Cal Orey's Blog, page 24

Author Working on Children's Book...Sci-fi Thriller Adventure-Romance Trilogy

 Author Steps Out of Kitchen...Pens Adventure-Sci-Fi Short Novels 

By Cal Orey

PreviousNext

Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and versatile novelist. Her non-fiction books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Orey’s new book is Soulmates with Paws (a collection of her best nationally published magazine articles--written in both first-person and third-person narrative).

Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?

Well, it’s not a “classic” but it is a bestseller and I finally read it. I savored the short and oh so sweet, tuesdays with Morrie. As a ghostwriter I was told by the client that this is the kind of vibe he wanted for the non-fiction novel I wrote for him. 

The end is a bittersweet one. I was promised co-author credit. The client fibbed and my name is not on the book. I did pen The Healing Powers of Tea, and tea plays a big role in his book. So in my heart I know it’s my baby.

You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite? 

I would love to host John Steinbeck. He input his emotion into his work. And, of course, Travels with Charley is one of my favorites books. When I was in my early twenties, I left Northern California and hitched and hiked with my dog in search of America. Steinbeck was my mentor, my teacher, my hero. 

Next up for tea and scones, would be Stephen King. I would love to hear him tell a spooky tale. One late winter, I drove from Lake Tahoe to Reno for a book signing. He was there a week prior. It was a hard act to follow. But I got a call from the manager a day before my event. She said, “I don’t know how to tell you this but all of your books sold out.” So, I took my beloved Brittany and we ended up bringing more books to the bookstore. 

Who are your favorite writers? Are there any who aren’t as widely known as they should be, whom you’d recommend in particular? 

The trio of authors I chose for my oral exams in grad school are still my favorite writers. So, it’s John Steinbeck, Edward Albee (I was going to be a playwright), and George Elliot who had a sensitive husband who trashed her bad reviews. (My professors did approve of the master. However, they said they hoped I became an author—not a literature teacher.)

What do you read when you’re working on a book? And what kind of reading do you avoid while writing?

I read books and articles related to my chosen topic. I make a point of it to choose a different angle, style, and turn the subject matter upside down—this way it’s all mine. I stay clear of novels because it’s too distracting and takes me out of the zone.

What moves you most in a work of literature? 

When the author reveals the inner self and isn’t timid to share feelings—that is what makes me laugh or cry.

What genres do you especially enjoy reading? 

My favorite genres include Sci-Fi, Romance, and Adventure.

What book are you planning to read next? 

I’m too busy writing. I will not be reading but writing Book 2: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails.

What books and authors have impacted your writing career? 

Anne Rice taught a class at San Francisco State University—and she was amazingly real. Rice told us when we write we should pretend to disrobe and share ourselves without inhibitions. And that’s just what I do.

Author Working on Children's Book...Sci-fi Thriller Romance Trilogy Available Now!

 Author Steps Out of Kitchen...Adventure-Sci-Fi Short Novels

By Cal Orey

PreviousNext

Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and versatile novelist. Her non-fiction books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Orey’s new book is Soulmates with Paws (a collection of her best nationally published magazine articles--written in both first-person and third-person narrative).

Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?

Well, it’s not a “classic” but it is a bestseller and I finally read it. I savored the short and oh so sweet, tuesdays with Morrie. As a ghostwriter I was told by the client that this is the kind of vibe he wanted for the non-fiction novel I wrote for him. 

The end is a bittersweet one. I was promised co-author credit. The client fibbed and my name is not on the book. I did pen The Healing Powers of Tea, and tea plays a big role in his book. So in my heart I know it’s my baby.

You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite? 

I would love to host John Steinbeck. He input his emotion into his work. And, of course, Travels with Charley is one of my favorites books. When I was in my early twenties, I left Northern California and hitched and hiked with my dog in search of America. Steinbeck was my mentor, my teacher, my hero. 

Next up for tea and scones, would be Stephen King. I would love to hear him tell a spooky tale. One late winter, I drove from Lake Tahoe to Reno for a book signing. He was there a week prior. It was a hard act to follow. But I got a call from the manager a day before my event. She said, “I don’t know how to tell you this but all of your books sold out.” So, I took my beloved Brittany and we ended up bringing more books to the bookstore. 

Who are your favorite writers? Are there any who aren’t as widely known as they should be, whom you’d recommend in particular? 

The trio of authors I chose for my oral exams in grad school are still my favorite writers. So, it’s John Steinbeck, Edward Albee (I was going to be a playwright), and George Elliot who had a sensitive husband who trashed her bad reviews. (My professors did approve of the master. However, they said they hoped I became an author—not a literature teacher.)

What do you read when you’re working on a book? And what kind of reading do you avoid while writing?

I read books and articles related to my chosen topic. I make a point of it to choose a different angle, style, and turn the subject matter upside down—this way it’s all mine. I stay clear of novels because it’s too distracting and takes me out of the zone.

What moves you most in a work of literature? 

When the author reveals the inner self and isn’t timid to share feelings—that is what makes me laugh or cry.

What genres do you especially enjoy reading? 

My favorite genres include Sci-Fi, Romance, and Adventure.

What book are you planning to read next? 

I’m too busy writing. I will not be reading but writing Book 2: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails.

What books and authors have impacted your writing career? 

Anne Rice taught a class at San Francisco State University—and she was amazingly real. Rice told us when we write we should pretend to disrobe and share ourselves without inhibitions. And that’s just what I do.

Author Cal Orey Speaks on Using Pen Names (first printed in The Writer magazine)

Author Cal Orey Dishes on Using Pen Names--An Author's Best Friend

Using Pen Names: 7 Savvy Reasons Why a Pseudonym Can Be an Author’s Best Friend  

AT THE START of a writing career, your name may seem so perfect ... but as time goes by, sometimes a pen name becomes a must-have tool of the trade. And it's not just the famous writers who use one. Here's why playing the name game can be smart.

For privacy and safety. Using a pen name provides protection. If a topic is controversial or crime-related, going "undercover" may be wise. I did just that when I wrote an expose for a popular men's magazine about escort services (which provide customers with a companion for dates). I didn't want the local escorts or managers to harass me if they didn't like what I wrote about their business. So I took a double identity, just as they did, to stay out of harm's way.

To get very personal. If you want to write about something embarrassing to you, switching names is the ticket for sharing your story. Forget blushing. I wrote an intimate, first-person piece called "I fell for the guy next door" for Complete Woman magazine. By altering my name and the subject's, I got to tell my tale of woe and get paid for it.

To explore different genres. I spin many subjects, from nonfiction health to erotic fiction. In the 1980s, adult magazines for men (and women) were hot. Because I wrote from a woman's perspective, I got assignments. But I was also creating a name for myself in mainstream women's magazines. I chose an alias for the risque work, which allowed me to explore two worlds apart without offending more conservative readers or losing my writing position.

For maximum marketability. Using a pen name can make an author more noticeable, too. Jane Doe might be too plain a name to stand out next to J.K. Rowling (another pen name). "The main reason I use Lady J is because it gets more attention," says children's writer Teresa Jose of Ontario.

For pragmatic gender bending. As a rookie, I fell into technical writing. After a swarm of rejections, I sensed that my real name, Denise, was too feminine to be taken seriously. So I made a gender switch to help market articles. I chose Cal for its masculine sound, and because California is my native state. When I received my first acceptance letter addressed to Mr. Cal Orey, I knew I had chosen the right name.

To address a problem of overabundance. Ten years ago, my editor for health-related mini-mags published by Globe Communications Corp., for whom I was turning out a lot of work, warned me I needed a pen name to avoid overexposure and maintain credibility. Since I wanted to write more for more money, I obliged.

To find anonymity. Using a nom de plume gives an author the freedom to keep his identity separate from work. One author who is a gambling expert maintains a low profile. If he uses his real name, he risks being blacklisted from the gaming industry. Putting a pen name to work as he does offers the best of both worlds. It's a win-win situation.

Some famous aliases.

THERE ARE many examples of pen names among famous writers. Here is a brief sampling:

Pearl Gray dropped his first name and wrote his Western novels under his middle name and with a slightly different last name, Zane Grey.

Stephen King has written four novels under the name Richard Bachman. "I did that," he explained, "because back in the early days of my career, there was a feeling in the publishing business that one book a year was all the public would accept."

Samuel Langhorne Clemens used an old riverboat term, Mark Twain, as his pen name. Often called out on deck, the phrase meant that the water was 2 fathoms, or 12 feet, deep--deep enough for safe passage.

Mary Ann Evans wrote under the name George Eliot.

Ellery Queen was actually a single name for the collaborative team of Frederick Dannay and Manfred B. Lee.

--C.O. 

The Writer magazine

Tea for August...Hot Summer Days and Nights

 Tea(s) with Your Honey...

By Cal Orey

For centuries, people all around the world have enjoyed the simple, soothing pleasures of a good cup of tea with a good teaspoon of honey, and nowadays there is more reason to so do. Tea(s)—all kinds--especially with honey, but together they pack a punch of nutritional and health benefits.             Medical doctors, nutritionists, scientists and beekeepers are now confirming what healers have been saying for since biblical times—teas and honeys have a variety of healing powers.

             Here are my favorite tea and honey marriages—but there are infinite combinations for both you and me to try. There is no right or wrong combination and what’s sweet to you makes honey-tea beverages a sweet sip.
1. Black Tea:  The first tea I was introduced to was basic black tea—which does contain caffeine—and I have enjoyed it plain but realized it did need a sweet flavor boost to it.  Also, Earl Grey and English breakfast teas (perfect for an Irish breakfast, complete with fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, and scones) are part of the Black Tea group.

Best Honey Matches:  Basswood has a distinct flavor that I’ve used in plain yogurt for a rich flavor and it can give black tea a kick, too. Sourwood boasts a caramel taste that can make a common black tea come to life with taste. Earl Grey teams well with avocado, blueberry, and eucalyptus honeys, too. It’s more exotic and exciting than just a simple all-purpose clover honey that comes without pleasant surprises.

2. Green Tea:  Touted for its wide array of health virtues, this Asian tea does contain caffeine, like black tea, but not as much. It’s an acquired taste and that’s where honey comes into play so you can get the best of taste and nutritional benefits. 

Best Honey Matches:  Blueberry honey has a fruity taste which can give a nice kick to green tea, not the most flavorful tea.  Sage honey is mild, a California favorite of mine that brings out the best of green tea.

3.  Fruit Tea—Welcome to lemon, orange, rose hips, and apple teas. These fruity teas are sweet and sometimes tart, which call for a honey sidekick.

Best Honey Matches:  Mild flavored honeys such as sage and alfalfa brings out the best in fruit teas because it doesn’t overpower the fruity taste but maintains the integrity of the fruit flavor.

 4. Herbal Tea—Herbal teas come from a variety of plants other than the tea plant. They are made from the leaves, berries, flowers, fruits and bark of herbs and spices.
Although most herbal teas do not contain the antioxidant properties of real tea, they do possess other good-for-you compounds that can enhance your health and well-being. There is a wide range of herbal teas, including ginseng, cinnamon, licorice, and mint.

Rooibos (roy-boss) is the “new” herbal tea on the block—that is often called “Red Tea.” Like green and black teas, this tea contains antioxidants that make it heart-healthy and immune-enhancing—and it’s caffeine free.

Best Honey Matches: Teaming earthy and warm herbal teas go well with a mild alfalfa, clover, orange blossom, and sage honeys—common honeys that complement distinct herbal flavors. 

5. Oolong Tea—This tea, popular in Asian countries, contains health perks of both black and green teas. A robust flavored-tea that can have a sweet taste lends to different honeys. 

Best Honey Matches: Oolong, not a tea familiar to me, was easy to try with a friendly California orange blossom honey with its citrusy sweet taste. Another oolong mate is tupelo honey its light amber color and herbal, fruity flavors.

6. White Tea—And last but not least welcome to this pale tea. Found in China it is believed to rank number one for its antioxidants. It’s a bit sweet and mellow. It’s the new tea on the block for tea lovers.

Best Honey Matches:  Fireweed honey is light colored and smooth, like white tea—the two complement each other. Wildflower, one of my favorite mild honeys also goes nicely with white tea.

            As a devout tea drinker, I believe your choice of honey and tea is a personal choice—like pairing dark chocolate with different fruits, herbs and spices. The selection also depends on the season to your mood. But popular and friendly honeys, such as clover and orange blossom are suitable any time, any place because they are not too strong and will not overpower teas—all types—and you can’t go wrong for yourself or if you’re serving other people.Excerpt: From The Healing Powers of Honey and Tea books by Cal Orey, published by Kensington Books, mass market format 2018. All rights reserved.UPDATE: newsmax.com/tea GIFT BOOK take a peek inside! The Healing Powers of Tea and The Healing Powers of Honey will be available in audiobook format June 28!

August is National Coffee Month! Surprise! Coffee Has Healing Perks!

  By Cal Orey

Lose weight, fight cancer and help your heart. The author of The Healing Powers of Coffee tells why a good ol’ cup of Joe is being recognized as a hot new health food. *It is featured and carried by Newsmax Media! (Take an inside peek at this gift book!)Americans love coffee. And according to some sources, we drink an astounding 400 million cups every day. But few consume it without some guilt. For years, it’s been suspected as a culprit for various conditions, from high blood pressure to ulcers. But research is now proving the opposite. In fact, there are hundreds of compounds found naturally in coffee beans that have decidedly healing properties, perhaps more so than cocoa, tea or even renowned antioxidant-rich fruits, such as oranges and blueberries. In her new book, The Healing Powers of Coffee, Cal Orey pours over the research to brew up some incredible facts about these magical beans. Here, she sits down for a little coffee Q&A, where she shares insights and tips on how coffee can wake up your wellness routine, helping you to not only stay trim, but also reduce your risk of chronic diseases—even substantially lowering your risk of a heart attack.Quick TipStop the Pain. Have a Cup. If you’re prone to migraines, a cup or two of strong, black coffee may be the cheapest and most effective remedy, since caffeine can reduce pain by constricting blood vessels.Q: What inspired your interest in coffee?A: I have penned the Healing Powers series—books on superfoods. Since coffee gets a bad rap, I thought it would be fascinating to write about a vice that has gone to virtue. The health benefits of java are controversial, but groundbreaking research shows that it’s got perks. Coffee has been touted as the “newest health food.”Q: Why is coffee such a popular beverage worldwide?A: Its energizing benefits are probably the main reason why coffee has made its mark and is here to stay. Actually, according to legend, an Ethiopian goat herder was the first to discover the energizing benefits of the coffee bean plant centuries ago.Q: What gives coffee its many health benefits?A: Coffee’s amazing antioxidant power is what makes it special. Two mighty antioxidants—chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid—have been given credit for its health benefits. Coffee boasts other health-boosting antioxidants, including benzoic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. Q: Does decaf have the same effects?A: According to Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, decaf has 20% less polyphenols than caffeinated coffee, but this is not significantly lower.Q: Do certain types of coffee have more benefits than others?A: Drinking freshly ground coffee from whole beans can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.Q: What about the benefits of green coffee beans?A: Green coffee refers to the new or unroasted [beans] of Coffea fruits. It has been praised for its weight-loss benefits on the popular “Dr. Oz Show.” One study published in January 2012 in the Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Journal shows 16 adults using green coffee bean extract lost an average of 17 lb in just 22 weeks. It’s believed that chlorogenic acid slows absorption of fat from food intake and also boosts metabolism of extra fat. Evidently, it may be a better source of chlorogenic acid than traditional brewed coffee.Q: What about coffee’s effect on the Big C?A: Researchers are quick to point out that cancer-fighting antioxidants (in both caffeinated and decaf) may help lower the risk of developing some cancers, including breast, prostate and liver. Antioxidants in coffee act as disease-fighters to hinder the cancer process and reduce certain cancers.Q: What’s an interesting fact about coffee that most people don’t know?A: You can cook and bake with coffee. You can incorporate coffee in recipes like Cappuccino Biscotti, Thai Coffee Spiced Chicken Sates, Coffee Cheesecake and Maple Espresso.Q: What are coffee’s benefits for weight loss?A: Coffee can provide extra energy to help you exercise (burning calories and boosting metabolism at rest), and help to stave off muscle aches and pains after a workout. Also, caffeine in coffee can act as a natural diuretic, increasing the amount of urine you’ll excrete by temporarily losing pounds or water weight. What’s more, coffee can help women and men get and stay slim because it contains caffeine—and may beat bloat as well as keep you regular. But note, it’s a cup of regular coffee that can help you lose the unwanted pounds, not the junk added to coffee. That means stay clear of creams, flavored syrups, whipped cream, half-and-half and whole milk.Q: How much coffee do you need to reap the benefits?A: The exact amount varies, depending on your heart health and tolerance. Some doctors believe if you have any heart problems or anxiety woes, stick to decaf or one cup of coffee per day. Other coffee gurus do not have a problem with drinking three cups of coffee per day—and that was the average for Americans back in the 1950s. If you’re concerned about caffeine, drink decaf.Q: Can drinking coffee really be heart healthy?A: According to research, drinking two cups of coffee daily could reduce heart failure by 11%. Researchers didn’t determine why, but evidence suggests regular coffee drinkers may build a tolerance to caffeine, lowering their risk of high blood pressure. The antioxidants in coffee may also help to lower the risk of high blood pressure and cho- lesterol. However, unfiltered coffee and brewing in a French press or percolator may raise cholesterol.

2024 Earth Changes Forecast for August-December

 By Cal Orey

It's Happening--the West is challenged by hazardous air quality caused by wildfires, flash floods, and Northern California and Southern California quakes are making local and national this week.

As the Mercury Retrograde greets us on August 5 for three weeks, it’s time. It’s the year to buckle up, get comfortable, and prepare for Mother Earth’s twists and turns. While we endure West Coast wildfires, Midwest twisters, and continual quakes in Texas, it's time to get our ducks in a row. So, sit down, cozy up, sip a cup of tea and breathe... Then be prepared for whatever rocks your world.

The happenings the rest of the year will often be linked to two words “climate change” but also history will repeat itself in many regions around the globe. It is the year to get your go bag to be ready to experience the fight-or-flight response during eye-opening events. That means  shakers, twisters, and hurricanes in odd and familiar places that’ll get “ohs” and “ahs” – and make international news. Last year was likely a drill.

So, dear readers, keep your ears and eyes open for anything unimaginable because it is almost certain humanity is going to be blindsided by shocking happenings each season. It’s a year that will be unforgettable.

 

California Dreaming

Scientists know the San Andreas is overdue for a major earthquake and as they say, “It’s not if but when” the Golden State moves. The regions to get a big jolt include: offshore Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay, South Bay or coastal regions near the San Andreas Fault – and Southern California (Greater Los Angeles or near coast and, of course, the Salton Sea).

 

Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Wildfires

 Hurricanes will happen and in the likely Gulf States and perhaps the Carolinas. This year expect Hawaii may get the newsworthy Category 5. And,  the entire Atlantic seaboard folks may be boarding up and hunkering down unless there is time to evacuate. At least two historical hurricanes will shock the world and leave unbelievable destruction. Tornado outbreaks will be part of nature’s wrath.

Wildfire season is now an annual challenge – it’s no longer just smoky skies during summertime in the Western regions. Worse, unhealthy air quality is part of the new normal. People up and down the West Coast will likely migrate because living indoors 24/7 with air purifiers running and facing the ill effects of hazardous air outside while being surrounded by wildfires is no way to live.

Despite the crazy Earth events (blame changes in the Universe), as always, humanity will be forced to be self-reliant. And yes, the ongoing pandemic, virus and its variants will cause more challenges and chaos for the world.       That means more people are growing their own food, leaving big cities and our diet will become more plant-based as the supply chain of food will be shaky. It’s the year of challenges (and putting plans to travel on hold). But survival of the fittest (stock your pantry and medical kit for people and beloved pets) will get us through this year – and 2024 will undoubtedly go down in history books.

 

 

 

 On the Fringe

So, as we all cope with surreal climate chaos you may wonder, “What else is in the stars” – and surprises are in store. I’m talking a major, earthshaking solar event – solar flares may be the culprit or something related. Now this could be a minor solar storm or a shutdown the Earth event. That means, blackouts, communication lines affected, to disturbance for airline flights and road travel. The solar storm may wreak havoc for a while that’ll affect the world.

So, plan ahead for these periods. Expect rough air and avoid non-essential travel to making major financial or legal decisions during August, and be ready for miscommunication (and/or computer chaos) at work or play. Best advice: Chill, this too shall pass and we all may welcome 2025.
BIO: CAL OREY, M.A. Meet a versatile non-fiction health author who also pens fiction:  Romance, Sci-Fi & Adventure-Thriller, and creative non-fiction thrillers based on real events, including historical, political and science topics... Plus the writer is a known on-air personality... The Healing Powers of Herbs & Spices: Timeless Treasures #9 was published in 2021 by Kensington... It has made its way to being a pick in Woman's World Magazine Book Club, and covered by Booklist, American Global News, GlobalInformerNews, NYC Daily Post, New York Daily, City Buzz News, Huffington Post, on board with Newsmax, and in more than 200 libraries worldwide... Orey also holds two degrees in English-Creative Writing from SFSU. She is the sole author of the "hugely successful" Healing Powers Series, nine books have been graced with online bookstore Bestseller banners; (translated in 25+ languages), many featured by Good Cook and Literary Guild book clubs to Newsmax media.

Author Steps Out of Kitchen...Adventure-Sci-Fi Short Novels

PreviousNext

Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and non-fiction novelist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Orey’s new book is Soulmates with Paws. 

Granola Girl’s Healing Power’s Series: A Treasure Chest of Goodness

Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?

Well, it’s not a “classic” but it is a bestseller and I finally read it. I savored the short and oh so sweet, tuesdays with Morrie. As a ghostwriter I was told by the client that this is the kind of vibe he wanted for the non-fiction novel I wrote for him. 

The end is a bittersweet one. I was promised co-author credit. The client fibbed and my name is not on the book. I did pen The Healing Powers of Tea, and tea plays a big role in his book. So in my heart I know it’s my baby.

You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite? 

I would love to host John Steinbeck. He input his emotion into his work. And, of course, Travels with Charley is one of my favorites books. When I was in my early twenties, I left Northern California and hitched and hiked with my dog in search of America. Steinbeck was my mentor, my teacher, my hero. 

Next up for tea and scones, would be Stephen King. I would love to hear him tell a spooky tale. One late winter, I drove from Lake Tahoe to Reno for a book signing. He was there a week prior. It was a hard act to follow. But I got a call from the manager a day before my event. She said, “I don’t know how to tell you this but all of your books sold out.” So, I took my beloved Brittany and we ended up bringing more books to the bookstore. 

Who are your favorite writers? Are there any who aren’t as widely known as they should be, whom you’d recommend in particular? 

The trio of authors I chose for my oral exams in grad school are still my favorite writers. So, it’s John Steinbeck, Edward Albee (I was going to be a playwright), and George Elliot who had a sensitive husband who trashed her bad reviews. (My professors did approve of the master. However, they said they hoped I became an author—not a literature teacher.)

What do you read when you’re working on a book? And what kind of reading do you avoid while writing?

I read books and articles related to my chosen topic. I make a point of it to choose a different angle, style, and turn the subject matter upside down—this way it’s all mine. I stay clear of novels because it’s too distracting and takes me out of the zone.

What moves you most in a work of literature? 

When the author reveals the inner self and isn’t timid to share feelings—that is what makes me laugh or cry.

What genres do you especially enjoy reading? 

My favorite genres include Sci-Fi, Romance, and Adventure.

What book are you planning to read next? 

I’m too busy writing. I will not be reading but writing Book 2: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails.

What books and authors have impacted your writing career? 

Anne Rice taught a class at San Francisco State University—and she was amazingly real. Rice told us when we write we should pretend to disrobe and share ourselves without inhibitions. And that’s just what I do.

I SURVIVED a 3 Day Power Outage at Tahoe

 The Blackout Effect by Parker Kelly and Cal Orey coming in August! (written right before the July mega blackout hit Galveston, TX)

I Survived a 3 Day Power Outage

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

On a dark, stormy winter midnight in California the South Lake Tahoe region, I walked outdoors into the cold with my two Brittanys. The front deck was covered with wet snow; the towering trees and wires amid me looked surreal and eerie because they were wilted with white powder. I shoveled the heavy slush off the deck to make it easier for the morning. At 7:30 a.m. I got out of bed and turned on the TV switch for CNN—there were no red and amber lights on the cable box. I flicked on the lamp—it didn’t work. “Power outage,” I mumbled. It was the beginning of the first day the lights went out at South Lake Tahoe.

Dog Night One

            Instead of making a cup of fresh, brewed java, I resorted to trekking to the back house to borrow instant coffee from my sibling. A gas stove and heat were a godsend. I got my first news report from a neighbor walking her new young black dog. “The power will be out for days,” she shouted. Her words echoed in my mind. I tuned out her warning. Once back indoors I was thankful for having a land line phone. I called the police department. They assured me that the power would be restored by afternoon. A call to the power company dished out an automated message: “downed wires and trees in power lines.” I hoped for the best, but by dusk I went into survival mode and prepared for the worst.

First, I buried my premium perishables—milk, yogurt, cheeses—in the snow. Dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, and chamomile tea were my new friends. As I munched on the “granola girl” type foods, I got a move on. I gathered matches, candles, flashlights, brought in firewood—and fed my cat and two Brittanys, Simon and Seth. I was clad in a hooded sweatshirt and jeans and felt like a characters in The Day After Tomorrow doomsday film.  But it was a cozy in the candlelight sitting by the crackling fire. Then, my mind raced. The filters nor did the lights work for my fish aquariums; my waterbed was another concern. It was good for one night—not two. I tried to read by candlelight but the challenge wasn’t worth the effort. I turned in at 11:00 p.m., and had a two dog night.

Dog Night Two

The next morning, like a Groundhog Day movie, the same (and more) inconveniences greeted me. The ice dam above the front door was back. The pricey work for a heating device was useless without power. The ice mound at the doorstep was accumulating ice again. So, I called the power company (again). More automated messages. No estimated time for power restoration.

A hot shower was on my agenda. I didn’t go to the resort indoor swimming pool (they did have power but they also had a flood of tourists). Without usage of my hair dryer, I ended up drying my long locks by the gas furnace. The warmth of the air reminded me that three comforters on my bed filled with cooling water weren’t enough. A quick trip to the store (they had power) and another thick comforter made me and my dogs smile. But news of scattered outages hit me, like a tornado, hurricane, or quake that hits one house and not another. It made me frown and think, “Why me?”

I felt isolated and cut off from politics, entertainment, world events, and weather reports. So, I called my geologist friend Jim Berkland in Glen Ellen, CA, for his forecast. He predicted a three day outage. At 8:00 p.m., electricity was restored. But, the scientist was partially spot-on. The cable company (my lifeline to the world via Internet and TV), was down. I felt disconnected and connected with my companion animals. I talked to both my cat and dogs to feel calmer.In the morning, like a hungry raccoon I dug up my edible goods—but they were not edible. Each item was too frozen or off in texture. I abided by the saying, “When in doubt, throw out.” Sadly, I lost 150 dollars of fresh food. In retrospect, the good things, such as gas heat for warmth and phone, were good. I endured withdrawal without my computer, Lifetime movies, the USGS and NOAA web site. My lifeline to technology was restored and resetting. I read in our local paper that 10,000 residents on the south shore of Lake Tahoe were affected by the blackout.

(Reprinted with permission from Oracle 20/20 Magazine, February 2011 issue.)

A Tribute to The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes: Jim Berkland, Maverick Geologist

 Geologist Jim Berkland Died July 22; His Quake Theories Live On

TODAY'S FORECAST: MOSTLY SUNNY, 80% CHANCE OF EARTHQUAKE By Cal Orey
Days before octogenarian, geologist Jim Berkland passed, scientists made the news. It was said that yes, it's true: There is a link between the moon/tides/animals and earthquakes. This is exactly what the scientist had been trying to get across to his peers for decades. He died knowing he made a difference--and was spot-on. A tribute to the man will be published in my Earth Changes column (Oracle 20-20) in October--in honor of the man who forecasted the Loma Prieta major earthquake that rumbled through the San Francisco Bay Area...


What if you knew an earthquake was coming? Would you put away your valuable breakables, get together emergency supplies, remember to duck and cover?  Of course you would, because the safety of you and yours come first.
Earthquakes result in millions of dollars in damage each year. In the U.S., earthquakes pose significant risk to 75 million people in 39 states. Earthquakes may not be preventable but they are predictable.  You can learn to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of an earthquake and be prepared before it strikes.
Knowing when an earthquake is coming and properly preparing for it can help prevent serious injuries and save lives.
Even scientists using the most advanced and pricey technology have proven to be no match for Mother Nature. In many cases, the best information out there is off the beaten path--knowledge only recognizable by someone whose passion is prediction.
Enter Jim Berkland.  He is the only American scientist to predict and name a major quake. His forecast of the infamous October 17, 1989 World Series Quake that rumbled through the San Francisco Bay Area was right on the money. He also accurately predicted at least 6 other significant quakes around the world.


Many of Berkland's theories--based on tides, moon cycles, disoriented animals, and magnetic field changes--were factors in the great Indian Ocean quake-tsunami disaster on December 26, 2004. Since scientists admit they aren't able to predict earthquakes, is it really so far-fetched to monitor lost cats and dogs, check a calendar for dates of full and new moons, watch erratic tidal changes?  Berkland doesn't think so. He hopes that someday earthquake warnings will be announced along with the weather and could save countless lives around the world.
The book The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes by Cal Orey provides intuitive insight into this man's passion for predicting quakes and his methods. In this groundbreaking book you will get cutting-edge advice about do-it-yourself quake warnings and earthquake preparedness. This book makes the information Berkland has found through a lifetime of study available to the public. It's an intriguing collection of survivors' testimonials, regionally specific quake information, preparation tips, earthquake cover-ups, and more. The book's publication coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Jim Berkland was a maverick geologist who worked many years for the U.S. Geological Survey. He was also the first County Geologist for Santa Clara County in Northern California. He was a popular guest on many network news programs and talk shows on the subject of earthquake prediction. He resided in Glen Ellen, California.
Both geologist Berkland and author Orey have been guests on Coast to Coast AM, KSFO, The Jeff Rense Program, PBS, and will be viewed on National Geographic channel's program "Chasing Earthquakes," as well as countless Barnes and Noble bookstores up and down the West Coast.
A Timeless Book: The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes: Jim Berkland, Maverick Geologist--How His Quake Warnings Can Save Lives
By Cal Orey
ISBN 1-59181-036-1$16.95SCIENCE/BIOGRAPHYDistributed by Sentient Publications300 pages www.barnesandnoble.com www.amazon.com  www.sentientpublications.com 

Soulmates with Paws--Pet Approved

Provided by Cal Orey

 Soulmates with Paws Ranks Several Times out of 100 Top Books (Animal Essays) on Amazon

 Hollywood Book Reviews

Soulmates with Paws

Title: Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails
Author: Cal Orey
Publisher:  AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-6655-7857-8
Pages: 238
Genre: Non-Fiction / Fiction / Pets
Reviewed by: Ephantus M.
 

Soulmates with Paws: A Collection of Tales & Tails  offers a touching view of the human-animal relationship, as revealed through the bright lens of Cal Orey, an author whose love for pets flows naturally from the soul, and whose knowledge of pet nutrition, training, and wellness stands commendable from the first to the last page.

Reading through the chapters does confirm that animals indeed need humans and vice versa. One is drawn to her personal encounters with a widow who would have varying conversations with her dog, a hilarious and incredible act that lights up one’s face in amusement. This is especially notable in the level of shrewdness employed by both the author and the widow in an effort to keep their animal companions on the premises, which was against pet rules and regulations.

Orey’s story tenders a range of questions with the sole objective of helping readers recognize their temperaments and character, a vital exercise that will enable them to figure out which pet fits them best. I found it fascinating that the choice of animal one keeps, tells a lot about them, for example, according to Orey, a person who keeps a charming and sassy Chihuahua has a different personality from one keeping a tough-looking bulldog. In addition to this, it’s admirable to see Orey demystify the pet language, from a dog’s howl, its whines, to a cat’s meow and yowl.

The author has infused some of Dr. Stanley’s findings from the book “The Intelligence of Dogs” which has inspired lots of animal lovers and is a clever addition to the topic therein. Reprints from magazine articles and original essays bring out some amazing adventures of people with their pets.  

“Touched by an Angel” shows a paranormal connection with a deceased cat, and how it kept a watchful eye over the owner.  “Homeward Bound” brings to light the amazing survival stories of pets who withstood the tragic fires in the Berkeley Hills, in many cases being lost for a week or more, and the unselfish and over-the-top care the veterinarians and animal shelter volunteers conducted to find the pet’s owners and make sure the cats and dogs received the proper medical attention.  One miracle story involved an elderly lady, bedridden, who survived a cold night without heat; being kept warm by seven cats and a dog laying over her blankets providing additional body-heat.

The invaluable rapport she’s had with her cuddling animals is a wonder that will positively impact readers into adopting some pets, so as to likewise savor the untapped grace, inner peace, harmony, and satisfaction this bond offers.  Buy on Amazon