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A Great Novelist And A Passionate Dog Lover: Barbara Taylor Bradford

Posted April 27th, 2010 in Celebrity, Katie, Reflections by Glenn Plaskin

For any writer, one of the most enjoyable parts of creating a book—is FINISHING one! No doubt about that. Then, once the book is done, it’s time to hope that people who read the manuscript in advance will actually like it—giving it a literary thumb’s up, which is certainly the best feeling in the world.

Barbara Taylor Bradford

Barbara Taylor Bradford

Anyone who has written a book knows, of course, that completing a book is just the start of the work, as mapping out the marketing and advertising campaign is essential to any book’s ultimate success. And one of the necessities of book promotion is procuring advance testimonials from prominent people with the idea that their quotes appear on the back of the book, enticing readers to take a second look and buy it.

With this goal in mind, for the last two months, I’ve been collecting such quotes and have been very lucky that celebrities I’ve interviewed in the past have kindly offered to read Katie Up and Down the Hall and provide their viewpoint on it.

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Marrrrrrrrrrrrrio On-The-Go-Buatta, Great Designer, Great Friend

Posted April 16th, 2010 in Celebrity, Reflections by Glenn Plaskin
Mario Buatta

Mario Buatta

I recently spent two incredible evenings with the legendary interior designer Mario Buatta, a longtime friend and frequent interview subject who appears in my upcoming book, Katie Up and Down The Hall. Mario stars in an especially fun chapter titled “Prancing With The Stars,” all about my dog’s tete-a-tetes with a host of celebrities, one of her favorite being Mario, the nation’s “Prince of Chintz,” the acknowledged master of the English Country style, his work often featured on the cover of Architectural Digest.

Mario is also a passionate lover of theater, comedy, cabaret, and any good performance in town. One recent night, he kindly ushered me backstage to greet Joan Rivers after one her hilarious performances at the West Bank Cafe, the proceeds of which go to her two favorite charities, Guide Dogs For The Blind and God’s Love We Deliver.

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The Youngest Woman I Know: The Resplendent Liz Smith

Posted April 16th, 2010 in Celebrity, Katie, Reflections by Glenn Plaskin
Liz Smith

Liz Smith

Just a few weeks ago, at the celebrity Manhattan hot spot Michael’s, there she was, the unstoppable Liz Smith, ebullient as ever as she hosted a reception for her championed charity, Literary Partners. This is a fantastic not-for-profit devoted to bringing the gift of reading to thousands of adults who need a helping hand. Also there was the great novelist, Barbara Taylor Bradford, one of the charity’s most devoted supporters, a ‘woman of substance’ with a generous giving spirit.

Liz Smith

Liz Smith

That night, as I observed Liz Smith, I couldn’t help but notice how absolutely young she is–in her thinking, appearance, and energy level. While she jokingly refers to herself as “the 2000-year-old gossip columnist,” she’s a mere 87, though she looks decades younger.

And while many her age are physically ailing, marooned in retirement homes, or at best golfing or playing cards, this peripatetic wonder remains fully engaged, not missing a cultural event or party in NY while reigning over her syndicated newspaper column and penning her daily wowowow.com column too.

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