Romantic Fiction Author Rusty Blackwood’s May Newsletter 2017 …

• Posted on 31st May 2017
• in Images of a Writer, Newsletters, Thoughts& Views
• by admin

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Greetings everyone! I hope all mothers, regardless of whether you are mothers of children or pets had a fine and memorable Mother’s Day. This was the second one without my mom and it is still very difficult for me, but I know she was with me in spirit, as she always is, and definitely in memories. We sure made some fine ones. The weather this month has been a bit of a question mark, never knowing when or if the sun will sun, or when the next downpour of rain will begin. Tons of rain this month – record amounts in fact – terrible flooding and tons of flooded basements. Let’s hope June brings us sunshine, drier temps, and a lovely beginning to summer and now on with the news of May.

May was another slow month for me by way of public events in my area. I only did one, and that was taking part with fellow southern Ontario author Barbara Heagy, author of 10: A Story of Love, Life, and Loss, in the yearly Authors for Indies Day. This year the event was held on April 29^th at Hannelore Headley Old & Fine Books, 71 Queen Street in St. Catharines Ontario from 2 to 4:30 pm. Very interesting afternoon spent meeting an array of readers from around the city, a couple were writers themselves, and shared their experiences and entertaining stories with us. I always enjoy meeting fellow lovers of word, and to share in their outlook toward what they do. Ms. Heagy’s work is available on all Amazons, as is mine. Take this link for photographic coverage: https://www.facebook.com/pg/writerrusty/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155373001992033

The online activities continue; they are a must in this field and necessary as well. My 5-star award winning romantic fiction drama, Willow’s Walk, and myself have been sponsoring the daily Joe Shows’ Warrior Weather Reports throughout this month, and I wish to give a huge shout out to the very talented Joe Crawford for doing such a fine job in promoting my work. Joe is a renowned Niagara entertainer whose internet radio show, The Joe Show Live, is known not only through the Niagara region, but worldwide. You can check him out at this link: https://www.facebook.com/JoeShowLive/

 

 

Awhile back, I was asked if I would be doing a second Derwood Tugbottom, a sequel to the first, The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom, an adult comedy short about an eccentric retired English City Hall official that travels to Canada to live out his remaining years, but all does not go as he had planned. As I said, I had not planned on a second Derwood, but after reader’s requests for it, I decided to do a second, entitled Derwood Returns. The story is now completed, and waiting to go to the publisher relatively soon. I shall keep you updated on its progress, and when to expect it for purchase.

As I have been busy with Derwood Returns, work has temporarily halted on my upcoming romantic fiction drama, The Perils of Autumn, however it will be resuming over the summer. Please watch for updates.

In the meantime, please enjoy a short excerpt from the novel:

Chapter 4

Stirrings in the Stable

 The morning Autumn Leeves arrived at Landon Lawns Stables was a brilliantly lit one, with sunshine streaming through the windows, flooding the steel grid-lined upper portion of each spacious box stall with rays of lemon coated dust, dancing on the air. It was a normal day in the stable, much like any other, yet there was something sinister in the way Devil May Care, Cyril Landon’s prize three-year-old stallion, continued to paw the straw-cushioned floor of his stall. He appeared anxious, more so than usual, and even though he was high-strung – that of which most stallions are – his nature seemed like that of a beast possessed, with an unnatural need to escape the confines surrounding him.

Manfred Montgomery, head groom and trainer, had just arrived, and was beginning his daily ritual. It was no secret he held a special fondness for the well-muscled, hot-blooded stallion pacing his stall, and though careful when around him, Manfred couldn’t help but look forward to their next ride around the practice track.

“And how is my handsome Devil today?” Manfred inquired, hesitantly reaching for a tan-hued halter dangling from a bracket on the outside of the stall’s door. “The air is fine for a fast run-about, if you’ll be so kind as to oblige me.”

The horses loved Manfred; most of them never posed a problem or refused access about them, but the black stallion was different, with a mind of his own, and a will that would not be challenged by anything or anyone. Some might say he was loco, an unfortunate term given to a horse that could not be trusted. If he was in the mood to co-operate, all was well, but his mood changed so quickly that one could never be sure of what was coming next, even should the existing mood be gentle.

Manfred gently slid back the bolt on the bottom half of the stall door, gingerly opening it, and cautiously stepping inside. The huge mount stepped back, his front left hoof pawing the straw, while his ears lay back in defiance. He was the master of his domain. If the truth be known, he was the master of his destiny, and he would prove that if need be. His stance was proud as he towered over the groom. Manfred gently moved toward him, taking great heed as to his intention with the halter.

“Come on, boy,” the groom called soothingly, “You needn’t be mindful of this halter. It has no hard bit like the constraining bridle; even if it did I wouldn’t make you slide it under your tongue – like some do.”

It was almost as if the striking steed understood every word, for he graciously lowered his head to allow the halter to be slipped into place. Devil even whinnied softly, as if he were quietly carrying on a conversation with the gentle groom. The huge horse even lowered his muzzle into the groom’s open hand to find the treat awaiting discovery.

“Aw, that’s my good boy,” Manfred stated proudly, patting the horse’s powerful neck, “You are to be praised when you co-operate, not treated shamelessly.” Sliding his hands along the animal’s left back haunches, he openly, but quietly winced when he came upon the welt left by the latest wallop of the riding crop. “Damn him to hell,” stated the groom in withheld anger, knowing this latest crack of the whip could be contributed to Duff Taylor, Landon Lawns’ celebrated jockey. There’s nothing to be celebrated about an unfeeling task master that beats his animal into submission, Manfred thought as he gently pat the stallion’s hind quarters, and further thought, Oh how I’d love to take that infernal crop to him. Maybe one of these days I’ll get the chance.

The beautiful stallion turned his head and gazed around, almost as if he could feel the anger within the groom. Manfred loved animals, horses in particular, and regardless of their sometimes unpredictable actions, he would never contemplate misuse of them in any way. To think that anyone, let alone a top-notch jockey whose winnings kept him well into the black, could ever lay a violent hand on such a magnificent creature as what stood before him, sharing his thoughts, was something that was beyond his ability to comprehend.

“What can I say, my boy,” Manfred stated softly, taking the reins of the halter into his hands while moving toward the open door, “We shall soon challenge the course. Now stand proud, black Devil, while I tend to the task at hand.” The horse stood proud, holding his head in a forward position as if he were envisioning the wind in his face. He knew what was expected of him and he would cooperate – today – tomorrow might be different – but for now he would behave himself for this kind man who tended him.

Soon the groom had finished his task of brushing the great stallion’s coat until it glistened in the light. He couldn’t wait to adorn the horse in his tack, climb aboard, and head for the track. But first things first, he must tend to a few more horses before track time rolled around. Suddenly his attention was grabbed by the hailing of the stable’s diligent lead hand.

 

A book does not write itself, nor does it get itself into the public eye once it is written. It takes long, often grueling hours to bring it to fruition in the way you not only hope, but expect it to be. I am not certain if the reader realizes what goes into creating what they are reading, hopefully enjoying, and hopefully will recommend to others. Reviews are not only complementary to the book, they are necessary in helping others decide to give it a chance. Please take the time to voice your opinions by writing a review for what you have read, and post it on the author’s website, or by sending the review to the author’s email, and also by posting the review on your own social media sites and Blogs.

As I close this Newsletter, I would again, like always, wish to give my appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all who continue to support my work, and my efforts in doing so. It is a long, difficult road, and those of us who write do it mainly for the love of the Art. I could not see my life without the need to scribble ideas, type them into scenarios I envision, and create a story that brings entertainment to not only my readers, but to me as well. And as always, support your local authors, as well as ‘all’ your local talent in the Arts. Remember, those names that are now household words, were once unknown in their chosen fields, that is until someone took the chance and time to give their work a try, suggested it to others, and helped shine a light where there was none. See you next month.

Cheers!

Rusty B.

P S: be sure to visit my official website www.rusty-blackwood.com, comment if you’d like, ‘Like’ me on Facebook, and ‘Follow’ me on Twitter.

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