Guest Post: No Internet! What's a Girl to Do? by Historical Fiction Author Anne Montgomery...
Several months ago, my internet was finicky.It went on and off several times each day. I considered that, since it’ssummertime, perhaps lots of people were home sucking up those internetresources.
But then the internet went outcompletely. After a few hours, I called my provider. I always get a tickle outof the recorded message telling me that, if I’m having problems, I should goonline and check the company’s website.
“But I have no internet!” I wanted toscream at the robotic voice that kept steering me away from contact with areal human.
After being disconnected for noapparent reason—maybe I said something to offend the AI operator—I tried again.
“Our wait times are currently verylong,” the voice explained.
I didn’t hang up.
“Just a reminder, you can go to ourwebsite…”
I wanted to throw the phone but heldmy ground. After a about ten seconds of silence, the voice said, “You’re stillthere.”
I jumped! It sounded like anaccusation.
“Let me get someone to assist you.”
I let out a breath. After aconversation with a real person, I learned that, indeed, the service was downall over my neighborhood. They hoped all would be well at about 6:00 PM thatevening.
But twenty-four hours later, I still had no access to the Web. After standing around with my hands in my pocketswondering what to do, I tried to remember what life was like before we allbecame addicted to e-mail and social media and instant messaging. And Iconsidered the number of times each day I would run to check if I’d missedsomething vital.
Ah…good old snail mail. Remember how exciting it was to get somethingwith your name on it?
You know…like some huge publisherwants my newest book.
Or Netflix is interested in producingan eight-part series on my fabulous life.
Or some impressive university wants tobestow upon me an honorary doctorate for my literary brilliance.
Then, I had to admit that generally Ifind nothing horribly important in my daily correspondences. And yet, I can’thelp myself. I remember a similar feeling each day when I was a kidanticipating the mail, the kind with paper and ink and stamps. (For youyoungsters, Google it.) But back then we understood the mailman only arrivedonce a day, a vast difference from our current 24-hour model, that has many ofus desperately seeking…I don’t know…some kind of validation, maybe.
I checked the mail on my phone—not soeasy since I have four accounts—and confirmed just how unimportant I am. Itried to deal with my social media accounts, but dislike working on the tinyscreen, so I put the phone down.
It was in the evening that the horrible reality hit. Nostreaming! There we were in Season 6 of Peaky Blinders withno access. We were forced to try TV from the antennae, compelled to sit throughendless commercials. I wanted to weep.
Okay! I feel better now.
Yep, I’m a spoiled brat.
Later, I considered what I might doinstead of “working” online. I closed my eyes and considered the things I dofor joy: bake brownies, read a book, call a friend, play my guitar, plan a nicemeal, see what’s still eatable in the garden, go for a swim.
When I opened my eyes, I was embarrassed, because Irealized what I needed to do: Be grateful for what I do have.
Still, right now, the brownies are winning. So, pardon mewhile I go mix up a batch.
Here is a brief peek at Anne's latest release.
Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to the Graves Registration Service where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?
Praise for Your Forgotten Sons
“Although a defty crafted work of original fiction, “Your Forgotten Sons” by Anne Montgomery is inspired by a true story. An original and inherently interesting read from start to finish, “Your Forgotten Sons” will prove to be an immediate and enduringly appreciated pick.” Midwest Book Review
“This was a quick, riveting read that really challenged me to think differently about our servicemen and women, especially those who take on the jobs that don’t get heroically depicted in the media or news…I really highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a different take on American history. I left it with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes.” Bekah C NetGalley
“This is the truth. It’s gritty and painful and bittersweet – and true. When you think you’ve read every perspective of WWII, along comes Bud to break your heart.” Bridgett Siter Former Military Reporter
“Anne Montgomery writes a strong story and I was hooked from the first page. It had a great concept and I enjoyed that this was inspired by a true story…It was written perfectly and I was invested in the story. Anne Montgomery has a great writing style and left me wanting to read more.” – Kathryn McLeer NetGalley
Available at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, and Kobo
Anne Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, amateur baseball umpire, and high school football referee. She worked at WRBL‐TV in Columbus, Georgia, WROC‐TV in Rochester, New York, KTSP‐TV in Phoenix, Arizona, ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award‐winning SportsCenter, and ASPN-TV as the studio host for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Montgomery has been a freelance and staff writer for six publications, writing sports, features, movie reviews, and archeological pieces. When she can, Anne indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, football refereeing, and playing her guitar.
Learn more about Anne Montgomery on her website and Wikipedia . Stay connected on Facebook , Linkedin , and Twitter .
