Romance Author Rusty Blackwood’s October Newsletter 2017 …


Courtesy of Google Images ©

Romance Author Rusty Blackwood’s October Newsletter 2017 …

 

Romantic fiction novel.

Romantic fiction author.

Welcome everyone! I hope you are enjoying this mystical month. October has always been my favourite month of the year, not just because my birthday falls in the first week, but because of the energy that surrounds each of us with its phenomenal occurrence – whether you are aware of it or not. The year is fast moving to its close; daylight continues to lessen until December 21st, trees change their hue, drop their withered leaves, and ready themselves to sleep. All nature prepares for their well earned rest, and look forward to a new beginning in the coming spring.

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

A writer’s Newsletters are not always filled with news of events and public appearances, but that does not mean they are any less busy, or lacking in any measure. I have been hard at work on the upcoming romantic fiction drama, The Perils of Autumn, an insightful account of life at a fictional professional thoroughbred racing stable known as Landon Lawns, located outside Lexington Kentucky in a posh community known as The Meadows. Twenty four-year-old, newly graduated LPN, Autumn Leeves, is assigned the care of terminally ill, Alice Landon, wife of Cyril Landon, an English equestrian master, and owner of Landon Lawns Stables. Daily life at the immaculate stable is not all that it appears to be, for the head jockey, Duff Taylor, has a secret, one that he goes to great length to keep under wraps. But he does not have everyone fooled.

Courtesy of Google images ©

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

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, as storms threatened every half hour or so, but that did little to weaken his prideful step as he walked the grounds like 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 his 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 arriving before him, was William Brown.

He cleared his throat in a somewhat hesitant manner, before pushing 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? 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, or 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 guys like you usually handle fine equipment.”

By the tone in Duff’s voice one would have to be deaf not to hear the sarcasm pouring forth. 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 trying to push your weight too quickly – what you have of it.”

Cyril, knowing full-well the short fuse his foreman possessed, thought it wise to put a quick stop to the introduction. Stepping around William, he said, “Come along, Duff. I think you’ll be pleased with your accommodation, and quite comfortable within it. The back windows overlook the main paddock, and beyond that is a view that is most pleasing to the eye; in a slight way it reminds me of the countryside just outside South Woodchester – minus the blue tint of course.”

Duff appeared amused as he watched William Brown shuffle away. His amusement might have been attributed to the inventive way his boss had managed to avert a possible confrontation between he, and the unimpressed foreman. It might possibly have been the reference to home, and though there were many miles between his employer’s area of England and his, the mention of an English countryside touched his heart with sadness.

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Yours truly, and my 5-star award-winning romantic fiction drama, Willow’s Walk, over the course of three weeks, beginning the second last week of September, followed in the second week of October, and finishing this last week, have been sponsoring The Joe Show’s daily Warrior Weather Updates. I had done a sponsorship for Mr. Crawford’s entertaining early morning weather forecasts for the Niagara area back in the spring, and will be again hosting a future sponsorship at a later time down the road. A huge shoutout of thanks to Joe, and be sure to catch his daily weather reports accompanied with his DYK – Did You Know-a short insert of trivia and knowledge that you will find both helpful, and entertaining, and be sure to catch his weekly show every Sunday at 4 pm at: https://www.facebook.com/JoeShowLive/.

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Courtesy of Google images ©

I have recently done a new 3 part audio/video series with Don McCauley of Free Publicity Group, The Author’s Marketing Powerhouse, and The Author Show, entitled, Rusty Blackwood: A Retrospect, a look back at my past work and experiences, as well as what I am presently working on, and planning to produce in the future. It is a most insightful look into my world of writing, and my experiences as an independent author to date. You won’t want to miss it, and I hope you will check it out when it comes in early November to my official website: https://rusty-blackwood.com 

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Courtesy of Google images ©

‘Halloween Night’

Halloween has come once more
with happy children at the door,
as witches, ghosts, and goblins too
take flight in skies of darkest blue.

The trees stand bare, their job is done
And now it’s time to have some fun,
As costumed children run beneath
Leaves swirl, and crunch, beneath their feet.

The sky grows black as bats fly free,
and spiders spin their webs with glee
in hopes that soon a tasty treat
entwines itself, and tastes so sweet.

Ghosts and demons praise the season,
dancing, singing spirits ringing
while shadows lurk in corners where
you dare to tread, nor linger there.

Candles burn with flickering wicks
while creatures crawl in fog so thick,
they stare, and lurk, and make a wish
that you’ll come near with eyes that peer.

Winds moan low, and wolves may howl,
they watch whatever’s on the prowl,
their amber eyes stare with intent
they do not smile, nor ere relent.

Jack-lanterns burn their fire bright
some faces happy, some with fright,
they light the path for those who dare
to venture forth, without a care.

Still laugh, and play, it ’tis the season
To enjoy without a reason,
As children trick for treats delight,
Have fun, and smile, it’s Halloween night!

Rusty Blackwood.
© 2002-17.

~ Halloween, to me is a wondrous time of year, and though the night is for children to act out their imagination, the night is filled with magic beyond belief for those who are truly connected with those who have gone before. R.B. ~

‘All Rights Reserved by Author’.

As this most magic of nights grows near, I ask that you keep an extra watch on the little ghosts, goblins and witches that will be out on the sidewalks, crossing the streets trick or treating, and they often go as fast as their little feet will carry them. They are filled with excitement and wonder, and even though they may be accompanied by adults, they can still dart across a street before you are aware. So be extra mindful, and drive with caution.

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Courtesy of Google images ©

November eleventh is Remembrance Day here in Canada, and Veteran’s Day in the United States, so I would like to take this opportunity to ask that my readers observe this special day, and remember all those who not only fought, but gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live free. It is a gift that should not be taken lightly or with arrogance and or entitlement. Do not take our freedoms for granted; instead strive to keep our nations free of oppression, and tyranny.

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Photography by Miss Carson E. Doan ©

As October draws to a close along with this Newsletter, I would once again like to thank all readers, fans, and followers for your continuing support through the many ways in which you give it. I ask that you continue to share my news, discuss my work, and contact me with any questions or comments you may have. I so appreciate your time in reading these monthly Newsletters, and I hope you continue to remain on my growing mailing list of supporters. Please ‘Like’ me on Facebook, and ‘Follow’ me on Twitter. You may find direct links to both these media sites on my official website at www.rusty-blackwood.com. And as always, support your local authors as well as all your local talent in the Arts.

See you next month!

Rusty B.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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