so for I certainly try my best to continue to produce stories worthy of your eyes.

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

Cheers!

Rusty B

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  1. […] on by and learn the what, when, and where she will be appearing next as spring approaches from her Official Author Website and find out what is Rusty working on […]

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