Happy Mother’s Day Friends and Readers!

Miss Carson Doan of C.E. Doan Photography.

Today I welcome Author, Rusty Blackwood to my book blog. We have been friends for quite sometime now. She happened to share some special news with me to share with all of you, my fabulous readers! But before we get to the good news, let me share a wee bit more about my good friend Rusty . . . .

About The Author:
Top ranking romantic fiction author Rusty Blackwood 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 grew up on her paternal grandfather’s farm in south-western Ontario, Canada, where she developed her love of writing while still in grade school, entering numerous competitions and writing exhibitions throughout her area, and attributes her love of writing to her late father James, and to 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.

She has written an eclectic array of contemporary and traditional poetry, publishing her first collection in October of 2009 entitled, “Feelings: A Rhythmic Journey in Thought,” which was later re-released in a second collection with additional content in 2011 under the title, “Impressions: A Poetic Rhythm in Emotion”. Feelings was followed in April of 2010 by a collection of assorted short stories for children, as well as the young at heart, entitled, “Young Minds,”  which was later re-released as a second collection with additional content in 2012 under the title, “Through the Eyes of Innocence.”  In March of  2012 Rusty released the short-story comedy, “The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom.” 

Following a previously hard-fought, misguided, and misleading publishing road into the competitive world of main-stream fiction with her first two-part romance/drama, ‘Passion in Paris’– Connections to the Past and Directions of the Heart respectively – Rusty was finally given the chance to accomplish what she had originally set out to do, and this exciting reprieve can be found within the pages of her new heart-touching romance/drama, “Passions In Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary,”  now available at the online bookstores of Create Space, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon worldwide. This beautiful romance novel is expected to be followed by the romance/drama, ’Willow’s Walk.’

The 5’1″(154.94 cm) spunky redhead is often asked how much of herself is found in her heroines, and she has been noted to say a fair amount, adding that most writer’s inspiration comes from many different aspects of life experience and reaping from them all that one can to use to one’s best advantage, so in that respect she would have to say that many sides, aspects, and flavors of her heroines derive from her own personality and life.

Rusty has always loved the Arts in their many unique forms and this is demonstrated in the two Interior Decorating and Design diplomas she holds, as well as her many years spent on the south-western Ontario stage performing with her family’s country music band, The Midnight Ramblers, and the country rock – blues band, MIRAGE  respectively as an accomplished vocalist, bassist, and rhythm guitarist.

Rusty firmly believes in going after what she wants, doing whatever is required to make it happen, and turning a deaf ear to anyone who says it cannot be done. She has faced many challenges throughout her life, emerging more determined with each, but make no mistake about her methods, for she is a firm believer in Karma and the adage that whatever you put out in life revisits you, so be sure your intentions are proper.

Ms. Blackwood now resides in the cultural city of St. Catharine’s, Ontario and when not at her keyboard, enjoys art, music, nature, gardening, and spending quality time with family, friends, and her loyal cat, Tipper.
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Now here is her most current book titled; “PASSIONS In Paris, Revelations of a Lost Diary.” It has gotten Rave Reviews!
And this isn’t her first rodeo either. She has several wonderful published books released. Here is a little about “Passions In Paris” . . .
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About The Book:

Paris, one the most romantic places in the world sets the scene for one of the best romance novels to come along in ages. A romance novel, filled with creative fiction, engrossed with passion, lust and lovers who cannot get enough of one another. In the tradition of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula‘ and ‘What Dreams May Come‘, the story spans lifetimes This is what awaits you within the pages of ‘Passions in Paris: Revelations Of A Lost Diary’, one of the best romance novels to come along in years.

A writers dream, a reader’s paradise, it’s creative fiction executed fully. Paris, the bewitching City of Light sets the scene for this passionate romance novel, peppered with drama, intrigue, deception, adultery and jealousy alike, this fictional romance which centers on star-crossed lovers Joy Wychmere and Cullen Malone, is certain to touch your soul and leave you desiring more. If a good book is your goal, you will not be disappointed with this exceptional romance novel by Rusty Blackwood.

Buy this book at Createspace

Buy this book at Amazon

Buy this book at Barnes and Noble

Buy this book at Smashwords
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Book Reviews:

“Exciting Tale”
I liked the book quite a lot.
And the title is certainly well-chosen, because it is a story about passionate people fighting for their love. The book is dramatic, eventful and exciting!”
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“This dramatic love story is a page turner and was cause for a couple very late nights of reading before I was delivered to the end of the tale!”
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5 stars
“A long kindled love between two different worlds that sets ablaze forbidden emotions on a roller coaster ride of endless desire — Miss Blackwood has a rare talent to bring this and more into the minds and hearts of those who have had the privilege to be transported into her wonderful world of story telling.”
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5 stars
“Fascinating book of a love story that seemed to be written with me in mind.”
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Now my readers know I only ask 2 questions of my guest authors, and for this prolific writer of romance, her is a little about her writing process, and as a self published princess.
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1.)  How did you know you wanted to become a writer, author, and editor?

I have loved to write since childhood. I always enjoyed English class, both English Comp, and English Lit, but my greatest enjoyment came from English Composition. It was there I could let my imagination soar and take me to wonderful places where anything was possible. I can remember numerous requirements in class with regard to writing a short essay, full length compositions, critiquing one’s work, understanding the reason behind another writer’s choice, that sort of thing, whatever the teacher’s requirement in English was on any particular day, and I well remember my excitement entering whatever piece I’d written into county fair competitions, assorted literature gatherings, and trying my best to hold my own among the imaginative pieces awaiting the judge’s final word. So many talented young writers in my area, and I was just happy to be among them and have my work before those who not only loved to read, but whose teachings and critique meant so much in helping each of us to improve. It all helped to build a better basis for each written piece that was to follow.

As strange as it sounds, writing wasn’t what I set out to do as a career, therefore I was never professionally trained in the field, but because of my affinity for the subject, I developed a keen sense of manipulating written words where I could express my feelings in a much better way than expressing them verbally. I would write assorted short stories, compose poetry, keep a diary, that sort of thing, but in 2001 I decided to try my hand at writing a novel. This decision stayed with me over the course of ten years which resulted in the writing of the original two-part Passion in Paris.

I self-published the first part, Passion in Paris: Connections to the Past in 2010, the second, Passion in Paris: Directions of the Heart in 2011, but I was never satisfied with the final product or the self publishing company that I had chosen to publish it,  so I terminated my contract and pulled my work. In 2012, after finding a new publishing outlet, I had the opportunity to totally redo the story in one book, which was the way I had originally intended it to be done in the first place. The finished novel, Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, which I am extremely proud of, was released  in the summer of 2013. With regard to publishing any of my work, I decided at the beginning to take the self publishing route because I wanted to maintain direction of my work, as well as the Rights to it, and not have to sign either away in order to obtain a publishing contract with a Standard House.

It’s a hard road; then again any road in this field can be difficult regardless of the route chosen because nothing is certain, you just have to believe in yourself, your ability, and be sure you research every aspect of it as well as you can. When it comes to editing, I do tend to feel one improves in this area with each written piece, and I have managed to acquire a fair understanding with regard to it, however I don’t consider myself an editor in any way. I do edit my work to a certain degree as I go, but I leave the main editing to the professionals.

2.)  What is the “Best Thing” you enjoy about being a writer & author?

I love the challenge of a blank page, and letting my thoughts and imagination pull me into it. I very much love creating characters that I can mold and give life to, insert them into a world that I have created for them, and watch them flourish within it. It becomes entirely my own world where I’m in charge — most of the time that is — as characters often have a way of taking over and demanding their own way, their own words, and their own actions.

This often directs a story down a far different road than you started out on. But it’s a great feeling to watch a story that has formed in your head come to life on a page that in turn becomes a complete book. As an author you hope it will bring enjoyment to the reader, hopefully as much as it brought you to write it. I can only speak for myself and what best works for me, but I basically write for myself and my enjoyment. I think a lot of writers do, because without the enjoyment that it primarily provides, the first page would never get written . . .
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So what more can I share about my wonderful friend Rusty? How about the ‘Fabulous News’ of a new book release very soon! YES! In just a few months Rusty Blackwood’s brand new book will release! And I have the pleasure of sharing it right here on ‘Lyon Book Promotions’!!

Her new book is titled; WILLOW’S WALK. Here is the book cover reveal, and about this soon to release book!
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Book Description:

The path each person walks is entirely their own. The pitfalls along that path, as well as the way in which they are dealt with are entirely up to the individual. Most use common sense, and are successful in their plight … But Willow Sutherland Crosby walks a far-different path, and with her own agenda … From the author of the riveting 4-star romantic fiction drama, ‘Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary,’ comes a gripping new tale, certain to hold you captive from the very first page.
Set in the beautiful city of Ottawa, Canada in 2003, this touching story centers on the life and times of a woman determined to prevail at all costs, regardless of what is set before her, the result of which is certain to leave the reader reeling in its wake. Abuse, deception, intrigue, and a never-ending quest for happiness and love. Will she find it, or will her blind determination finally take her down? This is what awaits the eye within the pages of this inspiring romance drama by romantic fiction author Rusty Blackwood.
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Now I don’t know about you, but I can not wait to get my hands on a copy! I want to thank my wonderful friend Author, Rusty Blackwood for allowing me to share in her exciting new up coming book release. And for the opportunity to share her with all of you, my fabulous followers and readers. Now here is where you can connect with Rusty, but {Ssssshhhhhh her real name is Carol}, so don’t tell anyone! LOL.

First, if you love to visit author blogs/websites? Than your going to love Rusty’s! http://www.rusty-blackwood.com/
While your there, make sure you check out her’ journal’ area. You can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads to right here:

https://twitter.com/rusty_blackwood/  ~ Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/writerrusty?ref=ts  ~ Facebook
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4067877.Rusty_Blackwood  ~ Goodreads

Wishing all mom’s a Fabulous and Beautiful Mother’s Day,
Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon & ‘Lyon Book Promotions’ . . .