About Author

Rusty Blackwood, Author

Rusty Blackwood, Author
BIOGRAPHY

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Top ranking romantic fiction author Rusty Blackwood is a popular romance drama writer of the heart. She has a flair for pulling her readers into the romance and suspense within her books as no other author can.

Rusty believes the flair for fantasy is anything the mind wishes it to be, and she is a master at this. Within her expressive mind is found an endless array of romance, passion, textures, and colors to sweep the reader to exotic, faraway places where anything is possible, proving that her words really do leave you breathless.

Canadian born Blackwood, who chose her plume de nom by combining both the colour of her russet hair with her estranged husbands’ great, great, Scottish grandmother’s maiden name, grew up on her paternal grandfather’s farm in southwestern Ontario, Canada where she developed her love of writing while still n grade school, entering numerous competitions and writing exhibitions throughout her area.

She attributes her love of writing to her late father James, and to the late Gladys Carroll, her elementary teacher. Although unprofessionally trained in the field, Rusty has always had an affinity for the written word, a gift to express it, and has demonstrated this talent many times since becoming a serious writer in 2001.

Miss Blackwood is a bronze medalist winner in the 2006 Annual International Library of Poetry, sponsored through PoetryPoem.com, for her 2005 poem, Desire. She has written an eclectic array of contemporary and traditional poetry. Now working and ready to release her next book, the author now resides in the cultural city of St. Catharines, Ontario.



Rusty here, and I want to take a few moments to personally thank all the new followers of my page here on All Author, and of my work. I love to write, it is my passion, and I hope my words bring a smile, a few tears, and a sigh to those who read them within the pages of my novels, poetry, and comedy series. Writing is what we all share, and have in common, so again, "Thank you", "Each of you!"

Rusty Blackwood, Author's Books

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Book
(2) (1) $4.55 kindleeBook, Paperback, Signed Paperback,
The Perils of Autumnby Rusty BlackwoodPublish: Jan 16, 2019Series: The Perils of AutumnSuspense Contemporary Romance Romantic Suspense Romance Women's Fiction
(1) $3.99 kindle Free with KUeBook, Paperback,
Return to Autumn: Part 2 of the 2 part sequel to The Perils of Autumnby Rusty BlackwoodPublish: Apr 30, 2023Series: The Perils of AutumnAction & Adventure Contemporary Romance Literary Fiction
(1) $3.99 kindleeBook, Paperback,
Return to Autumn: Part 1 of the 2-part sequel to The Perils of Autumnby Rusty BlackwoodPublish: Nov 07, 2022Series: The Perils of AutumnContemporary Romance Romantic Suspense Romance
The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom
(3) $2.99 kindleeBook,
The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottomby Rusty BlackwoodPublish: Mar 01, 2019Series: Derwood Comedy SeriesHumor
Derwood Returns
(1) $2.99 kindleeBook,
Derwood Returnsby Rusty BlackwoodPublish: Jul 03, 2017Series: Derwood Comedy SeriesHumor
DERWOOD GOES CARIBBEAN
(1) $2.99 kindleeBook, Paperback, Signed Paperback,
DERWOOD GOES CARIBBEANby Rusty BlackwoodPublish: Jan 26, 2019Series: Derwood Comedy SeriesHumor
(1) $2.99 kindleeBook, Paperback, Signed Paperback,
Willow's Walkby Rusty BlackwoodPublish: Dec 04, 2015Suspense Contemporary Romance Romantic Suspense Women's Fiction
Passions in Paris:  Revelations of a Lost Diary
(1) $2.99 kindleeBook, Paperback, Signed Paperback,
Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diaryby Rusty BlackwoodPublish: Jul 14, 2013Suspense Contemporary Romance Romantic Suspense Romance Women's Fiction

Rusty Blackwood, Author's Series in Order

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Rusty Blackwood, Author's Awards and Achievements

    Rusty Blackwood, Author has earned excellence awards over time. Here is the glimpse of the accolades clinched by the author.

  • Best Book Awards
    2019

    The Perils of Autumn

    award
  • International Book Awards Finalist
    2019

    The Perils of Autumn

    award
  • Readers Favorite 5 Stars
    2019

    The Perils of Autumn

    achievement
  • Readers Favorites 5 Stars
    2019

    The Perils of Autumn

    achievement
  • Readers Favorite 5 Stars
    2015

    Willow's Walk

    achievement

Rusty Blackwood, Author Interview On 25, Jun 2020

"A popular romance drama writer, Rusty Blackwood got her feet wet in the publishing world by releasing her first poetry collection in 2009 titled Feelings: A Rhythmic Journey in Thought. She won bronze for the 2005 poem, Desire. She has a gift for writing intriguing fantasy in truthful yet amusing ways. Her books are dramatic, eventful, and exciting."
Where were you born? Since how long have you been residing in the cultural city of St. Catharines, Ontario?

I was born at the old St. Thomas General Hospital (no longer used as a hospital) in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. I moved to the Niagara Region in 1985 and to St. Catharines in 1987.

How did you develop your love for writing while still in grade school?

That’s a long time ago in which to digress, but I remember loving Storytime, where my teacher would read selected books to the room. I took my entire elementary years in the same one room country schoolhouse that my father had attended in south-western Ontario. I was captured by the words my teacher, Mrs. Gladys Carroll, would read; the descriptive passages that pulled you into the story and let you take part. I found it fascinating that someone had written those words that could give such wonder and enjoyment to the listener and reader. I wanted to do the same, and that is both where and how my love of written word began.

Growing up on your paternal grandfather’s farm in southwestern Ontario, Canada, which is your most cherished childhood memory?

There are too many to name just one. However, I didn’t realize at the time just how fortunate I was to have grown up where I did. I could run and holler to my heart’s content without worry of sound restrictions, nor constant traffic noise and congestion. I had the entire eighty-acre farm as my playground. I adore farm animals and spent countless hours with them. I fed chickens and gathered eggs. I helped my father with barn chores, and I remember sitting in the barn loft granary with my aged grandfather, munching on walnuts and listening to the wonderful stories he told. I loved riding horses and would do so every chance I got. It really was a charmed place, and I think of it often.

What inspired you to become a serious writer in 2001?

When I was in high school in the early 1960’s, there were only three career choices for women and writing was not one of them. I continued to write short stories, as well as keeping a daily diary, but I was never professionally trained in the Literary field. However, I always did well in English, both Literature and Composition, and possessed an uncanny ability to write and express my thoughts and feelings as any trained writer would do. My life took me in a different direction, and it wasn’t until the fall of 2001 at the age of fifty-one that I decided to see if I could write a full-length romance novel. I would write after work, and on weekends, until I finished my first manuscript and from there decided to see where it could take me. I had also written numerous poems and decided to get my feet wet in the publishing world by releasing my first poetry collection in 2009 titled Feelings: A Rhythmic Journey in Thought. This was how I began.

What did you learn while entering numerous competitions and writing exhibitions throughout your area?

The main lesson I learned was that not everyone is a winner. I learned how to do the best I could but not be upset if I didn’t win. I learned that second or third place was nothing to be ashamed of, and I learned how to take criticism. I did earn first place a few times, and was pleased with the fact that I did, but I also realized it came from trying my best to always improve on my last try.

What was your reaction to becoming a bronze medalist winner in the 2006 Annual International Library of Poetry?

I was blown-away. I won bronze for the 2005 poem, Desire. There again, you never know where a venture like that can lead. I am still pleased about that and keep my medal on my desk to remind me to never be hesitant to try something new.

How long did it take you to write your 2005 poem, Desire?

When I write a poem it usually comes quickly. I have experienced times where a few lines come and then nothing more that day, but usually it comes together quite quickly. Most of my poetry is traditional, four rhyming lines in a verse and usually four or six verses in a completed piece. I have written Contemporary where the poem consists of rolling thought with little rhyme, but I prefer Traditional prose.

Having written an eclectic array of contemporary and traditional poetry, what, according to you, are the important elements of a poem?

I believe it is the topic, or subject of the piece. To me, a poem is a condensed story written in rhythm and rhyme, revealing the story as the piece progresses to the end. I usually like to reveal the subject in the title and then try and use the title somewhere within the poem.

How did you come up with the title of your book, The Perils of Autumn?

The story revolves around a young Kentucky woman whose name is Autumn Leeves who is born to an unwed mother who struggles to make ends meet. Through trial and error mother and daughter finally find their way and things eventually grow better. Young Autumn becomes a nurse and after a brief stint at two separate Lexington hospitals, she is sent on assignment to care for the terminally-ill wife of an English equestrian master who owns and operates a thoroughbred racing stable that has a lot of ensuing fray taking place. Autumn arrives and is quickly caught up in the unsettling happenings.

Why did you decide to set Willow's Walk in the beautiful city of Ottawa Canada in 2003?

Ottawa is a beautiful city, the capital of Canada, and a most educational place to visit. I toured the city in the summer of 2008, first time I had been there, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how clean and organized it was. When I decided to write Willow’s Walk, I thought how lovely it would be to have her live there. At the beginning of the novel, Willow lives in Smith Falls in the Ottawa Valley, not far outside of Ottawa, but I would have her move to Ottawa with her second husband.

Who inspired the character of a newly retired government official, Derwood J. Tugbottom in "The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom"?

The character of the multi-dimensional Derwood Tugbottom came from my brother Rick’s active imagination, and the story, the first in an ongoing comedy series featuring the character and his many adventures, is based on an actual phone call made to my eldest daughter-in-law as a silly prank. When the phone call began, my brother was ‘in character’ of Derwood Tugbottom, an eccentric retired City Hall Official who decides to take his retirement in Canada. My brother, in character tells my daughter-in-law, who is the official chauffer for a posh retirement center in my city, that he had disembarked from her shuttle after a tumultuous ride about the city and was checking a back tire for damage, when she inadvertently backed over his right foot, pinching his toes, and ruining his shoe. He is calling to demand restitution and will not settle for anything less. Finally, my daughter-in-law, who has call display and knows who it is, tells the faux Derwood the jig is up, and they have a good laugh. She later told me about this phone call, and as Christmas was nearing and she always gave my brother a gag-gift, asked if I would write a short story based on the phone call, which I did. It went over well. Following this, I decided to expand the story and publish it, which I did. Derwood Tugbottom has become one of my most celebrated and loved characters, which is wonderful when you think of how he came to be. The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom is the first of three in the comedy series, being followed by Derwood Returns, and Derwood Goes Caribbean. I will be writing a fourth installment titled Derwood Comes Home.

What challenges did you face while writing the story of a rediscovered love nearly lost in 1999 Paris in "Passions in Paris"?

I released Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary in 2013. This totally revamped story is a grand scale novel and combines parts of the original two-part Passion in Paris: Connections to the Past & Directions of the Heart, respectively. The same characters act out the often-intense romantic drama that revolves around star-crossed soulmates, Canadian author Joy Wychmere, and Irish actor/musician Cullen Malone, and takes place in festive Paris at the cusp of the 21 st . Century. The story that happens in Passions in Paris is based on a discovered diary and accompanying manuscript, found in 2040 by Joy Wychmere’s grown grandchildren upon her death as they gather to plan her memorial. The reader is thrust back to 1999 Paris where the touching story is told through the eyes of the grandchildren as they read the diary and manuscript. The only challenge I faced was combining the two-part story into a totally revised version.

What do you do when you get an idea for a book? Do you write it out immediately, or do you wait for it to incubate in your head for a while?

I am always making notes, and the same is true when I get an idea that I feel would make a great read. Notes are most important for me because they not only keep ideas fresh, but they keep them remembered. I never throw anything away, and as I think about a certain topic, I can always refer to my notes.

What is something you are doing to maintain your emotional balance during quarantine (COVID-19)

Quarantine is now over for me and lockdown is greatly lifting where I live. We are now in stage 2 of reopening, but when quarantine was in full effect, I found myself sleeping more. It helped with the boredom I was experiencing in not being able to go anywhere. I was finding it difficult to find a proper mindset in order to write, as I draw from my life experiences as well as my emotions when working a title, but because nothing was known about the virus at the time, my worry was high, especially for my family. But now more is known, and along with that comes a better understanding, and no fear.

How did you first come across AllAuthor and what are your thoughts on it?

I was first introduced to All Author in the early spring of 2019 by Catherine Townsend Lyon of Lyon Media Services not long after I released The Perils of Autumn. She was representing me at the time and introduced me to many wonderful online book sites. I very much enjoy All Author and opted for the Pro Plan quite some time ago. I find it helpful with tons of great ideas and user-friendly programs to promote one’s work. I have entered the cover of The Perils of Autumn as well as Willow’s Walk and Passions in Paris into the monthly Cover of the Month contest and have used many of the tools to create ads and interest in my work. I plan on sticking around for quite some time to come and would recommend this site to anyone looking for a great promotion site.

Ask Rusty Blackwood, Author a Question

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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • It does feel somewhat strange knowing there are those who know who I am. It hasn't happened a lot, and when it happened the first time, it felt both exciting and strange at the same time. I believe any writer appreciates those who appreciate their work, it let's you know that your efforts are bringing attention to your work and hopefully entertainment to those who read it. I don't know if I would relish constant attention wherever I went, however, it is a nice feeling when it happens.
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    • AllAuthor AllAuthor 4 years ago
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    • What is that one thing you think readers generally don't know about your specific genre?
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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • My favorite genre, and the one of which I am best known, is romance. However, I often think that many readers of this genre expect sugar and spice and all things nice, the exalted prince on his white steed rescuing the damsel in distress, and always happy endings. They somehow forget that romance is seldom like this, especially after trials and tribulations that many couples often face. I write my romance novels realistically, meaning that you may be discouraged or disappointed with my stories, especially the endings. I sometimes make them bitter-sweet, often leave them to the reader's imagination, but I never have the prince waking the sleeping beauty with a magic kiss. I like to read romance in the way I write it, and I very much enjoy a wonderful, sensual story that sweeps you right into it, yet I prefer it be as it often is, honest.
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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • Not really. I very much enjoyed writing, it was one of my favorite activities, but in the late 50's and early 60's the main career opportunities high-schools offered for young women looking towards their future, were secretary, nurse, or teacher. Anything else was either not considered, or badly discouraged, especially when it was thought a girl would simply marry, become a housewife, and mother. I'm glad that has changed.
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    • AllAuthor AllAuthor 4 years ago
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    • Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • Of course I do, but when I do it is still written in a fictitious way. I often pull from my life experiences or base a story on such because I have lived it and therefore can write it both believably, and realistically.
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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • I believe it is trying to let yourself 'feel' the way they would in any given situation, how they would react, and what they would say. I'm sure it's the same for any writer, male or female when it comes to writing the opposite gender. I try to write the male in the way or the light in which I see them. It also depends on the character's personality that I give them, their relationship to the story and or character's they are interacting with. Basically, I try to write them the way I would like them to be if they actually existed.
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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • Not be gullible. Don't be taken in by fast-talking 'agents or publishing reps' promising you instant success, stardom, and fortune. Proceed with a realistic outlook, and don't let people beat you down.
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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • I believe there are many, but the one that I do not like nor agree with, is having the author sign their book-rights away in order to obtain a publishing contract. This is done in mainstream publishing; a standard house, where they then can then take the author's work, do whatever they wish, change it however they wish - good or bad - and the author's name is on the cover to be judged by the contents within. That is why I like and use self-publishing. You continue to reserve all rights to your work and I feel this is not only important, it is a must.
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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • A well thought out title and cover are a must in securing a reader's attention to the book. It should not only be interesting, it should instantly relay the contents of the story. It doesn't always have to be colorful, but it does have to capture the eye. As the synopsis on the back cover gives insight into the story, so should the front cover, and title.
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    • AllAuthor AllAuthor 4 years ago
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    • Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • I believe a lot depends on whether you choose fiction, or non fiction. If your choice is non fiction, be sure you research your topic, or subject thoroughly before you begin. If your choice is fiction, take time to let your imagination speak to you and listen when it does. This too requires research and the amount, depending of course on what genre you choose. Writing what you know about is very important. There is nothing more overwhelming than to undertake a topic of which you know nothing about, or have little to no experience within. Writing is time consuming, spent alone, and allowing your own company to become your best friend throughout the journey. If you find yourself bogging down and the next words will just not come, try stepping away for a while, take a break, go for a walk and remove yourself from your manuscript entirely. When you return, you will find that the time away had given you new perspective, and you will find a new avenue has opened for you to continue onward.
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      • Rusty Blackwood, Author Rusty Blackwood, Author 4 years ago
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      • First and foremost, I believe a writer must understand the subject or topic of what they are undertaking, and believe in their ability to bring it to fruition. A well constructed sentence without need of endless adjectives is a must, as is keeping the story moving without repetition. Developing interesting, and well-rounded main characters in the story, as well as supportive characters are most important. I also feel that a well-written, in depth, page-turning story is one that is told without the need to constantly a refer to a dictionary to understand what one is reading.
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