MAY 26, 2009 --

Elmore Leonard was in New York City, May 12, to promote his latest book: "Road Dogs." He began the day chatting with Don Imus, who mentioned that Leonard would be at the Barnes & Noble near Lincoln Center, that evening.

When LPR got to the store, it learned that the cast of "Next to Normal" --- nominated for 11 Tonys, including Alice Ripley as best actress in a musical -- would be at the store 4:30 p.m. performing a few songs from the show and signing CDs.

Cast of "Next to Normal" at B&N (65th) earlier that afternoon, featuring Jennifer Damiano (in red), on her left Aaron Tzveit, J. Donald Sencer, Alice Ripley

Alice Ripley

"Next to Normal" Audience

The accompanying photos show J. Donald Spencer at the Barnes & Noble microphone, and Alice Ripley stopping for a photo by LPR.

That evening, Elmore Leonard read from his latest book (and his 44th), "Road Dogs," which includes characters from previous novels.

Elmore Leonard at Barnes & Noble (65th Street)

Elmore Leonard speaking to a crowd of attentive onlookers.

He also told the audience about his writing regimen -- and style. Leonard writes in long-hand, a page an hour. He writes no more than three pages a day. He said that we should only use "said" when the character speaks. Leonard does not like words that end in "ly" and will not place a story in New York City. He vigorously stated -- withdraw that -- He said everybody else writes about New York. One other thing: he writes what the characters tell him to write.

Two days later LPR happened to be in a Barnes & Noble store further up Broadway and noticed Ted Sorensen on the first level. Sorensen was heading upstairs, to be interviewed by New York Times columnist Bob Herbert.

The Barnes & Noble occasion of this former JFK aide was prompted by publication of his latest book, "Counselor."

Scene at 82nd Street B&N May 14, Ted Sorensen with NYT columnist Bob Herbert