Need Help With Adding A Famous Person In My Novel

honeycomb · Oct 25, 2008

I'm still trudging away at my novel. I'm almost there. Got a question though. My MC has just entered the Civil Rights movement and I want the story to include her meeting Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

I've been told to be careful adding them (using their names in the story) because I could be sued.

So how do I write dialogue between my MC and them? Or should I give a hint that it's the Kings I'm referring to?

I'm so confused :-(

Puma · Oct 25, 2008

If you pick your dialogue carefully, you can probably get across who they are without naming names. Puma

JamieFord · Oct 25, 2008

I'm not sure of all the legalities, but I do know that Carleen Brice did a beautiful job of including Nina Simone in her novel, Orange Mint & Honey.

You could always drop her a note and ask her about it.

http://www.carleenbrice.com/index.htm

honeycomb · Oct 25, 2008

Thanks Jamie. I'll do that.

Kalyke · Oct 25, 2008

Using public figures in books is quite common. You actually do not need to get a release to write about someone. Even living people have been written about in books and movies. Look at Oliver Stone's "W."

C.bronco · Oct 25, 2008

Ditto what Jamie said. Send a note to Coretta.

Stunted · Oct 25, 2008

You can just put it in, I think.

Nymtoc · Oct 26, 2008

Well, it's not as simple as some have suggested. There are many laws, and many interpretations of laws, concerning privacy rights and the use of real people's names. Some authors who have used real people in their work have gotten permission to do so. As readers, we wouldn't necessarily know whether they did or not.

In any case, check out the following. You don't want to find yourself at the wrong end of a lawsuit.

"A discussion of why you shouldn't use real people as fictional characters.
Fiction Craft: Real People vs. Characters

By Robert Ferrier
(RobertLFerrier.aol.com)

Question: I am considering writing a story based on real people, events and emotions.
What are the legal issues?
Allison Paine

Answer: Proceed with caution, Allison. First, consult an attorney specializing in this area. Change the names of real people in the manuscript to avoid a libel suit. However, even changing the names doesn't offer full protection. Case law provides examples of authors sued for libel or invasion of privacy because readers "recognized themselves" disguised under fictional names.

Book editors warn against using real people in fiction. They know that story characters must present "larger than real life," exhibiting only a few exaggerated traits which fit the story goal, obstacle and other characters...."

https://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=833&id=4471

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/stevecarper/bull160.htm

johnzakour · Oct 26, 2008

Nymtoc said:
(RobertLFerrier.aol.com)

Question: I am considering writing a story based on real people, events and emotions.
What are the legal issues?
Allison Paine

Answer: Proceed with caution, Allison. First, consult an attorney specializing in this area. Change the names of real people in the manuscript to avoid a libel suit. However, even changing the names doesn't offer full protection. Case law provides examples of authors sued for libel or invasion of privacy because readers "recognized themselves" disguised under fictional names.

Book editors warn against using real people in fiction. They know that story characters must present "larger than real life," exhibiting only a few exaggerated traits which fit the story goal, obstacle and other characters...."

https://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=833&id=4471

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/stevecarper/bull160.htm

This is really good advice.

My experience has been it's okay to mention public figures in your novels but as soon as you start putting words into their mouths things get dicier. Your publisher or their lawyers may even ask you to change it.

If you can make the story work without using an actual public figure you'll most likely be better off.

RJK · Oct 26, 2008

You could put your characters at an event where the historical figure gave a speech or rally. Your characters could comment on what they heard, but I wouldn't put words in MLK's mouth.

IceCreamEmpress · Oct 26, 2008

I would stick to the historical record. If your character goes to the March on Selma, for instance, she'd see the Kings and hear them speak--you could have her be a witness to some historically documented conversation, incident, or speech, and there would be no issue.

If you make up a scene where Dr. King takes her aside and tells her she has what it takes to be a great civil rights leader, that's a lot trickier.

Need Help With Adding A Famous Person In My Novel

honeycomb

Caroline

Puma

Retired and loving it!

JamieFord

giving resonant directions

honeycomb

Caroline

Kalyke

C.bronco

I have plans...

Stunted

Ich heiße Superphantastisch!

Nymtoc

Benefactor Member

johnzakour

Dangerous with a Keyboard

RJK

Sheriff Bullwinkle the Poet says:

IceCreamEmpress

Hapless Virago