The other night, my sweetie pie and I were watching a documentary on the history of plastic surgery. The original idea was developed as a form of compassion; doctors trying to help those with deformities or injuries, like cleft palates and burns. Historians believe these nascent attempts at human reconstruction go back at least 4,000 years.

It was not until the horrendous aftermath of World War I, where modern weaponry did so much to destroy soldiers’ bodies, that the practice took off. Doctors worked feverishly to craft new noses and chins, jaws and eye sockets to give those injured men some semblance of normal lives.

Fast forward to today, and plastic surgery has taken on a whole new meaning. In our world, the vast majority of plastic surgery operations are performed for the sake of enhanced beauty. According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic surgeons, close to $17 billion was spent in the US in 2020 on cosmetic procedures.

While the U.S. leads the world in tummy tucks, brow lifts, and breast implants, other countries aren’t far behind. Brazil is second, followed by Germany—didn’t see that coming—Japan, Turkey, and Mexico. And these enhancements are not just for women. Plenty of men are submitting to eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and, everyone’s favorite, liposuction.

Speaking of the procedure that extracts fat to make one appear leaner, one has to admire Brazil’s Ivo Pitanguy. The acclaimed doctor noticed—perhaps after perusing all those bikini-clad, Copacabana beachgoers— that there was a perfectly good place for all that extracted fat, and…Voilá!…the Brazilian butt lift was born. By all accounts, Pitanguy was a great guy, often providing his reconstructive services to the poor for free. However, he would become known as the Surgeon to the Stars and was so revered in his country that in 2016 he carried the Olympic torch in Rio de Janeiro, after which he promptly died at the age of 93.

I suppose it’s a good thing we have plastic surgery, I just wonder if we’re taking these operations to the extreme. It’s hard not to think of people like the late Michael Jackson, who went from a cute kid to, well, something else. And I can’t count the number of very pretty women who feel the need to up their game by going under the knife. I’ve struggled through a seven medical surgeries, and can’t imagine allowing someone to cut me for something that isn’t absolutely necessary.

I also worry that young people, especially girls, are constantly comparing themselves to enhanced women, and see themselves as lacking. Conversely, young men ogle those literally sculpted ladies, and perhaps expect all women to look that way. Kind of a vicious circle, don’t you think?

As someone who faced the decision to do anything to look younger, I understand the pressure. When I was a sportscaster, I worked for five TV stations, at both the local and national levels. Then I aged out. You see, the target audience for sports is 18-to-34-year-old males and once I was pushing 40, I was no longer deemed pretty enough to be in front of a camera. It was a rude awakening. My work ethic, writing skills, and reporting abilities were insignificant. It was my age showing that was of the utmost importance.

Today, I am resigned to letting nature take its course. Still, I sometimes think about Dr. Pitanguy’s specialty and wonder what it might be like to…um…have a butt.

Just sayin’.

The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.

WOLF CATCHER

Anne Montgomery

Historical Fiction/Suspense

TouchPoint Press

February 2, 2022

In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

REVIEW COPIES OF WOLF CATCHER AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Review/interview requests: media@touchpointpress.com

Available where you buy books.

Hey, you guys who are running for election, I couldn’t help but notice how swamped you all are right now. Yes, I know the mid-terms are right around the corner and you’re busy trying to convince us to mark that little dot next to your name on the ballot, but I think you could use some guidance, so I’d like to offer a few suggestions.

First, since I’m guessing you want to get as many votes as possible, you should do your best not to make some voters feel left out. For example, you endlessly mention that you believe in “family” values—often displaying your spouse and kids as if they are some kind of magic totem—intimating that only people with families are worthy of running for office. But this cuts off a big swath of the voting public. Understand that about 16.5% of adults 55 and over in this country are biologically childless. And remember that 65-to-74-year-olds are the most likely to vote. See the problem? You might consider their feelings when you punch up the fact that you managed to produce kids. Not a huge achievement, biologically speaking—a drunk undergrad at a frat party can accomplish the same feat, yes?— and I haven’t seen any studies claiming that parenthood makes you a better person. Consider that family values include things like empathy, honesty, integrity, and perseverance, traits that even those who have not reproduced might feel are important. So talk to your copy writer and try to be more inclusive.

Continuing with the exclusionary theme, consider your obsessive need to identify yourself as a faith-based person in your ads. It’s a bit holier-than-thou, don’t you think? According to a 2021 Pew Research Survey, 30% of Americans consider themselves unaffiliated with any specific religion. And while you may actually think you’re morally superior to others, in the interest of gathering votes, do you really want that sentiment flying around out there? Let’s remember that we live in a country that our founders decided should be free of state-sponsored religion, smart men who gave us the right to believe or not believe as we see fit. So again, perhaps you shouldn’t waste that ad budget on something that is better left private.

Now, please don’t think I’m piling on and remember I’m only trying to help. The thing is, it’s really not nice or helpful when you diss your opponent. I mean, gosh, bashing the other guy in attack ads makes you sound like a sixth-grade bully. Not a good look!

If you want my support, a much better approach would be to tell me what you believe in and how you plan to address the important issues we face. How do you propose to bring us all together? How can you make our city, state, country better? How can you assure equality for all people regardless of what they look like or believe in?

I really think you have a much better chance of getting elected if you consider all of us. So, let’s play nice. Let’s be honest. Let’s treat others the way we’d like to be treated. Let’s agree to disagree, then shake hands. And perhaps you could use that big media budget to actually point out something that proves you’re worthy of my vote.

Wouldn’t that be better?

The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.

WOLF CATCHER

Anne Montgomery

Historical Fiction/Suspense

TouchPoint Press

February 2, 2022

In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

REVIEW COPIES OF WOLF CATCHER AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Review/interview requests: media@touchpointpress.com

Available where you buy books

My thanks to Linda Thompson and her crew for inviting me to be on The Authors Show. We talked about my historical fiction novel, Wolf Catcher, and lots of other things on the podcast, so grab a cup of tea or your favorite libation, put your feet up, and have a listen.

WOLF CATCHER

TouchPoint Press

Release date: February 2, 2022

Historical Fiction

The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.

In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

REVIEWS FOR Wolf Catcher

Heidi Slowinski

heidislowinski.com

“The story is very well-paced, reaching a page-turning, action-packed climax to the end. This story has all the elements of a great suspense drama centered around a historical mystery.”

V. Williams

Vine Voice

“I was deeply and thoroughly embroiled in this imaginative novel… (that) melds seamlessly much of fact with fiction. Totally recommended! “

Marina Sardarova

Author

“What a journey! What a story! A truly epic tale that grabs you by a throat and moves your soul. Highly recommend for the readers of all age groups.”

Rosepoint Publishing

“Boy, didn’t this one grip me quickly and keep me glued to the pages! Loved the cliff-hanging chapter endings. Well researched, well-plotted and paced…Trust me, you’ll love it. Totally recommended and out now!” 

Megan Salcido

Wildwood Reads

“Once again the author has created a beautiful story with a powerful message. She took a piece of history and brought it to life. I just can’t say enough good things about Wolf Catcher.”

REVIEW COPIES OF Wolf Catcher AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Review/interview requests: media@touchpointpress.com

Get your copy where you buy books.

I am an avid consumer of the news. As a former reporter in both television and print, I just can’t help myself. As you might expect, lately this predilection has me looking for antidepressants. It’s almost impossible to open the paper or surf the Internet without getting upset with all the craziness.

But then, two recent stories had me almost giddy with joy. Both articles had to do with sports officiating, a subject dear to me, something I’ve mentioned on many occasions. You see, I spent 40 years of my life calling games, mostly football and baseball, but also ice hockey, soccer, and basketball. Officiating was such a big part of my world, that now, three years after I hung up my white hat and whistle, my gear still hangs in my closet. The same with my baseball uniform, even though I haven’t donned those shin guards or chest protector in about ten years. Somehow, I just can’t part with them.

Despite no longer being an arbiter, I pay attention to news concerning my officiating brethren. Many people understand that this avocation comes with certain conditions. First, nobody likes us. Ever! They might pretend, especially after a call goes their way, but as soon as they think we’ve erred, their real feelings spill onto the field. That a thick skin is required in officiating is obvious. And if one seeks adulation and attaboys then they need to pick a different job, because rarely does anyone slap an ump on the back and say, “Great game, Blue!”

I mention this because of a recent headline that had me falling out of my chair: “Why you’ve never heard of MLB’s most accurate ump.” The USA Today article discussed 35-year-old Pat Hoberg, the highest rated home-plate umpire in Major League Baseball. According to Umpire Scorecards, Hoberg has a 96.4% accuracy rate on balls and strikes. Imagine that! While many fans work hard to denigrate the “men in blue”, Umpire Scorecards is showing just how good some of them are. In fact, four other Major League Umpires ranked right up there with Hoberg, so maybe it’s time we said something like, you know, “Attaboy, guys!

I know praising an umpire feels awkward on the tongue, but even a small compliment might go a long way toward alleviating the problems caused by the hordes of officials now leaving the game. So, maybe give it a try.

The second story concerned soccer. FIFA announced the names of 36 referees that will be working this year’s World Cup, that begins November 21 in Qatar. For the first time ever, three woman have been picked to call games. Stunning, I know. Even though women have been playing soccer probably as long as men, the idea that a woman could officiate a big game—as surely all World Cup contests are—didn’t strike the FIFA bosses until, well, now.

So let’s hear it for the men and women who make it possible for you to enjoy the games you love. Because, remember, without the ref it’s only recess.

The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.

WOLF CATCHER

Anne Montgomery

Historical Fiction/Suspense

TouchPoint Press

February 2, 2022

In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

REVIEW COPIES OF WOLF CATCHER AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Review/interview requests: media@touchpointpress.com

Available where you buy books.

Recently, my internet’s been finicky. It went on and off several times each day. I considered that, since it’s summertime, perhaps lots of people were home sucking up those internet resources.

But then the internet went out completely. After a few hours, I called my provider. I always get a tickle out of the recorded message telling me that, if I’m having problems, I should to go online and check the company’s website.

“But I have no internet!” I want to scream at the robotic voice that keeps steering me away from contact with a real human.

After being disconnected for no apparent reason—maybe I said something to offend the AI operator—I tried again.

“Our wait times are currently very long,” the voice explained.

I didn’t hang up.

“Just a reminder, you can go to our website…”

I wanted to throw the phone, but held my ground. After a about ten seconds of silence, the voice said, “You’re still there.”

I jumped! It sounded like an accusation.

“Let me get someone to assist you.”

I let out a breath. After a conversation with a real person, I learned that, indeed, the service was down all over my neighborhood. They hoped all would be well at about 6:00 PM that evening.

But twenty-four hours later, I still no access to the Web. After standing around with my hands in my pockets wondering what to do, I tried to remember what life was like before we all became addicted to e-mail and social media and instant messaging. And I considered the number of times each day I would run to check if I’d missed something vital.

You know…like some huge publisher wants my newest book.

Or Netflix is interested in producing an eight-part series on my fabulous life.

Or some impressive university wants to bestow upon me an honorary doctorate for my literary brilliance.

Then, I had to admit that generally I find nothing horribly important in my daily correspondences. And yet, I can’t help myself. I remember a similar feeling each day when I was a kid anticipating the mail, the kind with paper and ink and stamps. (For you youngsters, Google it.) But back then we understood the mailman only arrived once a day, a vast difference from our current 24-hour model, that has many of us desperately seeking…I don’t know…some kind of validation, maybe.

I checked the mail on my phone—not so easy since I have four accounts—and confirmed just how unimportant I am. I tried to deal with my social media accounts, but dislike working on the tiny screen, so I put the phone down.

It was in the evening that the horrible reality hit. No streaming! There we were in Season 6 of Peaky Blinders with no access. We were forced to try TV from the antennae, compelled to sit through endless commercials. I wanted to weep.

Yep, I’m a spoiled brat.

Later, I considered what I might do instead of “working” on line. I closed my eyes and considered the things I do for joy: bake brownies, read a book, call a friend, play my guitar, plan a nice meal, see what’s still eatable in the garden, go for a swim.

When I opened my eyes, I was embarrassed, because I realized what I needed to do: Be grateful for what I do have.

Still, right now, the brownies are winning. So, pardon me while I go mix up a batch.

The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.

WOLF CATCHER

Anne Montgomery

Historical Fiction/Suspense

TouchPoint Press

February 2, 2022

In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

REVIEW COPIES OF WOLF CATCHER AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Review/interview requests: media@touchpointpress.com

Available where you buy books

Several months ago, my soon-to-be 97-year-old mom announced she was writing a short play to be presented at the independent living facility in which she lives outside of Denver, part of a series of programs in honor of July 4^th. My mother—an author of several books of historical fiction— had planned a talk on My Dear Hamilton, a novel based on the life of Eliza Schuyler, who would become the wife of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

But then she thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice if Eliza could drop by?”

At that point, Mary Anne called and informed me that I was to play Mrs. Hamilton in her old age. Note here that my mother doesn’t actually asked. It’s more of a royal decree. (If you knew her, you’d understand.)

So, I spent every day rehearsing my lines and helping her modify the script. She worked on a costume and a set, which involved family heirlooms. She made posters and sent out invitations. She even catered a post-performance meal, where she promised me a cold glass of wine…if I did a good job.

I flew from Phoenix to Denver and spent a few days living at my mother’s facility, an eye opening-experience that gave me a solid look at what it means to be elderly. Dining with people, some of whom were approaching 100 years old, will do that to you.

Now, you might think me mean, but my mother had never been in a play, so I admit I worked her hard.

“Slow down, Mom! You’re saying your lines too fast!”

“Look up at the audience!”

“Cross the word out, if you can’t pronounce it right!”

“We need to do it again, Mom!”

“But I’m tired!”

“Remember, this was your idea.”

“Okay.”

When we weren’t practicing, I’d find her in the hallways of the facility. “My daughter keeps telling me what to do!” she complained to anyone who wandered by. Then came the knowing nods from the old folks, sympathizing with my mother’s plight.

The day of the performance, we were greeted by a packed house, which I was later told was far from the norm. Not surprising, perhaps, since my mother spent most of her working life in public relations and marketing.

Now, I can’t say it went off perfectly. But, when it was over, the inmates…um….residents seemed delighted with the show.

“Who knew you had any talent?” my mother blurted out at our post-performance party.

That, in my mother’s world, is a huge compliment.

So…I just smiled.

The past and present collide when a tenacious reporter seeks information on an eleventh century magician…and uncovers more than she bargained for.

WOLF CATCHER

Anne Montgomery

Historical Fiction/Suspense

TouchPoint Press

February 2, 2022

In 1939, archeologists uncovered a tomb at the Northern Arizona site called Ridge Ruin. The man, bedecked in fine turquoise jewelry and intricate bead work, was surrounded by wooden swords with handles carved into animal hooves and human hands. The Hopi workers stepped back from the grave, knowing what the Moochiwimi sticks meant. This man, buried nine hundred years earlier, was a magician.

Former television journalist Kate Butler hangs on to her investigative reporting career by writing freelance magazine articles. Her research on The Magician shows he bore some European facial characteristics and physical qualities that made him different from the people who buried him. Her quest to discover The Magician’s origin carries her back to a time when the high desert world was shattered by the birth of a volcano and into the present-day dangers of archeological looting where black market sales of antiquities can lead to murder.

REVIEW COPIES OF WOLF CATCHER AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Review/interview requests: media@touchpointpress.com

Available where you buy books