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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2008 > June > 03 > Entry
juicy details from BEA
Book Expo America in Los Angeles is in the books. I could write a book about some of bizarre things that I witnessed last week at publishing’s big blowout conference. But I won’t.
Many of the details are simply unpostable on a family blog. That being said, allow me to share some of the printable tidbits that came my way.
I was invited to lunch by an author who used to own the third largest studio in Hollywood. He was a big TV producer. He still makes movies. When he sold his studios a dozen years ago he cleared 500 million dollars.
We were waiting for his limousine to pull up. A limo approached the curb. He said that it wasn’t his limo. I said, no, that’s Hugh Hefner’s. The license plate said HEF 1. Sure enough, the legendary Playboy playboy climbed out of the car. My author friend ran over and said hello. Apparently, they know one another. Lunch was good.
At Larry King’s party for Ted Turner the grass in the back yard had been completely re-sodded for the event. I heard Mrs. Larry King telling another guest that some of the palm trees had been planted a few weeks ago.
Larry King made a speech from a podium next to the swimming pool. He did a humorous schtick about how we had probably noticed the great disparity in ages between King and his wife. She joined him. Their two young sons were also up there. One boy kept trying to hold his fingers up behind King’s head to form horns. His mother kept pushing the kid’s hand down. That was right at the point where King delivered his punchline about the difference in ages between them. He said: “If she dies, she dies.” Haha. I don’t think his kids got the joke?
I was making conversation at lunch with the author who got the half a billion dollars for his studios. I mentioned that I had been chatting with Ted Turner the night before over at Larry King’s house. My lunch companion made a somewhat sour expression when I mentioned Ted. I guess that Ted Turner has some REAL money.
And so it went in the land of palm trees, plastic people, expensive everything, and the blessed homeless.
Vick Mickunas
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: confessions of a galley slave
Comments
By victor mickunas
June 9, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
My BEA adventures are certainly providing grist for the mill.By beastmomma
June 4, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
I am glad that you returned safely and it sounds like the event was entertaining to say the least.By victor mickunas
June 3, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
That would be the friend who never had his name mentioned? Discretion is the greater part of valor, Pete.By prose
June 3, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Maybe your friend turned a bit sour when you name dropped about another boyfriend of yours?By Blowfly
June 3, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Oh man, don’t tell us about all the things you want to tell us but can’t. We want to know all! I was in New York around the holidays once and a homeless man was sitting on the curb with his shopping cart holding a sign that said “Wanted: Female Companion for the Holidays.”By victor mickunas
June 3, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
On the subject of street people: I was at the party for Michael Connelly at Traxx Restaurant at the Union Station. As one might expect, there are many homeless people attracted to that area. The party was in a courtyard that opens off the interior of the station. Unlike the King party, Prince party, etc. there wasn’t any security at the door. Several street people spotted the tasty food being served to us and they came in and helped themselves. One guy ate a big plate of food then went to the bar and ordered a Bud Lite. The last time I saw him he sitting on a bench drinking his beer with a big smile on his face. Standing right next to him were the writers Lee Child, Robert Crais, and Andre Dubus. It was amazing. I loved it!By Claire Kirch
June 3, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
I had two very odd things happen at BEA that I will share: Sat. night, I am walking down the street from the Consortium party to a dinner party. A guy comes up to me, I’m talking on my cell phone to my husband. He says, excuse me where are any BEA parties? I say, they’re not public, they’re by invitation. He says, Oh I’ve been invited to them, but I can’t get my asst on the phone. He looked one step above a street person and had this very odd look on his face — so I just waved my hand at him and walked off. The next day, I’m in the press room, finishing up a story to file before leaving. A french guy comes up to me in the press room, he’s holding a few copies of a book in his hand, and asks me if I want to review this book! i say, mr, i’m on deadline, I don’t write reviews, and what the hell are you even doing, soliciting book reviews in the press room? Oy.