INTERVIEW WITH NATURAL DISASTERS AUTHOR CAL OREY
INTERVIEW WITH NATURAL DISASTERS AUTHOR-INTUITIVE CAL OREY
"Most compelling snow story since The Shining." -- Stephen Spignesi, New York Times best-selling author of Stephen King, American Master
By Cal Orey
The Whiteout Effect: Rescue Me! revolves around a chain ofevents that evolve about a rare Sierra Nevada late-winter blizzard based at thepopular iconic town of South Lake Tahoe, California, as well as the personalrelationships of a team of first responders rescue efforts. The captivatingstory explores bravery, dedication, and sacrifice as the characters risk theirlives during an unpredictable dangerous epic storm.
Q: What drew you to write this short novel?
Iwas contacted by a new and talented author who wanted me to help her finish awork in progress. During this time it was when South Lake Tahoe was hit by arare late winter storm. So, it seemed meant to be to have the setting here—myhome. The storyline is about first responders who are challenged by blizzardrescues. We decided to add a bit of romance between a firefighter and aparamedic. And, of course, as dog lovers, we added canine (or two).
Q: What reactions have you received so far from readers?
At first, the short novel ranked 1 in the Top 100 categories Natural Disasters,and it’s held its place for weeks like a resilient first responder rescuingresidents and tourists. One well-known author gave the novel this blurb: “Mostcompelling snow story since The Shining! Gripping and dramatic!” Another toppsychologist wrote: “First responders struggling against the force of naturemakes a truly exciting adventure—and there is also a bit of romance and even adog.”
Q: Among the thousands of published magazine articles, anddozens of books, most notably are your stories about health, relationships,pets, and science. Was this novel difficult to write since it’s a bit out ofyour comfort zone as an author?
Thestory wrote itself. Since The Whiteout Effect is based in the Sierra Nevada, Iwas familiar with nature’s wrath. As a native California I’ve experienced majorearthquakes, snowstorms, blackouts, road closures, spinouts, and whiteouts.Also, the co-author had previous training with Emergency Medical Services; as anature-loving, adventurous author I’ve been writing about natural disasterssince I was a kid. I can tell you that in Book 2, The Blackout Effect, therewill be more sci-fi-Ish stories based in the South when the power goes out. It’sfunny, but I recall back in my twenties I hitchhiked with a dog through theGulf Coast states…so basing the sequel on the beach—with its challenges—feltright.
Q: What are your favorite parts of The Whiteout Effect?
I like the heroine Alex Callahan, a scorned, independent paramedic), and MikeArmstrong, a strong and sensitive firefighter who are trying to save livesduring a monster blizzard. Each rescue is intense—gets th heart pounding. Alongsidetheir work mission, there is also a budding relationship of Alex and Mike (whoescape work stressors to go on a short adventure-seeking snowmobile trip in thebackcountry), playing down the hype of the storm, adding a layer of emotionaldepth to the story.
Q: The scenes about the sensitive nature between dogs and theirowners are amazing. Can you kindly elaborate on this?
I believe our pets—horses and dogs—can sense danger, whether it be challengesin a blizzard or if their humans are in trouble. So, the dog and horse feats inWhiteout ring true.
Q: What new topics are on your desk for future books?
The Whiteout Effect is Book 1 the Rescue Me! trilogy. Next up is The BlackoutEffect. And Book 3 is The Orange Effect. Teaser: What if the power grid goesdown? Well, we take you to paradise but it’s spooky stuff! For moreinformation: www.calorey.com. TheWhiteout Effect is available in two formats at online bookstores. The BlackoutEffect will be released in July (just in time for our Tahoe summerthunderstorms and before hurricane peak season in the Gulf Coast and AtlanticSeaboard).
ABOUTTHE AUTHORS
ParkerKelly is a wife, mom, grandmother, and dog parent, including two fun-lovingshepherds. She lives in Texas, so twisters, storms, earthquakes, and Gulf Coasthurricanes are part of her life in the South.
CalOrey, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in adventure,history, romance, and science. Orey lives in South Lake Tahoe, California, withan Australian Shepherd and a dog-friendly orange cat.
