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History Often Forgets
Mrs. Orcutt’s Driveway tells the story of Margaret “Bonnie” Orcutt, a brilliant yet defiant woman who built a life and then defended it in the Mojave Desert against a government that sought to take her land and have her quietly disappear. What inspired you to tell her story?
I was drawn to Bonnie Orcutt’s story because it embodied everything I admire in a person – and everything I find frustrating about bureaucracy. Here was a woman living in one of the harshest landscapes in America, building a life with her own hands, and then being told by the government she had no right to exist there. It wasn’t just a driveway; it was a stand-in for every little fight that goes unnoticed.
What struck me most is how much Mrs. Orcutt reminded me of my maternal grandmother – same spirit, same stubborn fire, same sense of dignity. As a child growing up in Los Angeles, my mother and grandmother would drive us across the desert routes to visit family in Arizona. I remember spending hours staring out the window, mesmerized by that vast, unforgiving landscape. Desert culture always intrigued me – it’s sparse but rich, quiet but full of meaning.
I first came across Margaret’s story on the internet several years ago. It wasn’t a major headline – just a passing mention – but it stuck with me. I tucked it away in my mind, but it kept calling to me, quietly but persistently. Honestly, it felt like Margaret chose me to write it. That may sound strange, but I think stories sometimes pick their authors. And when one won’t let you go, you owe it to the truth to listen.
So, I told her story not just to honor her memory, but to spotlight how history often forgets the people who resist with quiet dignity. Bonnie didn’t kick down doors or make speeches—she just stood her ground, literally, on a patch of desert she loved. That, to me, is heroic
Bonnie was not your typical widow and retiree; instead, she built her homestead and stood up to those who wanted to erase all her hard work. Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
Absolutely. I expected to find an eccentric woman with a strong will—which I did—but what surprised me was how deeply principled and methodical she was beneath the surface. This wasn’t some impulsive desert dweller throwing sand in the face of authority. Bonnie was sharp, articulate, and relentless. She read the regulations. She filed appeals. She wrote letters to senators. She didn’t just resist—she researched.
At first, I thought this was just a story about a woman fighting the government and the legend she became for writing the White House. But as I dug deeper, I realized her backstory—her earlier life, the love and loss of her husband, the years of quiet determination before the conflict even began—was just as compelling as the rest. Her story wasn’t born from a single act of defiance. It was the culmination of a full, fiercely lived life.
What also caught me off guard was how her fight wasn’t just against land seizure – it was against erasure. The government wasn’t just trying to move her; they were trying to pretend she was never there. That kind of quiet wiping away of a life felt chilling, and it gave the story even more weight.
Lastly, I was struck by the contrast between how physically isolated she was and how visible her resistance became. Out there in the desert, surrounded by silence and sagebrush, she created a legacy that reached far beyond the boundaries of her land. That paradox – the lonely road that somehow leads to a public stand—still gives me chills.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book about her battle or her personality?
One of the core ideas I wanted to share was that strength doesn’t always look loud. Bonnie wasn’t waving banners or giving press conferences -she was alone in the desert, armed with paperwork, stubbornness, and a deep sense of what was right. I think we often overlook people like that. But her quiet resistance, her unwillingness to be erased, speaks volumes about the kind of courage that doesn’t seek attention – it simply endures.
I also wanted to capture the emotional cost of these battles. It’s easy to turn someone like Bonnie into a symbol, but she was a woman who had lost her husband, who built her home from nothing, and who was being told by powerful institutions that none of it mattered. That kind of dismissal hits deep. So I wanted to preserve her humanity, not just her defiance. She wasn’t just standing up to the government— – was standing up for her right to exist with dignity.
And on a broader level, I hoped readers would see the story as a mirror of a larger theme: how ordinary people get caught in the gears of institutions. This wasn’t just about a driveway – it was about identity, belonging, legacy, and the fragile boundary between public power and personal sovereignty.
Lastly, I wanted to make sure readers felt the weight of the landscape. The Mojave isn’t just scenery in this story—it’s a character. It shaped her solitude, her resolve, her daily life. You don’t live out there unless you’re willing to be tested. And Bonnie Orcutt passed every test they threw at her.
What is the next book you’re working on, and when can we expect it to be available?
The next book is called The Chinese Room, and it’s a very different kind of story – though it still carries my obsession with people pushed to the edge by systems larger than themselves. This one leans more into the philosophical thriller genre. It explores what happens when artificial intelligence crosses the line between mimicry and meaning, and whether a machine that sounds human can ever be human.
It follows a disillusioned tech journalist, a reclusive professor, and a mysterious AI program that seems to know more than it should. It’s fast-paced, layered, and questions everything from identity to consciousness to control.
The official release date is September 1, and the audiobook is currently in production. If Mrs. Orcutt’s Driveway was a battle for a patch of land, The Chinese Room is a battle for the soul of what makes us human.
Unlike Orcutt, which is a true historical narrative, The Chinese Room is an AI thriller—but with a profound twist. It uses classic thought problems as the foundation, not just for the plot, but for the entire philosophical structure. It’s also the first installment in a proposed 10-book collection called The Paradox Series, where each book explores a different thought experiment brought to life.
I also recently finished Searching for Bowlby, a return to the historical narrative form. It explores the life of John Bowlby – the father of attachment theory—and is scheduled for release this October. It’s the first book of its kind to look at his life not only as a biography but also as a cinematic narrative, written with the flow and imagery of a screenplay. It’s personal, philosophical, and scenic—designed to bring his legacy to life in a fresh, accessible way.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
When bulldozers came to carve a highway through her property, one woman refused to move. Margaret “Bonnie” Orcutt wasn’t just protecting her home—she was standing her ground against the unstoppable weight of progress all the way to the White House.
Set against the sun-scorched backdrop of Newberry Springs, California, Mrs. Orcutt’s Driveway tells the true and stirring story of a retired widow, a long-forgotten patch of Route 66, and the power of quiet defiance. With goats, tortoises, and an island in her handmade lake, Bonnie’s life was anything but ordinary—and her resistance made headlines across America.
A historical narrative, this book is part biography, part roadside legend, and all heart.
A true-life David vs. Goliath tale that has become a legend.
Readers who enjoy the grit and emotional depth of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, the candid resilience of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, the environmental insight of Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams, the Americana charm of Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon, the folk spirit of The Milagro Beanfield War by John Nichols, or the investigative power of Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann will find something to admire here.
Perfect for lovers of the 1960s, Route 66 history, desert mysteries, or tales of everyday grit, this is not just a story you’ll read. It’s one you’ll carry with you.
Travel the road.
Meet the woman.
Preserve the memory.
Download now, and decide for yourself: Are you as tough as Mrs. Orcutt?
GoodReads:
Timeless Leadership Lessons
The Job Well Done: The Queen’s Way to Successful Leadership is a comprehensive guide to leadership, relationships, and service, inspired by the life and legacy of the late, beloved Queen Elizabeth II. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Queen Elizabeth’s passing in September 2022 was a moment that profoundly moved me. Across the UK and beyond, it felt as though we had lost a cherished family member. Witnessing thousands of people waiting in line for hours, up to days, to pay their respects at Her Majesty’s flag-draped coffin was both humbling and extraordinary. It stirred a powerful question in my mind: How did The Queen create such a deep connection with so many people?
That question marked the beginning of a personal journey. I wanted to understand what made Queen Elizabeth’s influence so remarkable. As I searched for books and resources exploring Her Majesty’s leadership and legacy, I was surprised to find that the Queen’s exceptional qualities weren’t widely discussed in the context of business or leadership. This gap intrigued me and drove me to dig deeper. I immersed myself in books, documentaries, and historical records, determined to uncover the essence of her unparalleled leadership.
What I discovered was extraordinary. The Queen’s impact wasn’t just about Her Majesty’s title: it was about who the Queen was as a leader. Her humility, resilience, compassion, and unique ability to balance tradition with progress were at the heart of her reign. These weren’t just royal virtues; they were timeless leadership lessons that could inspire anyone looking to lead with authenticity and purpose.
Out of this exploration, The Job Well Done was born. Writing this book was my way of addressing that gap in leadership discussions and paying tribute to a woman who inspired millions. My goal was to distil Her Majesty’s leadership principles into practical, actionable insights that could guide aspiring leaders on their journeys.
This book isn’t just a reflection on The Queen’s legacy: it’s a roadmap for future leaders. Queen Elizabeth’s approach to leadership wasn’t confined to one era or industry: it transcended time and circumstance, offering lessons in forging meaningful connections, overcoming challenges, and leading with integrity. Through The Job Well Done, I hope to share these principles with a wider audience, inspiring a new generation of leaders to follow Her Majesty’s example and create a legacy of impactful leadership.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Writing The Job Well Done: The Queen’s Way to Successful Leadership was a deeply personal journey, fuelled by a sense of urgency and purpose. Just two days after Her Majesty’s passing on September 10, 2022, I felt compelled to begin. The outpouring of grief and admiration for Queen Elizabeth’s legacy inspired me to capture the timeless leadership principles that defined her extraordinary reign.
From the very start, I immersed myself in extensive research. I read every book I could find about Queen Elizabeth II, watched countless documentaries, and explored every available resource detailing Her Majesty’s life and leadership. This wasn’t just about gathering facts, it was a labour of love, driven by a deep desire to understand what made her influence so remarkable.
The process was both demanding and transformative. For six intense months, I poured everything into this project, working 120-hour weeks to gather insights, analyse details, and shape them into a meaningful narrative. My goal was clear: to honour The Queen’s legacy while creating a practical guide that could inspire and empower future leaders.
Completing the first edition in time for what would have been The Queen’s birthday on April 21, 2023, felt profoundly significant. Publishing on that day was my way of paying tribute to her enduring impact and ensuring that her leadership lessons would continue to resonate with others.
Looking back, writing The Job Well Done was more than just hard work; it was a journey of reflection and discovery. It allowed me to delve into the essence of Her Majesty’s remarkable life uncovering lessons. This book stands as a testament to her legacy, one that transcends time and continues to guide us toward leadership with purpose, grace, and integrity.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In The Job Well Done: The Queen’s Way to Successful Leadership, I wanted to share lessons from Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life that could inspire and guide readers in their personal and professional lives. Each chapter highlights a key theme, offering timeless wisdom in a way that feels practical and relatable. Here’s a glimpse of the ideas I felt were most important to include:
- Stay Focused: Life is full of distractions, but true success comes from staying committed to what really matters. Queen Elizabeth II’s humility and unwavering purpose showed us how to navigate life with integrity and determination.
- Hard Work Pays Off: Her Majesty’s relentless work ethic is a testament to the power of consistency and dedication. She didn’t just meet expectations; she exceeded them, inspiring people through her tireless commitment to excellence.
- Find Balance: Even with a schedule packed with royal duties, The Queen made time for what brought her joy: family, horses, and quiet moments in nature. Her life reminds us that recharging isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for long-term success.
- Aim High, Learn Always: Striving for perfection doesn’t mean never failing. The Queen showed that learning from mistakes and staying focused on growth is what truly leads to greatness.
- Strength Through Challenges: Adversity can break us or make us stronger. Her Majesty faced countless challenges with grace, proving that resilience is one of the most powerful leadership traits.
- Adapt to Change: Queen Elizabeth embraced change while holding firm to her core values: a balance that allowed her to thrive across decades of evolving times.
- Lead with Compassion: Leadership isn’t just about decisions; it’s about empathy. Her ability to connect with people across generations and cultures was a cornerstone of her success.
- Balance Tradition with Progress: The Queen walked the delicate line between honouring the past and embracing the future, showing that great leadership requires a foot in both worlds.
- Build Communities That Thrive: Her Majesty believed in the power of unity. She demonstrated how fostering inclusivity, and collaboration can create meaningful change.
At its heart, this book isn’t just a tribute to The Queen’s legacy; it’s a guide for anyone looking to lead with purpose, navigate life’s complexities, and leave a lasting impact. By sharing these ideas, I hope to inspire readers to step into their roles, no matter how big or small, with the same grace and determination that defined Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable reign.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Job Well Done?
No matter who we are, we all play different roles in life: whether as a parent, teachers, doctors, hairdressers, or anything else. These roles are often shaped by our families, society, and the choices we make. But what truly matters isn’t the title we hold; it’s how we approach these roles and make them our own.
Queen Elizabeth II’s life is a powerful example of this. Her Majesty’s dedication, resilience, and compassion went far beyond her title as monarch. Even without the crown, these qualities would have made her an extraordinary individual, admired by those around her.
Through this book, I hope readers feel inspired by The Queen’s example. Whatever role you find yourself in, give it your all. Strive for excellence, adapt to challenges, and stay focused on what truly matters. Just as importantly, extend empathy and compassion to those around you; these small actions can create a stronger, more inclusive community.
The Queen showed us that greatness comes not from the title we hold but from the way we live our lives. If readers take away one thing from The Job Well Done, I hope it’s the motivation to embrace their roles fully and leave a positive, lasting impact on the world.
Author links: YouTube | GoodReads | LinedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Website | Book Review
This book delves into the exceptional leadership and influence of Queen Elizabeth II, examining the factors that made her so revered by people from all walks of life and leaders from all around the world. The book describes how to cultivate a detached egoless mindset, focus relentlessly on success, build resilience, use soft power, strive for high-quality perfectionism, and much more. The Queen showed unwavering focus, resilience in the face of challenges, and a deep commitment to her values and to the people the Queen served.
The chapters include practical advice, illustrating examples from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as well as inspiring stories from other leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Bill Gates, Roger Federer, Tony Robbins, Michael Jordan, Elon Musk, Cristiano Ronaldo, Barack Obama, Steven Bartlett, Warren Buffet, Richard Brandon and many more.
Whether you’re a seasoned business leader, a rising manager, or an aspiring entrepreneur, The Job Well Done offers tools, insights, and inspiration to succeed in today’s fast-paced and complex world. By learning from the life of an extraordinary woman, you will be inspired, motivated, and empowered to create your path to greatness and make a positive impact in the world.
Get ready to unleash your inner leader with The Job Well Done: The Queen’s Way to Successful Leadership!
The Job Well Done
The Job Well Done offers a profound exploration of leadership through the life, legacy, and values of Queen Elizabeth II. Her decades of experience provide a treasure trove of insights, from celebrated achievements to hard-won lessons, shared here with warmth and respect. Dr. Maheshika Halbeisen skillfully combines historical narrative with actionable lessons on resilience, self-discipline, and servant leadership, making this a compelling resource for business leaders, aspiring managers, or anyone pursuing personal growth.
The book is thoughtfully organized, leading readers through key themes like duty, resilience, and integrity, qualities that define the Queen’s approach to leadership. Dr. Halbeisen’s admiration is palpable as she recounts Queen Elizabeth’s unwavering dedication, humility, and commitment to service, supported by anecdotes from pivotal moments: her ascension to the throne, the challenges of WWII, and more. Dr. Halbeisen’s expertise shines as she unpacks universal lessons from the Queen’s personal victories and trials, emphasizing values-driven leadership and the importance of resilience and integrity in building a lasting legacy. She crafts a narrative rich with examples, even drawing from other leaders to broaden the message, underscoring that these principles resonate beyond royalty. For readers navigating fast-paced, high-stakes environments, Dr. Halbeisen presents essential strategies for cultivating inner strength and leading with empathy.
Eloquent yet accessible, The Job Well Done captures Queen Elizabeth’s journey in a tone that’s both reverent and motivational. Dr. Halbeisen’s storytelling breathes life into the Queen’s experiences, simplifying complex leadership lessons into relatable, engaging insights. The book flows effortlessly from one chapter to the next, combining historical depth with relevant takeaways that any reader can apply.
This heartfelt tribute celebrates the Queen’s enduring legacy while delivering timeless lessons in leadership. The Job Well Done stands out for its historical richness and practical guidance, appealing to anyone seeking to lead with purpose and resilience. Dr. Halbeisen’s work not only honors the Queen’s legacy but also inspires today’s leaders to embrace the same steadfast principles.
Pages: 222 | ASIN : B0C3W7X8ZV
Tickling is Bizarre
Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling is a fascinating study on a topic that is not often discussed or looked at from the unique perspective of women. Why did you want to write about subjects such as tickling?
Tickling is bizarre physiologically and psychologically. On balance, it must be a good thing or humans would not have evolved to become ticklish in a way that is different from all other animals. On the other hand, tickling is often unpleasant and detrimental to relationships. Any behavior that causes many different kinds of positive and negative consequences, none of which are well-understood, is worth exploring.
The second reason I wanted to write this book was that I was especially qualified to do so. Not only did I have excellent experience using the necessary methodologies during a long career in academic research, but I was retired. Tickling is not a respected topic, and active researchers who pursue it risk their careers.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goals changed throughout the study. They appeared in the following order.
1. Design a method for an independent researcher working alone to study tickling?
2. Identify the most interesting questions that could be studied about tickling. I found many, but the ones most thoroughly explored in the book were how ticklish are women throughout the world, and how much did women throughout the world enjoy being tickled.
3. Evaluate what characteristics of the women influence how ticklish they are and how much they liked being tickled.
4. Finally, I wanted to present respectable science so that it would be understandable and interesting to the general reader. I predicted that scientists would consider this topic trivial, but some general readers would be curious. This book is for them.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how long did it take to put it all together?
This book involved a huge amount of research over more than four years. Much of the research I did was left out of the book because my target audience was the general reader. I spent more than a year trying to hire someone who could write this book for me. When I realized that was not possible, I spent another couple of years writing it myself.
What is the next book that you are writing and when will that be published?
You sound like my wife. I have ideas for several possible books on the topic of how people relate to each other. I’m not far enough along on any of them to make a meaningful prediction of when one might be completed.
Author Links: GoodReads
Why read this book.It is the best book about tickling that has been written. Since it’s the only book about tickling, that’s not a big claim, but it is a good book.
It makes you think about why tickling evolved and what good it may do.
The information is interesting and socially important.
It provides fodder for book groups and informal conversations.
Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling: An International Study
Duncan Taub’s Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling delves into the curiously underexplored world of tickling, challenging the common assumption that tickling is a trivial subject. Taub’s comprehensive research spans various cultures and demographics, providing a refreshing perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of human behavior. His commitment to treating tickling as a serious research subject is evident throughout the book, offering a rich blend of information on its prevalence, cultural perceptions, and societal boundaries.
Taub’s work stands out for its depth and rigor. It effectively argues for the significance of tickling in understanding human social interaction. He approaches this topic with a commendable balance of academic diligence and engaging storytelling. His exploration of tickling’s evolutionary origins and its varied responses—from laughter to discomfort—highlights the complexity of this phenomenon. His willingness to address the uncomfortable or ‘icky’ aspects of tickling adds an honest and candid layer to the narrative.
The book excels in making academic research accessible and engaging. Taub skillfully navigates between scholarly discourse and reader-friendly language, ensuring the content resonates with lay readers and seasoned researchers. He thoughtfully explains his statistical data clearly, and his flexible approach to the material allows readers to engage with the book according to their interests. Taub’s transparent and curiosity-driven research process, evident even in the book’s title, invites readers into a world of scientific exploration. His concise summary of key findings and implications towards the end of the book is a testament to his thoughtful consideration of the reader’s experience.
Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling could potentially open new avenues of inquiry in the field. Taub’s meticulous work and novel perspective make this a noteworthy addition to scientific literature. This book is compelling for anyone with an open mind, whether they are casually curious or deeply involved in research.
Pages: 176 | ASIN : B0CVRBX8F6
LITERARY TITAN 