Rusty Blackwood's Posts - Authors.com2024-03-28T15:18:53ZRusty Blackwoodhttp://www.authors.com/profile/RustyBlackwoodhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1547956004?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://www.authors.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=urdwx3nn3mqm&xn_auth=noDECEMBER NEWSLETTER (reposted)tag:www.authors.com,2011-12-29:3798404:BlogPost:1166622011-12-29T16:32:37.000ZRusty Blackwoodhttp://www.authors.com/profile/RustyBlackwood
<blockquote><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>Season's Greetings!!!</strong></span></p>
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<p>I'm writing my newsletter a bit early this month as it is such a busy time for everyone concerned -- including me! Preparing for the Holidays is always a hectic time regardless of what you do, or where you are. Shopping, wrapping, addressing cards, baking, decorating, visiting, trying to cram everything into a very small amount of time with at least some form of success.</p>
<p>I have…</p>
<blockquote><p><span class="fbUnderline"><strong>Season's Greetings!!!</strong></span></p>
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<p>I'm writing my newsletter a bit early this month as it is such a busy time for everyone concerned -- including me! Preparing for the Holidays is always a hectic time regardless of what you do, or where you are. Shopping, wrapping, addressing cards, baking, decorating, visiting, trying to cram everything into a very small amount of time with at least some form of success.</p>
<p>I have always loved the Yuletide. Christmas is most special in many ways and for special reasons. I'm sure each and every one of us has a special love, memory, or reason for the season and celebrating it however each of us do. For me it is also special because it is my mother's birthday. To be born on December 25th has a special certain quality, I'm sure -- not only for who the birthday is shared with, but the festivities surrounding it and all that goes on during the 24 hours while it is present. I once asked my mom what it feels like to have your birthday on Christmas Day and she said she never really thought about it for she never knew any different. Somehow I would think she would be rather lost in the shuffle, but she said she would never change it even if she could, for she felt she was in very special company when it came to sharing her birthday date with whom she shares it. I have to admit I agree :) But still I make sure that her birthday present has nothing to do with Christmas when it comes to wrappings and presentation. I always wrap her gift in flowery paper, usually beautiful scenes which have nothing to do with the Christmas season, and I place it away from the tree in a special place all its own to be opened and celebrated by itself. Such as she should be. So far the plan has worked and I really can't see it changing anytime soon as Mom is celebrating her<span class="fbUnderline">" 90th. Birthday"</span> this December 25th!!!</p>
<p>>>> This has been a less hectic month in the world of writing, at least for me. Bookstores in my area do not hold Book-Signings throughout the month of December. I don't know if that's a good idea as books are a wonderful gift for someone who loves to read, especially if they like to cuddle up in a huge, comfy chair by the fireplace, hot chocolate within reach as they ready their mind to travel within the pages before them -- or on their electronic tablets. But January will see signings beginning once more. At the moment I have no definite January listings but when I do I shall post them on my sites.</p>
<p>>>> I will be signing copies of <em>Passions</em> at Pen Centre COLES on February 11th. just in time for Valentines :) I shall be formally posting this in January.</p>
<p>>>> The monthly drawing for a free, signed copy of <em>"Passion in Paris: Connections to the Past"</em> continues with this month's winner being <span class="fbUnderline"><em>Jeff Webber</em></span> of Chatham, Ont. Congratulations Jeff!! The contest will continue for awhile as yet, so be sure to take advantage of the chance to win by using the Feedback Form at <a href="http://www.rusty-blackwood.com">http://www.rusty-blackwood.com</a>.</p>
<p>As usual your e-mail address is kept confidential and not shared under any circumstance. Enter as often as you wish for the more you do the higher your chances of winning.</p>
<p>>>> My newest children's book: "<em>Through the Eyes of Innocence" </em>is expected for release early in January and is to be followed by the short-story adult comedy: "<em>The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom".</em> Watch for further updates on both of these entertaining titles.</p>
<p>>>> This has been an exiting year for me in many ways. Writing, especially self-publishing has its ups and downs, frustrations and hair-pulling experinences, but it is all part of the process of growing as a writer. I'm thankful to have the chance to do this. I've had the opportunity this past year to enjoy and experience many aspects of this field. I've met and chatted with many exciting, interesting people, travelled around to different venues, but the most exciting opportunity was the chance to participate in the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, which was held on the Campus of Southern California in Los Angeles. What a wonderful, thrilling opportunity as well experience. My daughter-in-law, as well good friend Corinne Doan conducted herself in a most proficent manner as my assistant during the signing on April 30th.and helped make my signing go smoothly and professionally. I am forever beholding to her for her support and assistance. We were in Los Angeles from April 29th. to May 5th, and had a great time. I think that trip was the highlight of the year.</p>
<p>>>> As an interesting read I'd like for everyone to write a comment for this newsletter with regard to what you feel was your highlight of 2011. It's always nice to share ones experiences with others, and I'm sure it would bring some smiles -- especially during the dreary, cold days of January. Doesn't have to be a novel, only a few lines, but scratch a few if you would.</p>
<p>>>> As this year soon draws to a close, I wish to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who very kindly support me in so many generous ways. Comments, word of mouth, reviews and purchase of my work. Please know it is greatly appreciated and I personally thank <span class="fbUnderline">each and every one of you.</span> I wish you <span class="fbUnderline">all</span> a wonderful, peaceful Yuletide Season, and a prosperous and healthy New Year.</p>
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<p><span><img class="photo_img img" alt="" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/374183_10150548692157033_192607652032_10745374_2039339120_n.jpg"/></span></p>NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2011tag:www.authors.com,2011-11-29:3798404:BlogPost:1119522011-11-29T17:46:22.000ZRusty Blackwoodhttp://www.authors.com/profile/RustyBlackwood
<div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div><p>Festive Greetings to everyone!</p>
<p>So hard to believe that Christmas is less than a month away and the New Year begins in just a little over a month. Where does the time go?</p>
<p>November has been a busy month for me. Three book-signings, tons of business cards into the hands of interested parties and hopefully future readers of my work. It is always said that 'slow and easy wins the race', well I'm hoping that old adage will prove true with…</p>
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<div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div><p>Festive Greetings to everyone!</p>
<p>So hard to believe that Christmas is less than a month away and the New Year begins in just a little over a month. Where does the time go?</p>
<p>November has been a busy month for me. Three book-signings, tons of business cards into the hands of interested parties and hopefully future readers of my work. It is always said that 'slow and easy wins the race', well I'm hoping that old adage will prove true with me. Determination and drive are both required in this field, as well as luck, and I definitely have the first two and I'm certainly open for the last one.</p>
<p>>> My first signing of the November trio was at Pen Centre COLES in St. Catharines on Nov. 5th. Very festive settings as the store was kicking off the Holiday Shopping Season with loads of in-store interests and tons of great reading offers. I met many interesting people and had the opportunity to meet 3 ecentric sisters from the Central Unites States here visiting family. Delightful ladies who are looking forward to spending time with Joy Wychmere & Cullen Malone in Paris over the holidays :) People are always interesting to watch, but even more delightful to meet.</p>
<p>>> My second signing was at the lovely Seaway Mall COLES in Welland on Nov.19th. I shared this signing with celebrated <span class="fbUnderline">Canadian Author Ernno Rossi</span>, author of <em>White Death</em> and <em>Remember Crystal Beach</em>, both historical genre. I was 27 years-old at the time of the Blizzard of /77 which <em>White Death</em> centers around. I lived in south-western Ontario at that time approx. 9 miles inland from the northern shores of Lake Erie, but the worst of that blizzard centered on the north shores of Lake Erie from Buffalo/Fort Erie stretching westward to Lowbanks. The houses along the shoreline were completely engulfed with snow, rooftops were barely visable and everything was brought to a complete stand-still for days. The path of the storm travelled inland many miles as well but the worst was along the shoreline. It was bad where I lived as well, roads plugged with snow, no-one going anywhere unless you had a snowmobile, but it wasn't to extent or destruction as it was in the east. He wrote a very interesting account of that unforgotten, devastating blizzard.</p>
<p>>> My third signing was at Fairview Mall CHAPTERS in St. Catharines on Nov.27th. A very pleasant Sunday afternoon indeed meeting many interesting people, discussing <em>Passion in Paris</em> with them and in general thouroughly enjoying myself. The exposure a book-signing brings is a most important part of writing and presenting your work. It allows the public to put a face to the name which is connected to the titles of your work. I suppose this is where 'slow and easy wins the race' can be truly applied.</p>
<p>>> My monthly contest continues on my website <a href="http://www.rusty-blackwood.com">http://www.rusty-blackwood.com</a> for a free, signed copy of <em>Passion in Paris: Connections to the Past, </em> and the winner of the November drawing is <span class="fbUnderline">Amanda Markowitz of Springfield PA.</span> Again CONGRATULATIONS to Amanda! The contest continues and the drawing is held on the 15th. of each month. You may enter as many times as you wish for it's always nice to hear from you and read your comments. Please note that your e-mail address is kept private and will not be shared under any circumstance.</p>
<p>>> <em>IMPRESSIONS,</em> my second collection of traditional and contemporary poetry is now available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com">http://www.amazon.com</a> as well my own website. This 2nd collection contains many pre-published poems plus many new and I hope those who read them will be delightfully entertained. Poetry is an eceltic mix of emotions for both the author and the reader, and the avenues travelled can be a very touching journey, one which is long remembered.</p>
<p>>> Presently I have two new books waiting to make their debut. <em>Through the Eyes of Innocene, </em> a 2nd. collection of children's short stories, as well the young at heart which contains previously published stories as well as new and interesting ones is sure to delight the imagination of the reader. <em>The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom</em> is a short-story adult comedy sure to tickle the funnybone of anyone travelling its pages. Come on along with newly retired public offical Derwood as he bumbles his way to the colony of Canada to his new life in Anchors Away Retirement Centre in good ole Vine Haven on the Lake. Both of these titles are expected for release by Christmas or soon after and will be available at both Amazon, as well my website.</p>
<p>November is the time of diminishing daylight hours, cool days and frigid nights, trees settling in for a long winter's nap, and new and exiting book releases. Something to delight everyone. Hopefully you will take some time and check out my work as well.</p>
<p>Kind Regards,</p>
<p>Rusty Blackwood. </p>
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</div>REVIEW: Nov. 18/11tag:www.authors.com,2011-11-26:3798404:BlogPost:1116432011-11-26T16:41:21.000ZRusty Blackwoodhttp://www.authors.com/profile/RustyBlackwood
<p><span><img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/306388_10150497978792033_192607652032_10581499_728622759_n.jpg" class="photo_img img"/></span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/306388_10150497978792033_192607652032_10581499_728622759_n.jpg" class="photo_img img"/></span></p>OCTOBER NEWSLETTERtag:www.authors.com,2011-10-29:3798404:BlogPost:1018922011-10-29T02:48:56.000ZRusty Blackwoodhttp://www.authors.com/profile/RustyBlackwood
<div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div><p><strong>>>></strong> Another month has almost slipped away and here we are facing the end of it, as well Halloween. I've always had a love for Halloween and this time of the year. The spectaculiar colours, the crisp air, and the over-all feeling it all brings. I hope those of you who share my feelings toward this cool season will have a wonderful time and a Fun, Spooky, and Safe Halloween and remember ---- <strong><em>Watch your…</em></strong></p>
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<div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div><p><strong>>>></strong> Another month has almost slipped away and here we are facing the end of it, as well Halloween. I've always had a love for Halloween and this time of the year. The spectaculiar colours, the crisp air, and the over-all feeling it all brings. I hope those of you who share my feelings toward this cool season will have a wonderful time and a Fun, Spooky, and Safe Halloween and remember ---- <strong><em>Watch your head!</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>>>></strong> I am most pleased to announce the release of my second poetry collection entitled, <em>IMPRESSIONS: Poetic Rhythm in Motion.</em> This collection contains a wide varity of previously published poems, as well intoduces many new ones. It is published through CreateSpace Publishing and available at the online bookstores at <a href="http://www.createspace.com">http://www.createspace.com</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com">http://www.amazon.com</a>, and my website at <a href="http://www.rusty-blackwood.com">http://www.rusty-blackwood.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>>>></strong> The monthly draw at my website for a FREE, SIGNED copy of <em>Passion in Paris: Connections to the Past</em> continues. I'm pleased to annouce this month's lucky winner is <span class="fbUnderline"><u>Milton Mays.</u></span> Congratulations, Milton! I hope you enjoy the book!</p>
<p><strong>>>></strong> This month's Press Release came out yesterday and is being carried on numerous media blogs and news sites but can also be read by taking this link: <a href="http://pressitt.com/smnr/Author-Rusty-Blackwood-Releases-Impressions-Announces-Toronto-Area-Book-Signings/7600/">http://pressitt.com/smnr/Author-Rusty-Blackwood-Releases-Impressions-Announces-Toronto-Area-Book-Signings/7600/</a> Feedback is always welcome.</p>
<p> <strong>>>></strong> The fall book-signings are soon beginning and the first will find me taking pen in hand at Pen Centre COLES in St. Catharines on November 5th. from 1 to 4 pm. I'll be on hand to sign purchased copies of both books in the <em>Passion in Paris </em> story centering around star-crossed lovers Joy Wychmere and Cullen Malone. I look forward to saying hello and chatting with the numerous people who happen by. Hopefully one of them will be 'you'. Please drop by my website, enter the contest, or simply drop me line. I would love to hear from you. If you would like to receive my monthly newsletter drop me a line at writerrusty@hotmail.ca to be added to the mailing list.</p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<p>Rusty.</p>
<p><span class="photo_center"><img src="https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316169_10150448642097033_192607652032_10353952_2138415114_a.jpg" class="photo_img img"/></span></p>
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</div>Passion in Paris: Directions of the Heart -- OFFICIALLY RELEASED!!!!!tag:www.authors.com,2011-04-27:3798404:BlogPost:383732011-04-27T21:53:42.000ZRusty Blackwoodhttp://www.authors.com/profile/RustyBlackwood
<p>It is with both pride and excitement that I announce the official release of the highly awaited <em>"Passion in Paris: Directions of the Heart",</em> the highly anticipated sequel to "<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Passion in Paris: Connections to the Past"</span>. This two part story surrounding star-crossed lovers, <span style="color: #800080;">Joy Wychmere and Cullen Malone</span>, is sure to sweep you to the festive streets of Paris, right to the middle of an unforgiving storm…</p>
<p>It is with both pride and excitement that I announce the official release of the highly awaited <em>"Passion in Paris: Directions of the Heart",</em> the highly anticipated sequel to "<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Passion in Paris: Connections to the Past"</span>. This two part story surrounding star-crossed lovers, <span style="color: #800080;">Joy Wychmere and Cullen Malone</span>, is sure to sweep you to the festive streets of Paris, right to the middle of an unforgiving storm designed to immerse Joy & Cully into the most enduring test of their life.</p>
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<p>Can true love really stand the test of time; can it overcome the impossible?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Find out, as your emotions experinence avenues you never knew were there.</p>
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<p>The novel can be obtained in Hardback, Trade Paperback, and e-Book formats at <a href="http://www.xlibris.com">www.xlibris.com</a></p>
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<p>Futher outlets to follow, as well as directly through me at <a href="http://www.rusty-blackwood.com">www.rusty-blackwood.com</a></p>
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<p>Enjoy!</p>
<p>Rusty :)<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1561434782?profile=original"><img width="230" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1561434782?profile=original" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p> </p>A short excerpt from the soon to be released, "Passion in Paris: Directions of the Heart"tag:www.authors.com,2011-04-23:3798404:BlogPost:364812011-04-23T00:34:31.000ZRusty Blackwoodhttp://www.authors.com/profile/RustyBlackwood
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1561434714?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1561434714?profile=original" width="230"></img></a> The dreaded words that I had feared for so long had finally been spoken. They echoed in my head -- hurting me -- tearing at my heart, ripping it apart, causing me pain like I had never known. The words were killing me just as sure as blood was draining from my body, but I knew if these words were really true my heart would stop and I would die long before my blood was gone,…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1561434714?profile=original"><img width="230" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1561434714?profile=original" class="align-full"/></a> The dreaded words that I had feared for so long had finally been spoken. They echoed in my head -- hurting me -- tearing at my heart, ripping it apart, causing me pain like I had never known. The words were killing me just as sure as blood was draining from my body, but I knew if these words were really true my heart would stop and I would die long before my blood was gone, long before the fire's dreaded gases or flames reached me. I had understood Dean's words as well as their meaning but I would not accept them -- would not even <em>listen</em> to them -- as something inside my head snapped and the unmoving, stubborn determination that had long since run out came rushing back with a vengeance as my lungs summoned every bit of strength that still remained.</p>
<p><em>"Noooo!" </em> I viciously screamed. "No no noooo don't say ... don't tell me thaaat ... Don't you <em>say those words to me!</em> Cully's <em>not! </em> He's not dea ... God noooo! He caan't be dead ... Ohh noooooo! <em>Aaaahhh!</em> I won't leave him! I promised ... Don't you understand? I can't leave. I <em>love</em> him, he's ... he's my life now, I can't! I can't go ... caaaan't ... <em>You can't leave him here to burn!</em> No! Dean, pleeease ... If you <em>ever</em> loved me please don't leave him here ... He's not dead. <em>He's</em> not <em>dead he's just asle ... ahh! Asleep like ... before.</em> If you won't take him then leave me! I won't go ... <em>Noooo!</em> You fuckin' leave me alone! <em>Nooo!"</em></p>
<p>I was being lifted from the bed when I heard Philip's voice passionately scream<em>, "Stops</em>! Puts her down! You are to hurts her! Just looks at how much you haves upsets her! She has becomes completely distraught. I will never be able to calms her now! <em>You have ruined everything here!</em> Just listens to how she screams! She is so in amour with Monsieur Malones. How <em>cans</em> you be without compassions at this times? To cause her such anguish with lé terrible thruth that even <em>I</em> haves managed to withholds from her delicate ears. <em>You are all deplorable and without heart!"</em></p>
<p>Dean's voice haughtily answered, "You've said quite enough! She is my wife and I will say what happens with her! Now you get goin'!" Another explosion was heard somewhere beneath us; as the sound died away, Dean frantically hollered, " Fran, come on we've gotta go now! Look! The smoke's gotten worse and it's -- <em>aacck! --</em> gettin', <em>aa-aa-ch!</em> Gettin' stronger! Fuck, this smoke's choking me ... Come on, you two have to help Joy. I can't take my eyes off this sorry bastard for one second! <em>Aa-aa-ch-ch! </em> I'd love to leave 'em here for the fire to have but he's goin' to the law!"</p>
<p>The two women continued their task of lifting my squirming body while I kicked as hard as I could against it.</p>
<p><em>"Nooo!</em> Don't touch me! Leave me! Leave me here with him! Don't! Please don't do this to us. <em>He's not dead!</em> He's just under the influence of the pills! Oh my god please listen ta me!"</p>
<p>My pleas were falling on deaf ears. Even in my frantic state I realized their terror. The fire was coming fast, lives were on the line and death was imminent if we did not leave, yet how could I make them understand what I knew in my heart was true? Cullen was not gone; he couldn't be. I'd feel it if he were; somehow I just knew I would. But they didn't believe me and if I was unable to convince them of what I knew deep within my soul to be true, then death really would take him, for they would leave him behind and even if it meant my own life I would not let this happen. Come what may I would not allow it.</p>
<p>I pulled breath from my laboured lungs and screamed my aversion, "Don't touch me! Put me down! <em>Noooo ...Cully ... baby, noooo! Don't you leave him here!</em> I beg you! Somebody <em>listen</em> ta me pleeease ... ooohhh pleeeease, God, noooo ...<em>aaa-hhh,</em> noooo! <em>Nooo! I wanna die!</em> Just let me die ... There's nothin' now ... ooohhh, God, noooo, noo, Cully ... don't leave him here, <em>aa-hh-hh noooo ... "</em></p>
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<p>Holding fast to Cullen's outstretched hand I would not release my grip, as I desperately fought to save his life while they kept struggling to pull me away.</p>
<p>Dean's abrasive voice screamed at me, "Joy, for christ sakes let go of his hand! <em>Now!</em> It is useless to do this ... There's no more time! My god the flames are at the far end of the fuckin' hall! I'm sorry he's gone, but we can't waste anymore time or we're all gonna die! We've got to go now!"</p>
<p>As Cullen's limp hand left mine, I frantically screamed, <em>"I won't go! I will not leave him to die this way! Alone!</em> You can leave ... leave me ... <em>Leave me, Dean ... Goooo! While you can!</em> It's all right it's my choice, my life! It's already gone if you won't take him too ... Pleeeease help him!"</p>
<p>Realizing I would fast lose this battle to either Dean or the oncoming fire, I <em>had</em> to succeed or lose Cullen forever. I had to get him to listen, to somehow touch the compassion I knew he held deep within his heart, even if it was to help the man who'd taken his wife and I continued to plead with every ounce of strength that still remained in my body.</p>
<p>"Pleeeease listen ta me, Dean! If it's too late then at least take his body out of here ... Don't leave him here alone to face the fire ... Please, Dean, don't let him burn ... Pleeeease don't ... noooo ... God, please make them hear meeeee ..."</p>
<p>No one would listen and my strength was almost gone. I sobbed as I was being carried around the bed. My eyes remained fixed on Cullen who lay waiting for whatever would greet him on the other side. As they carried me away vomit spilled from my mouth. My body shook and I could no longer breathe. I knew the end of my life had finally come and I didn't even care, for it had ended when Dean spoke those dreaded words. Now he might as well bury what's left. He refused to take my Cully out of this horrid nightmare, but he would not let me remain in it and at that moment, I truly hated him.</p>