Names places/people have been changed....
Any thoughts on using names of celebrities/(i.e, local news anchor) or names of places (i.e., restaurant) when writing fiction? Most books open with a disclaimer that any resemblance to "real" is coinincidence, but..... often places/people are recognizable. So what's the deal? Do you need permission to include ? Or do you pretend the bar/town/person is completely made up?
Are there any rules about fiction conventions?
Thanks so much
Madeleine
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Madeleine, I believe celebrities are fair game for fiction with one significant exception: if they fear they are unfairly depicted, or fear your depiction of them will hurt their brand, they can make trouble. Given the recent defamation cases in the news, it's worth treading carefully. Still, the rules on free speech and creative license are broad but it only takes one pissed off nacissist with money to make your life hell. :-)
You likely don't recall but in my (as yet unpublished) novel The RIF, I used MSNBC stock analyst Jim Cramer in one chapter. It was all in good fun but I did mention that his perscription dose for Ritalin should be increased. Not sure he would be amused, but it's extremely unlikely he'd ever see it.
When are we getting the chance to enjoy your next chapter?