Using a public event as a backdrop

Miguelito · Sep 10, 2009

I'm just starting a WIP where there's a large event (the Calgary Stampede) that's the backdrop to the story.

The event is obviously linked to the plot. It's not integral to the plot (I can just rename it if I have to). Nor are the fairgrounds the only place where things are going to happen in the story (although a fair amount does happen there -- the story is supposed to run over the 10 days of Stampede). But, I'd like to use "Calgary Stampede" for the name recognition and because it's associated with some local vernacular about what goes on during that week (such as "stampeding" for when you go drinking).

So, questions if anybody would be so kind as to help me:

1) Can I get away with using trademarked names like "Calgary Stampede"?

2) Is there a limit to how much story I can place at the event?

I'm just putting out feelers about this because I don't want to dig myself too far into the story only to find out that I get away with certain things.

lonestarlibrarian · Sep 10, 2009

IANAL, but I've read books set at the Westminster Dog Show, the Kentucky Derby, the Iditarod, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the World's Fair. How many time travel books are there where the protagonist is in a famous RL historical reenactment setting, and accidentally end up at the original event?

)

I'd say approach it just like you were setting your novel at Yale or in the Smithsonian. It doesn't sound like you have any plans to pose your story as something officially sponsored by the event, and it doesn't sound as though the entire premise of your story is dedicated to saying what an awful event it is-- NTTAWWT, but it makes people less likely to complain that you used their event as your setting.

) It looks like it will give your story some good local color, and it will give their event some free advertising! So I'd say go for it.

)

Namatu · Sep 11, 2009

I don't think it's a problem. If it were, everything in fiction would have to be complete fiction. Look at some of the books you like to read and see what real life events and items they mention.

lauraannwilliams · Sep 11, 2009

I'm from Calgary.

I think a story set in Calgary has to recognize elements of the city, and during the Stampede the whole city is affected. Most stories I read that talk about real world work best when they reference real things. I think as long as you're not using real people, locations are fair game.

And worst comes to worst, write it as Calgary and the Calgary Stampede. If you send it to a publisher and they object, then decide if you want to rename it, and keep the inspiration/feel without the exact event/place names.

Miguelito · Sep 12, 2009

Thanks all. Good food for thought.

maestrowork · Sep 12, 2009

Yes you can.

The problem is if you use a real event, a famous event as a backdrop then you must do it right because you know many people have been there. If you don't do it right, they will call you out.

Using a public event as a backdrop

Miguelito

Filled with optimism. And scotch.

lonestarlibrarian

senior bean supervisor

Namatu

Lost in mental space.

lauraannwilliams

Miguelito

Filled with optimism. And scotch.

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray