I’m proud to say the book event for my husband Eliot’s children’s book at Books & Books had a record-breaking crowd. But I have to say, the book industry is not what it used to be. We went to another amazing book event at Mera and Don Rubell’s private museum—they have one of the largest collections of Keith Haring’s art. Here’s your chance to get closer to nature this Sunday evening at the Tropical Audubon Society. Miami knows how to party and we went to an enchanting one recently.

A Book That Teaches Little Girls To Be Brave, Kind, And Strong 

As many of you know, this past Sunday, my husband, Eliot Hess, debuted his new children’s book, “Fearless Flying Fannie,” at Books & Books in Miami. I’m proud to say that we had a record-breaking crowd and all of the books sold out.

My message to The Three Tomatoes readers is that the book industry is not what it used to be. Yes, people love to read, but they are not spending their social hours browsing through bookstores and attending book signing events. All that can be done online. Many bookstores have opted to conduct everything virtually now.

This past year, Eliot and I purposely went to a few book signing events, for some very famous authors, and we were astonished to see how few fans showed up to meet these icons in person. Now, I’m not talking about a book that Taylor Swift may write. There are always exceptions for the few folks who are extremely famous for a period of time. However, I am sorry to say that even Danielle Steel would have trouble drawing a crowd.

How do I know all this? Being the publicist for Eliot’s book, I called many bookstores across the country, and they gave me the hard facts. Not only have they dispensed with book signings, but they no longer have children’s story telling times either. Children just don’t show up. Most of the little ones prefer having stories read to them on their iPads.

Book stores will tell authors if they want to have an event, they are responsible for bringing in the audience. I was shocked when I heard that from coast to coast but that is just the reality of the book business today. They can no longer fight the habits of readers. They can only change their business practices to deal with the new digital world.

We were a success bringing in a large audience for “Fearless Flying Fannie” because we personally worked the system. It was exhausting, but you get one shot in every city. We did countless online mailings of the book signing event, we placed ads, we repeatedly sent the “Fannie” press release to local businesses, (especially those dedicated to children) and we alerted every organization we could think of that we were going to inspire young girls to reach for the stars in their personal and business lives.

It worked. “Fearless Flying Fannie” has a very special message that little girls should never forget. No one should ever stop them from being who they want to be and do what they want to do. We even created good luck pins that feature bird feathers (read the story to understand the significance) that remind girls to reach for the stars. Have no regrets.

The minute Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Books & Books in Miami, heard about our aggressive plans, and saw the significant number of pre-ordered books, he decided to attend and participate in the party for “Fearless Flying Fannie.” This was a dream come true. Mitchell is one of the most respected members of the book industry. He is one of the best reasons to live in Miami. Books & Books is considered to be one of the best bookstore chains in the country. We couldn’t thank him enough for making this event one for the books.

The Rubell’s Keith Haring Art Collection

Mera and Don Rubell felt like they lost a child when Keith Haring died. Two of the greatest art collectors in the world were the first to buy a Keith Haring painting in 1974 and the last to buy one in 1990 right before he died. Mera and Don Rubell have one of the largest Keith Haring collections. Mera and Don revealed their relationship with Keith last Friday night when they hosted a discussion at their private museum with author Brad Gooch who just wrote a Keith Haring memoir called “Radiant.”

I just finished reading it and couldn’t put the book down because it was so detailed about his personal and art life. It makes you wonder how a writer can know so many intimate details. Mera asked Brad how he got all that information, but she really knew the answer. Brad had many interviews with the Rubells and called them repeatedly to check out countless details.

Brad told the audience he spent hundreds of hours interviewing almost everyone who knew Keith. The book refects all of Brad’s efforts to give the reader great insight into Keith. I now feel like Keith was a best friend of mine.

I was watching Don during the 90-minute discussion and I could see the anguish on his face for losing Keith. They were close to Keith and his family for many years and were at his bedside when he died. Don was a gynecologist in Manhattan at the time and understood what was happening to Keith more than others. The Rubells were devastated watching Keith slowly die from AIDS.

Of course, most of the audience knew that Don’s brother, Steve, creator of Studio 54 with Ian Schrager, died of the same disease. They got doubly whacked. The Rubell’s said they feel Keith Haring was the most important artist of our time. They also love Kenny Scharf who didn’t like playing second fiddle to Keith. Mera said Kenny is a great talent.

A Chance to Get Closer to Miami Nature

We are all so busy with everyday details we forget the beauty around us. I keep promising myself that I am not going to do that anymore, but it just keeps happening. Today I finally get an opportunity to formally get involved.

This Sunday night, April 28th, from 4 to 6pm, the Tropical Audubon Society members and friends will be celebrating several local conservation heroes and hearing a small speech from  Ron Magill, Zoo Communications and Media Relations Director and Zoo Miami/Nikon Ambassador USA. He will talking about “Preserving our Precious Pine Rocklands.”

Attendees will can also take a bird walk (it’s Spring Migration!), savor Sports Grill sliders, Bird Bar libations and enjoy live music by local folk artist Grant Livingston. Between bites attendees can duck inside the Historic Doc Thomas House to browse and bid on a tempting array of Silent Auction items.

A Conservation Heroes Awards Ceremony hosted by TAS President José Francisco Barros will follow Magill’s Keynote address. The ceremony will recognize outstanding environmental role models in their respective fields of endeavor. These citizen volunteers and public servants have dedicated themselves to protecting and preserving area wildlife, critical habitat and/or ur region’s natural resources.

Schedule

4-5pm, Music, Food, Silent Auction

4:30-5pm, Bird Walk with Brian Rapoza

5-6pm, Keynote Speaker, Conservation Awards Presentation & Annual Meeting

5530 Sunset Drive

https://tropicalaudubon.org

Miami Knows How to Party

It may be the tropical climate, or the salsa dancing, but when it comes time to celebrate in Miami, everyone gets very festive. People usually put their worries behind them and only think happy thoughts during these events.

One of the big treats is adding a Mariachi band to the equation. They are loud and they are magical. The minute they start playing, everyone becomes mesmerized by the Machoism and garb. It’s not every day that we see strolling musicians.

One of the most enchanting parties I have been to recently was at the art studio of Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre.

It was a surprise birthday party for Kathryn Quinlivan Mikesell

The artists really know how to entertain. They let everyone socialize right next to their art supplies, art collection, and library books. They cleared a little area in the main section for dancing and food. It all seemed so natural. The parade of beautiful people coming and going was captivating as well.