Romantic Fiction Author Rusty Blackwood’s March Newsletter 2018 …


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Romantic Fiction  Author Rusty Blackwood’s March Newsletter 2018 …

 

End of March greetings everyone! Didn’t know if I would make it this month, as I have been experiencing computer problems, but for now I’m here. This has been an interesting month – trying – but interesting. The weather regarding temperature has been below normal for this time of year; as I recall March came in like a lion, and if follows tradition, should go out like a lamb, but traditions seem to have fallen by the way. Usually there is a lot of wind in March followed by April showers that in turn bring May flowers. This is yet to be determined, but there was not much wind this month, so it’s anybody’s guess as to what is to come.

I began the month with my first book-signing of the year for my 5-star-award-winning romantic fiction drama, Willow’s Walk, which took place at Seaway Mall Coles in Welland. It was good to see familiar faces that I haven’t seen since last year, and also to meet new readers who kindly took time to stop, chat, and pick up a personally signed copy of Willow for them self. I always enjoy meeting new readers; I find it interesting to listen to what they enjoy between the covers a book for it helps to lend direction for new ideas down the road. Take this secure link to coverage of the event.  https://www.facebook.com/pg/writerrusty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10156423407592033

I hope you too will walk with Willow, and you can do so through paperback or Kindle at Amazon.com or .ca. Copies in paperback are available at Welland’s Seaway Mall Coles, and in St. Catharines at Pen Center Coles, and Hannelore Headley Old & Fine Books. If you are located in St. Catharines or the immediate surrounding area, you may obtain a signed copy of Willow’s Walk,  Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, the  Derwood Tugbottom Comedy series,  or any of my work directly from me by emailing at writerrusty@hotmail.ca

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Leading up to my March 3rd signing, Laura Garzon of Seaway Mall Media conducted a most informative interview with me. It was a pleasure to do this, and I hope readers gain informative insight into my work, me as an author, and why I love to do what I do. Take this secure link to the interview. http://seawaymall.com/2018/02/28/rustyblackwood/

The working cover for The Perils of Autumn. Image courtesy of Google Images ©

Work steadily continues on my upcoming romantic fiction drama, The Perils of Autumn, a stirring story set at the fictional thoroughbred equestrian stable known as Landon Lawns, in the posh community known as The Meadows  located just outside Lexington, Kentucky. Newly graduated LPN, Autumn Leeves, is sent on assignment from Lexington’s Saint Joseph Hospital to care for the terminally ill wife of English equestrian master Cyril Landon. During this time Nurse Leeves encounters a variety of happenings, some of which change her life in a way she never contemplated. Landon Lawns is renowned for its fine thoroughbreds and winning titles, but it also employs Duff Taylor, a jockey who has a secret, and one that he is willing to go to any length to protect.

Courtesy of Google images ©

Do enjoy this short excerpt from Chapter 5: Arrogance with a Capital A

 A jockey also revels in the pride of a winning race. In the field of professional equestrian racing you must be the best. It was necessary to win; if you continued to fail you didn’t ride. No owner wanted your service; therefore your efforts in the sport were a total waste of time.

Duff Taylor, born in 1940 in Liverpool England, later moving to Aintee in his early teens, was an exception to the rule of racing. He obtained the necessary requirements to enter the equestrian field for he was slight in build, standing just slight of five foot three inches, and extremely light in weight, all making him a perfect candidate to become a professional jockey. He possessed an affinity for racing, along with a stubborn drive to win at all cost. However his love of attention while seated upon a contender’s powerful back made his want of the sport that much more desirable. He also realized there was enormous money to be made, and he was not about to be excluded. When it came to persistence Duff would not give in, and at age twenty one rode his first Grand National Steeplechase, finishing third but still in the money. He carried on, moving closer to the coveted Winner’s Circle with each race, until at age twenty four, won his first Grand National. Needless to say this catapulted him to instant fame among the equestrian circles throughout the world, accompanied by a steady flow of offers to champion the finest horses.

This also brought the attention of countless women, those of whom would frequent the racing venues hoping for a glimpse of the dashing Duff, all the while wondering if he might cast a seductive glance their way. Their excitement overcame them as the acclaimed jockey made his selection, and then set about on a not soon forgotten escapade with the lucky recipient. He loved the ladies, encouraging a queue for his attention that often rivaled the lines of those awaiting the chance to place their bets. But in all of the beauties he dated, he never settled on just one. This performance would continue until he answered Cyril Landon’s inquiry for a top caliber jockey.

Duff had arrived at Landon Lawns Stables in the early spring of 1965. It was a coveted day for the stables, but a dreary one by way of weather for storms threatened every half hour. But that did little to weaken his prideful step as he walked the grounds reminiscent of a peacock strutting his importance. There was no denying he felt superior the second he arrived. One had only to watch his self-absorbed performance to note this, and he made no secret of his intentions.

Cyril made it a point to personally welcome the dashing, twenty five year old jockey, and extending his hand, was not long in escorting him toward the extensive stables, making a point to introduce him to the staff as they moved toward the jockey’s personal quarters located above the main tack room. The line of staff was fairly long, and standing at the far end, sweeping an intense look over the slight man soon to arrive before him, was William Brown.

He cleared his throat in a somewhat hesitant manner before shoving his hand forward, and stating, “Hello, Taylor. I’m William Brown, the foreman of these stables. I’ve been here for some time now, and I’ve seen a lot of jocks come and go.”

Duff puffed his chest, and in a Liverpudlian accent, remarked, “Is that so? Well, no doubt you have, Brown, but you’ve yet to know me.”

The impertinent jockey was not one to take a back seat to anyone, regardless of how unsettling the situation might feel. He hadn’t climbed to the heights he had by being a shrinking violet, let alone bend in the least to a simple foreman of a horse stable. He’d been hassled by the best, so he thought, and he was not backing away from this one.

Taking a deep breath, he announced, “My gear is with my suitcases by the side of the walk leading to the main house. I told the cabbie to leave it for whoever’s job it is to tote it. I have my own specially designed saddle; be careful how you handle it as I don’t relish it being brandished about in the way blokes like you usually handle fine equipment.”

By the tone in Duff’s voice one would have to be deaf not to hear the intended sarcasm. But William Brown was not one to bow to anyone, regardless of their self-importance, and this was no different. He couldn’t put his finger on anything in particular, but there was something about this guy that summoned a forgotten memory. He bent down to retrieve a stray piece of hay from the ground, and then shoving it between his teeth, he growled, “I’ll tend to your stuff okay; no need to worry about that. And as far as knowing you, no, I’ve not met you before – if that’s what you mean – but there’s definitely something familiar about you and … best not be pushing your weight too quickly – what you have of it.”

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I am announcing this now, as if confirmed it will have happened before my April Newsletter is released. Willow and I will be at Ancaster Chapters on April 15th between 1 – 4pm – pending confirmation. https://www.facebook.com/indigoancaster/ Do watch for the official announcement of this on my website, as well as Facebook, Twitter, and assorted media sites. I have done a couple of signings for Willow’s Walk AND Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary at this bookstore in the past, and am looking forward to returning. If you are in the area, I hope you drop by, and say hello.

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On May 12th, Mother’s Day Weekend, I will be offering, and signing specially priced copies of Willow’s Walk from 1 – 4pm, at Pen Center COLES in St. Catharines. https://www.facebook.com/events/2025875314107935/ This is a chance to acquire this riveting 5 star read for an exceptional price, but only that day between 1 – 4 pm. Do take advantage of this special offer to obtain a most unique gift for your mom, or for yourself. Take this secure link to the event notice, and watch Pen Center Coles’ advert for my coming signing at https://www.facebook.com/ColesPenCentre/

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Image courtesy of Google ©

As we draw near to Easter, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you and your families a most Blessed Easter. May you delight in the rebirth happening all around us, and savor the delights that it brings.

See you next month!

Rusty B.

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