September 2010 Rusty Blackwood Interview with UK’s The Book Mogul

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

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http://www.thebookmogul.co.uk/2010/09/rusty-blackwood-interview.html
Rusty Blackwood took time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for me.

From the back cover: Within a child’s mind is found a creative world where stars glitter endlessly, the moon is forever full, water can run uphill, the sun can shine by the mere snap of a finger, birds soar among the clouds, and magic is very much alive. Within each of us dwells the child we once were. The innocence of that precious time remains, never to be forgotten, but only if we truly let ourselves touch the young mind that once sang, laughed, and played.

‘Young Minds’ is a collection of short stories contrived from memories and fantasy, and written for the imagination of the young, and the young at heart. Within the pages of this book Ms. Blackwood touches the child within herself, bringing memories alive to once again flourish, and strive. She invites you to take the journey with her, and let the child in you be free.

Rusty Blackwood was raised on her grandfather’s farm in south-western Ontario, Canada. She attained her love of writing while still in grade school, entering poetry and short story competitions throughout her area, and always striving for the next writing achievement. She has carried that love ever since. Inspiration can be found where least expected, and she has demonstrated that daily since becoming a serious writer in 2001. Rusty now lives in the picturesque Niagara area where she enjoys art, music, nature, and spending quality time with family, and friends.

What inspired you to become an author?

I always enjoyed written word and expressing my feelings in that manner. I felt I could do it much better than verbally. But I believe my grade school teacher who taught me grades 2 through 8 was my biggest inspiration to write, for she encouraged immense interest in whatever story she happened to be reading to the class at the time, and the way she had of bringing an author’s words to life very much inspired my desire to write.

What is your favourite book you have discovered this year?

I don’t get a lot of chance to read others’ work, especially when I’m writing my own, and the reason for this is my preference to keep my thoughts totally free from the possible influence of another’s writing, and this year has been no different. I’m afraid the only books I’ve seen the inside of with the exception of my own have been English reference books in grammar and punctuation, as well as my dictionary.

Are you in the process of writing any other novels?

With the completion my debut novel, I’m now currently revising the sequel, which is the second part of the story of which both books are based. I would also like to do another poetry collection, as well another collection of children’s short stories, and also a novel based on my years with my family’s band.

What was the hardest part of getting published?

I would have to say, time, but I chose to self publish; by this I mean I used Subsidy Publishing to put my work out there as opposed to Standard method, and for me it was not only the need to be able to afford to do that, but also the time required to properly research my publishing choice.

What authors did you grow up reading?

The standards like Louisa May Alcott (Little Women), Anna Sewell(Black Beauty), and Mark Twain (Tom Sawyer, and Huckleberry Finn), but one of my favourites was Walter R. Brooks, who penned the Freddy the Pig book series.

Do you enjoy looking at the feedback of your novels?

When I receive any I do 🙂 In many ways I’m humbled because I still find it rather hard to believe my words could entertain someone, but I’m glad they do. It’s what a writer strives for, and it’s a nice feeling to experience.

Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?

Shorts are much easier to do; I think this can be attributed to the amount of time it takes to do one when compared to a full length novel, but I’d have to say I enjoy novels the most. It is very easy to become attached to a hero or heroine–often times both– in a story as you take them through their ‘life’, and often times it’s sad when you reach the end of the story, but as a writer it’s always worth the incredible journey you take with your characters.

Do you have any advice for any young budding authors?

Do your homework, educate yourself on the topics you choose, write what you know about, and follow your heart. Most of all try not to become discouraged regardless of setbacks because there can be many, but if you truly believe in yourself, then the open skies the limit for your imagination to soar.

Are the stories based around true events or are they just stories you made up?

A bit of both, actually. Three stories were written for each of my grandchildren respectably, and the characters in those particular stories based on each of them. A couple were based on happenings in my childhood. A few were based on happenings with my best girlfriend and myself but exaggerated in actuality, and some were based on the neighbourhood I grew up in but of course used in a fictional manner, and some were purely fiction.

Thank you for answering the questions.
Posted by TheBookMogul at 08:01 0 comments

Labels: author interview, rusty blackwood

Tags: author interviews, Rusty Blackwood