Philip E. Orbanes

Author Interview - Philip E. Orbanes

Author of Monopoly X

Hoe top secret operations during World War II used the game of Monopoly to smuggle escape aids to help Allied POWs escape, conceal spies, and send secret codes.

Author Interview - Philip E. Orbanes

Author I draw inspiration from:

Erik Larson In the Garden of Beasts

Author Interview - Philip E. Orbanes | Author I Draw Inspiration From

Favorite place to read a book:

In bed

Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:

Probably George Smiley of John Le Carre's novels. I don';t imagine he'd say much but I would love to read his face.

Author Interview - Philip E. Orbanes | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With

The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:

1985 when I was asked to share my knowledge of the Monopoly game in book form

Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:

I prefer ebooks because of the convenience, esp. when traveling.
I prefer to read over listening to a book being read so I can dwell and go back at will,
I admire both hard and soft cover books and have purchased untold numbers of them.

The last book I read:

I read steadily, mainly non-fiction. I am currently reading Triumph in the Pacific by E. B.Potter. I had a sudden interest in the Navy's "island-hopping" strategy in WWII and Potter's book is a great resource.

Pen & paper or computer:

I write on computer because my penmanship is really bad. Plus I do a lot of self editing, which a computer facilitates.

Book character I think I’d be best friends with:

Jordan Belfort, TheWolf and Wall Street. He's accessible, not afraid of any question, and admits to his many failings, plus his current advice is worthy.

Author Interview - Philip E. Orbanes | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With

If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:

I've always been a game inventor, composer, and businessman

Favorite decade in fashion history:

1930s. Such elegance and style.

Place I’d most like to travel:

Well, Ive finished my bucket list for travels, but because I've been to Antartica, Id like to visit the Arctic to say I'v been to both poles.

My signature drink:

Unsweetened ice tea

Favorite artist:

I love music and probably the Beatles most of all because of their creativity.

Number one on my bucket list:

Being present to see my grandkids graduate college.

Anything else you'd like to add:

Writing is good for one's soul and mental health.

Find more from the author:

• Phil Orbanes linkedin