Rusty Blackwood Shares Her Writing Journey
PHOTO: Canadian Indie author Rusty Blackwood, admired for her romantic fiction and Derwood comedy series, photographed in St. Catharines.
A Glimpse Into The Life Of A Romantic Fiction Author
Rusty Blackwood discusses her inspirations, creative process, and the emotional depth behind her romantic dramas and comedic works in a heartfelt interview highlighting her passion and dedication to storytelling.
Canadian Indie author Rusty Blackwood has thrilled readers with her unique ability to craft vivid imagery and compelling narratives. Known for her romantic fiction dramas and light-hearted comedies, she captivates audiences with her sweeping storytelling and dynamic characters. Blackwood’s recent interview with Reader’s House Magazine delves into her creative process, her inspirations, and her illustrious literary career.
Reflecting on her Autumn Trilogy, Blackwood revealed her deep affection for the 1970s and how it influenced her decision to set her equestrian drama in that era. “The 70’s was my favorite decade thus far in my life,” she shared, citing the sense of adventure she experienced as a young adult during that time. Though Blackwood hasn’t visited Kentucky personally, she drew parallels between its rolling hills and lush pastures with those of her birthplace in southwestern Ontario. She conducted extensive research into Kentucky’s equestrian culture via Google Search to bring authenticity to the Landon Lawns saga, showcasing her dedication to creating a vivid and believable setting.
Rusty Blackwood is a master storyteller who captivates readers with vivid imagery, compelling narratives, and unforgettable characters across genres.
The author elaborated on how she balanced romance and suspense in “Return to Autumn Part 2,” the conclusion of her romantic drama trilogy. Blackwood emphasized the importance of resolving each character’s arc and tying up loose ends. She highlighted Duff Taylor’s shocking secret and its impact on the heroine, Autumn Leeves, as well as the dramatic showdown between Duff and Cyril Landon, ensuring every character’s journey reached a satisfying conclusion.
When asked about the character that surprised her most during development, Blackwood pointed to Agnes Harris. A lifelong admirer of Cyril Landon, Agnes grew into a compelling figure who learned to confront unrequited love while striving to create a fulfilling life for herself. “Agnes has endured a difficult life fully as much as Cyril Landon,” Blackwood noted, commending Agnes for her perseverance and complexity.
In addition to her romantic dramas, Blackwood writes the humorous Derwood Tugbottom comedy series, introduced to her by her late brother, Rick. Rusty openly admitted she is a “hopeless romantic,” but she also finds great joy in light-hearted storytelling, saying, “Derwood is most special, and a great outlet for silly emotions.” While she hasn’t written another Derwood installment since her brother’s passing, Blackwood expressed hope to continue the series in the future.
One of the most emotionally draining scenes she wrote came from Chapter 60 of Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary. In this scene, protagonist Joy Wyhmere believes her love, Cullen Malone, is on the brink of death. To capture the raw emotion of the moment, Blackwood drew from her personal experience of losing her father. She described the chapter as incredibly powerful both for her and her readers.
Living in St. Catharines, Ontario, has fueled Blackwood’s creativity, particularly its picturesque landscapes and manicured gardens. “The Garden City” offers inspiration through its natural beauty and its location on the Niagara Peninsula, which stimulates her imagination and shapes settings in her stories. Readers often detect traces of this influence through her evocative descriptions.
Though her novels dominate much of her time, Blackwood hasn’t abandoned her poetry roots. Intending to publish one final collection, she shared that she continues to compose poems occasionally, adding to her already rich body of work. “Thank you for your kind words,” she said when the interviewer highlighted the poetic quality of her prose style, noting her dedication to weaving lyrical imagery into her writing.
As a seasoned author, Blackwood offered advice to aspiring romantic fiction writers. She stressed the importance of writing from personal experience, researching extensively, and embracing critique and rejection. “Be realistic, and be able to accept critique and rejection, as both will come your way,” she said, urging new writers to approach their craft with resilience and confidence. Above all, she encouraged writing with enjoyment, reminding authors that passion translates into relatable, engaging stories.
Rusty Blackwood’s impressive career demonstrates her ability to bridge genres and create unforgettable worlds. Whether writing gripping romantic dramas like The Perils of Autumn, whimsical comedies such as The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom, or poignant poetry collections, she continues to leave her readers inspired, entertained, and eager for more.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
