Ask Jason and Derek...

Can I use apostrophes instead of traditional quotation marks? I think I've read books that do this, and have gotten into the habit of it, but I don't know if it's okay to do so.
example: 'Nice hat.' she said.
as opposed to: "Nice hat." she said.

Thanks!

Can we use real people's names in a non fiction book? Do we have to have their permission?

Dang it, these questions are slipping by unseen and unnoticed!

Methinks it would be safer to close this thread and encourage folks to start new threads when they have questions.

Apostrophes vs. quotation marks: doesn't matter as long as you keep it consistent. In the UK and Australia methinks single quotes have become the printed standard. Me, I still use double quotes because they're easier to read -- if the publisher wants 'em changed, it's easy to change 'em. (There are also numerous threads on this subject scattered across the forums.)

Using real people's names in fiction: yes by all means, they exist in the real world so you can refer to them all you like. But the moment you attribute fictional actions or quotations to them, you could be on thin ice. Added: Parody is an exception, this has its own rules but still needs to be handled with care, no one wants a lawsuit.

-Derek