Photo: Rusty Blackwood, Canadian indie author, known for her romantic dramas and humor-filled comedies, passionately narrates stories that inspire and entertain.
Celebrating A Canadian Indie Author’s Masterful Storytelling
Rusty Blackwood discusses her journey as an indie author, her acclaimed Autumn Trilogy, the comedic Derwood Tugbottom series, and her creative process. She shares insights on writing, inspiration, and balancing genres.
Canadian indie author Rusty Blackwood has captivated readers with her vivid imagery and a deep sense of romance, which she has masterfully demonstrated through her extensive bibliography of fourteen published titles since her debut in 2009. Her most recent release, Return to Autumn Part 2, wraps up the compelling 3-part Autumn Trilogy, which began with the multi-award-winning The Perils of Autumn, followed by its sequel, Return to Autumn. Continuing her creative journey, Rusty is currently crafting a prequel to the series, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horse Master.
Recognized as one of the top-ranking romantic fiction authors in Canada, Rusty Blackwood defines fantasy as anything the mind wishes it to be—and she masterfully transforms imagination into stories that sweep readers away into exotic, faraway places steeped in passion, intrigue, and vivid detail.
Rusty Blackwood captivates readers with heartfelt romantic dramas, hilarious comedy, poetic brilliance, and unwavering dedication to storytelling excellence.
“The flair for fantasy is anything the mind wishes it to be.” – Rusty Blackwood
Early Inspiration and Beginnings
Rusty Blackwood’s path to writing was shaped by her upbringing and personal experiences. Born in southwestern Ontario, Canada, the aspiring writer grew up on her paternal grandfather’s farm, where her love for storytelling began to bloom. Throughout grade school, she entered multiple writing competitions and credits her passion for prose to her late father, James Beecroft, and her former elementary teacher, Gladys Carroll.
Unprofessionally trained yet deeply talented, Rusty discovered a natural gift for expressing herself through words. This motivated her to take writing seriously in 2001, eventually launching an impressive literary career.
Rusty’s unique nom de plume reflects her personal and familial connections: she combined the color of her russet hair with her estranged husband’s great-great-grandmother’s Scottish surname, “Blackwood,” to create her pseudonym.
Awards and Published Works
Rusty’s creative journey began with poetry. She earned recognition early on, winning a bronze medal in the 2006 Annual International Library of Poetry competition with her 2005 poem Desire. Her first poetry collection, Feelings: A Rhythmic Journey in Thought, was published in 2009 and was later expanded and re-released under the title Impressions: A Poetic Rhythm in Emotion in 2011.
Rusty’s versatility across genres is evident in her children’s literature as well. Her 2010 publication, Young Minds, later re-released as Through the Eyes of Innocence in 2012, captured the wonder of youth and imagination.
She ventured into comedy in 2012 with The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom, introducing readers to the eccentric Englishman Derwood Tugbottom—a character gifted to her by her late brother Rick. The Derwood series, which spans three books, earned praise for its humor and originality, with the first installment chosen by ManyBooks.net as one of the Best Books in Literary Fiction for May 2020. The series continues with Derwood Returns in 2017 and Derwood Goes Caribbean in 2019, offering readers light-hearted escapades alongside Rusty’s more intense romantic dramas.
Rusty’s foray into mainstream romantic fiction began with her two-part drama Passion in Paris (Connections to the Past in 2010 and Directions of the Heart in 2011), followed by the celebrated Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary in 2013—a finely crafted, heart-touching novel favorably reviewed by critics.
Her work truly soared to new heights with her multi-award-winning romantic drama The Perils of Autumn, published in 2019. This poignant story set in the 1970s explores the complexities of life at Landon Lawns Stables, a fictional Thoroughbred racing stable in Kentucky. Her heroine, Autumn Leeves, is a 24-year-old registered nurse sent to care for her terminally ill patient, but she soon unravels secrets that take her life in unexpected directions. The novel’s profound themes and enduring appeal earned it finalist positions in the 2019 International Book Awards and American Book Fest Best Book Awards in Romance.
Rusty expanded on this success with the 2-part sequel, Return to Autumn, published in 2022, and its follow-up Return to Autumn: Part 2 in 2023. This thrilling conclusion ties up loose ends and provides answers to key dilemmas, proving once again Rusty’s ability to weave suspense and romance seamlessly.
Life Beyond Writing
A multifaceted individual, Rusty Blackwood is as artistic off the page as she is on it. Her love for the arts shines through her two diplomas in Interior Decorating and Design, as well as her musical talents as a vocalist, bassist, and guitarist. Throughout her youth, she performed with her family’s country music band, The Midnight Ramblers, and later with the country-rock-blues band MIRAGE.
Rusty also finds joy in painting, gardening, interior design, and spending time with her family and friends. She draws inspiration from her surroundings in the picturesque city of St. Catharines, Ontario, where rolling hills and scenic lakes stimulate her imagination.
Rusty Blackwood in Her Own Words
During an interview with Reader’s House, Rusty discussed her inspirations and creative process behind her beloved Autumn Trilogy. Reflecting on why she chose 1970s Kentucky as her setting, she shared her fondness for the decade and her lifelong interest in the American Triple Crown horse racing culture. Despite never visiting Kentucky personally, she conducted extensive research and drew parallels with her own southwestern Ontario upbringing.
Rusty describes herself as a hopeless romantic, which explains the blend of sweeping romance and suspense defining Return to Autumn Part 2. Through her characters, each of whom undergoes significant growth—including Cyril Landon’s long-held secrets and the resolution of Duff Taylor’s mystery—Rusty crafts a deeply human experience that resonates with readers.
One character in particular, Agnes Harris, surprised Rusty in her development. Forced to confront unrequited love for childhood friend Cyril Landon, Agnes embodies resilience and determination, themes that echo throughout Rusty’s novels. Agnes’s challenges and triumphs mirror many of those experienced by Cyril himself, adding emotional depth to the series’ narrative.
Rusty also spoke about her late brother Rick’s gift of the Derwood Tugbottom character, a creation that sparked her beloved comedy series. A tribute to her brother’s creativity, Derwood’s adventures have become a cherished outlet for Rusty, highlighting her ability to seamlessly switch between intense drama and light-hearted humor.
Final Words of Wisdom
While Rusty’s prolific career demonstrates her skill across genres, she remains deeply connected to her roots in poetic expression. Though her focus has shifted to novels, she hopes to publish one final poetry collection, showcasing her enduring appreciation for the art form.
Guiding aspiring romantic fiction authors, Rusty emphasized the importance of writing authentically: “Write what you know about or have experience with. Research is a must, even with experience for there is always something new to learn. Be realistic, and be able to accept critique and rejection, as both will come your way, but build from critique.” Above all, she encourages aspiring writers to enjoy the creative journey, declaring, “If you enjoy what you write, chances are others will too.”
Rusty Blackwood is proof that imagination, determination, and a deep love for storytelling can lead to the creation of compelling worlds and unforgettable characters, captivating readers across genres. As she continues her journey, fans eagerly await her next literary masterpiece.
