Rusty Blackwood Brings Romance And Laughter To Life Through Her Captivating Storytelling

Photo: Rusty Blackwood, the celebrated Canadian indie author, crafting unforgettable love stories and comedic adventures that leave readers captivated.”

Master Storyteller Of Romantic Drama And Comedy

Rusty Blackwood, the acclaimed Canadian indie author, shares her creative journey, inspirations behind her works, and insights into balancing passionate romance and humor in her books, including her celebrated Autumn Trilogy.

Rusty Blackwood, a Canadian indie author, has won the hearts of readers with her unparallelled talent for weaving imagery into captivating words. With an impressive repertoire of fourteen titles published since 2009, Blackwood has established herself as a force in romantic fiction, poignant drama, and light-hearted comedy. Her latest release, Return to Autumn: Part 2, concludes her acclaimed Autumn Trilogy, which began with the multi-award-winning The Perils of Autumn and was followed by Return to Autumn. As she wraps up one series, Blackwood is already hard at work on a new addition to the saga—a prequel titled Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horse Master.

However, Blackwood’s creative genius isn’t limited to romance and drama alone. She believes fantasy mirrors the limitless possibilities of the mind, an art form in which she excels. Her stories are brimming with romance, vibrant textures, and a dreamlike quality that transports her readers to extraordinary realms.

A Journey Rooted in Inspiration

Rusty Blackwood was born in Canada and grew up on her grandfather’s farm in southwestern Ontario—a setting that fueled her early imagination and passion for writing. This picturesque environment was perhaps the first seed of inspiration that blossomed into her literary career. From a young age, Blackwood participated in numerous local writing competitions, a passion she attributes to her father, James Beecroft, and her elementary school teacher, Gladys Carroll. Despite lacking traditional training as a writer, Blackwood has exhibited a natural affinity for the written word, which she has nurtured since taking her craft seriously in 2001.

Blackwood’s pen name stems from personal meaning. She combined the adjective “rusty,” a nod to her striking russet hair, with the maiden name of her estranged husband’s great-great-grandmother, creating a moniker that reflects her personality and heritage.

Early Publications and Literary Accolades

Beginning with poetry, Blackwood found her footing in the literary world. Her 2005 poem, Desire, received a bronze medal at the 2006 Annual International Library of Poetry competition, solidifying her reputation. She later published two poetry collections—Feelings: A Rhythmic Journey in Thought (2009) and Impressions: A Poetic Rhythm in Emotion (2011)—eliciting appreciation for her ability to channel raw emotion and profound insight into compact verses.

Blackwood expanded her repertoire with a children’s collection titled Young Minds (2010), which was re-released with additional stories as Through the Eyes of Innocence in 2012. Her talent for diverse storytelling was further spotlighted with the launch of her comedic series starring Derwood Tugbottom, a character gifted to Blackwood by her late brother, Rick. The first title, The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom, released in 2012, won Best Literary Fiction by ManyBooks.net in May 2020. The series’ additional installments include Derwood Returns (2017) and Derwood Goes Caribbean (2019), bringing readers hilarity through the antics of this charming and eccentric Englishman.

Her first romantic fiction drama, Passion in Paris, was initially separated into two parts (Connections to the Past and Directions of the Heart) before being reimagined and published as the critically praised Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary in 2013. This rework marked a turning point for Blackwood, showcasing her ability to combine complex romance with gripping storytelling.

The Acclaimed Autumn Trilogy

Blackwood’s most celebrated works, however, reside in her Autumn Trilogy. The series begins with The Perils of Autumn, a 5-star rated romantic fiction drama set in the 1970s at a fictional Thoroughbred racing stable in Lexington, Kentucky. The novel tells the story of Autumn Leeves, a young nurse who finds herself immersed in a world of intrigue, love, and secrets at Landon Lawns Stables. The narrative unveils a deep bond between Autumn and the enigmatic equestrian master, Cyril Landon, while unraveling dark truths.

The book’s resounding success earned Blackwood finalist recognition at the 2019 International Book Awards and the American Book Fest’s Best Book Awards in the Romance category. It was followed by the highly anticipated sequel, Return to Autumn (2022), and the riveting conclusion, Return to Autumn: Part 2 (2023).

A Dual Talent for Drama and Comedy

Though she has garnered praise for her heartfelt romantic dramas, Blackwood has also captured audiences with the contrasting tone of her Derwood Tugbottom comedies. Where her romantic sagas tug at the heartstrings, her comedic stories elicit pure joy and laughter. Blackwood has shared that writing Derwood allows her to embrace her silly side, while her dramatic works fulfill her inner romantic. Despite their distinct tones, both genres resonate with Blackwood’s gift for creating rich characters and layered storytelling.

Inspiration and Influences

Much of Blackwood’s work is inspired by her personal experiences and surroundings. Growing up on a farm and her current residence in St. Catharines, Ontario—nicknamed The Garden City—fuel her vivid descriptions of natural beauty and community. The rolling hills of Kentucky in The Perils of Autumn bear a striking resemblance to her childhood landscapes, despite her never physically visiting the location.

While her novels occupy much of her writing time, Blackwood’s roots in poetry still play a role in her prose. Her poetic background infuses her writing with lyrical and evocative imagery, creating vivid, emotional worlds that captivate readers. Though her poetry output has slowed, Blackwood intends to release one final collection in the future.

Life Beyond the Page

A passionate creative, Blackwood’s talents extend well beyond writing. She is an accomplished interior designer, holding two diplomas in the field, and is known for incorporating elements like white wicker and wrought iron into her designs. She also spent years performing as a vocalist, bassist, and rhythm guitarist in her family’s country music band, The Midnight Ramblers, and later in the country–rock–blues band, MIRAGE. Her flair for creativity manifests not just in her novels but in her daily life through art, music, gardening, and spending time in nature.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

When asked for advice, Blackwood emphasizes the importance of writing from personal knowledge and experience, coupled with thorough research: “Be realistic, and be able to accept critique and rejection, as both will come your way… Most of all, enjoy yourself, for if you can enjoy what you write, chances are others will too.”

A Legacy of Creativity

Rusty Blackwood is more than an author; she’s a storyteller who crafts worlds that span the emotional spectrum, touching hearts and evoking laughter in equal measure. Whether through the sweeping romance of the Autumn Trilogy or the carefree antics of Derwood Tugbottom, Blackwood’s words leave readers utterly enchanted.

As she continues to build her legacy, Blackwood’s works stand as a testament to her resilience, imagination, and belief that anything is possible—qualities that inspire both her readers and fellow writers alike.