I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Can I get sued for using family names/experiences?



Can you use people’s real names in a memoir?

You can use the real names of those who have given you written permission to do so. But when getting written permission isn’t something you can or want to do, it might be easier to change the names of the characters in your memoir. That’s it. Simple.

Can I use real names in fiction?

Using real people in your fiction—whether they are correctly named or not—can be legally hazardous. If an author includes enough details that a specific fictional character is identifiable as an actual person, that person could possibly pursue legal action.
Nov 30, 2020

Can you write characters based on real people?





First, a simple rule. If what you write about a person is positive or even neutral, then you don’t have defamation or privacy issues. For instance, you may thank someone by name in your acknowledgements without their permission. If you are writing a non-fiction book, you may mention real people and real events.

Do you need permission to write about someone in a memoir?

A: Permission is technically not required if the biography subject is/was a public figure, unless their estate has created a kind of legal fortress. There are rare cases in which permission must be obtained before sharing any likeness or representation.
Jan 28, 2022

How do you write a true story without being sued?

Do tell the truth

  1. Don’t make claims based on assumptions or opinions. Adding “in my opinion” before a statement won’t save you in a libel case.
  2. Don’t embellish or exaggerate. If your book is nonfiction or memoir, then make sure it is truthful in every detail.
  3. Don’t overlook invasion of privacy laws.

Jul 5, 2018



Can I use a famous person name in my book?



The good news is that celebrity names are not copyright protected, just used as a name. If the name is only used to describe the person, it is not covered.
May 15, 2021

Can I use real people in historical fiction?

According to WD’s legal guru (and close friend) Amy Cook, writing about historical people is perfectly fine and won’t put you in any legal danger.
Feb 24, 2009

Can you write about real places in fiction?

Writing a book set in a real town makes research easy, and it gives you an interesting marketing hook. People like to read about places they know. A real-life setting for your story anchors your fiction in reality, and adds another dimension to your story.
Nov 6, 2013

Do you need permission to quote someone in a book?

You DON’T need permission:
To quote books or other works published before 1923. For news stories or scientific studies. Shorter quotes, references and paraphrasing is usually ok without permission. Copying large amounts of a story or study, however, may require permission from the writer or publisher.
Feb 18, 2019

How do you not get sued for a memoir?

There are several ways to avoid invasion of privacy lawsuits. Our first tip is to get written permission from your characters. If you obtain written consent, they can’t later file a suit stating you’ve breached their privacy. Our second tip is the same as with defamation: Change all identifying characteristics.
Nov 11, 2021

Do you own the rights to your life story?

While people colloquially refer to “life story rights,” no one has a legally recognized proprietary interest in the story of their life. There’s certainly no “Life Story Act” which confers such an interest, and no other form of legal protection quite fits the bill either.
Dec 1, 2020

Can you write about real places in fiction?

Writing a book set in a real town makes research easy, and it gives you an interesting marketing hook. People like to read about places they know. A real-life setting for your story anchors your fiction in reality, and adds another dimension to your story.
Nov 6, 2013



Can I use a real school in my novel?

But you should be sure to include a prominent disclaimer on the title page that it is a work of fiction and any resemblances are entirely coincidental. (You may be subject to invasion of privacy lawsuits if someone can demonstrate that you based it on a real event at that school).
Jan 13, 2017

Can a fictional character be a celebrity?

The Hollywood Walk of Fame awards notable people in the film, television, music, radio and theatre industries. However, stars have also been awarded to fictional characters. The following is a list of fictional characters with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, including the category and location of each honoree.

How do you name characters in fiction?

How to Choose Character Names

  1. Be Realistic. There are a lot of Mary’s in the world, which is precisely why your novel may need one. …
  2. Mind the Genre. Quick! …
  3. Be Consistent. …
  4. Be Dissimilar. …
  5. Avoid Name Associations. …
  6. Choose Easy to Pronounce Names. …
  7. Reinforce the Character’s Qualities. …
  8. Re-Evaluate the Character’s Name.

What name means death?

Thana means “death.” Thanatos is also a Greek name for the god of death.
Jun 7, 2022

Why do authors not give characters names?

By using a nameless character, an author can prevent readers from unconsciously attaching the identity of another person, ethnic group, or social background.
Jul 29, 2015