Elmore Leonard, the acclaimed crime novelist, died Tuesday at age 87. Here are some quirky facts

Elmore Leonard, the acclaimed crime novelist, died Tuesday at age 87. Here are some quirky facts about the writer:

v On paper: Leonard wrote longhand on 63-page unlined yellow pads that were custom-made for him. When a page was completed, he transferred the words onto a separate piece of paper using a typewriter. No computer for him.

v Rules: Leonard’s list of writing do’s and don’ts, which he wrote for The New York Times, included “never open a book with weather,” “never use a verb other than ‘said’ to carry dialogue.”

v Fans: His admirers included fellow writers such as Saul Bellow and Martin Amis, actor George Clooney and Aerosmith.

v Nickname: At University of Detroit High School, the nickname “Dutch” was pinned on Leonard. And it stuck. It’s a reference to Emil “Dutch” Leonard, a knuckleball pitcher for the Washington Senators.

v Motor City guy: Leonard lived in or near Detroit since 1934. He wrote daily in eight-hour shifts from his home office. “Well, you’ve got to put in the time if you want to write a book,” he said in 2010.

“FUTURAMA” ( 9 p.m., Comedy Central): A horrible creature corners the Planet Express crew, and this time it’s not Dr. Zoidberg.

“MODERN DADS” (10:30 p.m., A&E): This new reality series follows the exploits of a tight-knit group of suburban stay-at-home fathers in Austin, Texas.

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First Night seeks event performers

YOUNGSTOWN

Performing artists are being sought for First Night Æ Youngstown 2014, a family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year’s celebration of the arts.

The annual event takes place on New Year’s Eve downtown.

Performances take place at various venues, including 20 Federal Place, the Masonic Temple, First Presbyterian Church and more.

Acts geared toward families and children take place early in the evening. The event begins about 4:30 p.m. and ends at midnight.

Performing artists of all types are encouraged to apply.

An application is available at www.firstnight-youngstownoh.com.

For more information, call 330-744-9966.

Circus is Saturday at Drake Well

titusville, pa.

Drake Well Museum and the Friends of Drake Well Inc. will host the Drake Day Circus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors who are 65 and older and $5 for children from 3 to 11 years old. There is a special rate for families.

Melissa Mann, museum site administrator, said the circus is modeled on circuses that traveled to Titusville, Pithole and other locations throughout Pennsylvania’s oil region during the 1860s.

A professional circus troupe from Bacchanal Promotions in Detroit will headline the event with performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information about the Drake Day Circus or other museum programs, visit www.drakewell.org.