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 colours 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 in grade school, entering numerous competitions and writing exhibitions throughout her area, and attributes her love of writing to her late father James Beecroft, 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, publishing her first collection in October of 2009 titled, “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, titled, “Young Minds,” that was later re-released as a second collection with additional content in 2012 under the title, “Through the Eyes of Innocence.”

In March 2012, Rusty released the short-story comedy, “The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom.” This title was chosen by ManyBooks.net Best Books for May 2020 in the category of Best Literary Fiction: https://manybooks.net/articles/best-books-of-the-month-may-2020

Following a previously hard fought, misguided, and misleading publishing road into the competitive world of mainstream fiction with her first two-part romantic fiction 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 grand scale, 4-star, heart-touching romantic fiction drama, “Passions In Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary,” released in 2013.

‘Passions in Paris’ was followed in 2015 by the official release of the riveting 5-star award-winning romantic fiction drama, ‘Willow’s Walk’. This page turner has been given a 5 star rating by Readers’ Favorite Books while still in pre-release.

In July 2017, Miss Blackwood released her second installment in the Derwood comedy series, titled, ‘Derwood Returns.’ In this hysterical follow-up to The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom, the bumbling, pretentious Englishman, known for his staunch outlook and demanding ways, decides to return to the picturesque village of Vinehaven on the Lake, where he takes up residence in the swinging Sunset Villa Retirement center, located directly across the road from the infamous Anchors Away, of which he hastily departed two years earlier. Now he is back, with a hard-learned lesson beneath his belt, and hopes of finding the life that escaped him on his initial try.

Rusty currently released the third installment of the Derwood Tugbottom comedy series, titled, ‘Derwood Goes Caribbean’ on January 27, 2019. Travel with Derwood, and his best friend, Robbie, as they board The Travelling Minstrel on a swinging single’s cruise to the Caribbean. Christmas 2014 is fast approaching and an intrepid Derwood talks Robert into taking a single’s cruise with him to the Caribbean, which sends them on another eccentric adventure. Will they find what they hope to aboard ship? Will happiness present itself in one the ports of call, or will it avoid them altogether? Find out, in this third Derwood adventure, certain to make you laugh as you cruise right along with him.

Rusty’s third novel, ‘The Perils of Autumn,’ is a 5-star award-winning romantic fiction drama set in the early 1970’s at Landon Lawns Stables, a fictional Thoroughbred racing stable in the posh community known as The Meadows, located just outside Lexington Kentucky. This enthralling story centers around heroine Autumn Leeves, a twenty four year old newly graduated RN who is sent on assignment to Landon Manor to care for the terminally ill wife of English equestrian master, Cyril Landon. However, once there, Autumn encounters a world filled with intrigue, wonderment, and a well kept secret. The Perils of Autumn was released on January 17, 2019 and is available in paperback, hardback, and Kindle editions at all Amazons, and in Kobo at Chapters. Paperback, and Hardback editions may also be ordered at all Chapters, Coles, and Indigo across Canada.

‘The Perils of Autumn’ is also a 2019 International Book Awards FINALIST in Romance, as well as an American Book Fest Best Book Awards FINALIST in Romance.

Rusty is currently writing the sought-after sequel to the 5-star awarded, The Perils of Autumn, titled, ‘Return to Autumn’ expected in late Spring 2022.

Rusty was also named an official NOMINEE in The Author Show’s (authorshow.com) contest for Top Female Author for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019.

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 writers’ 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 flavours 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 and walking the path of Lord Jesus Christ.

Miss Blackwood now resides in the cultural city of St. Catharines, Ontario and when not at her keyboard, enjoys art, music, nature, gardening, and spending quality time with family and friends.