The name of historical people or places is public domain(Our history is a shared one after all!) and no harm comes from involving any aspect of history in published fiction.

Can you use historical figures in 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.

Can a fictional story be based on true events?

Using your life as a source for a fictional novel is a great way to turn your own stories into something new and resonant. Retelling and adapting true stories is a time-tested method that many great fiction writers use to produce iconic fictional stories.

Can you mention a famous person in a 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.

What is a fictional story based on real events?

Fiction simply means a product of someone’s imagination. It may be the story of an imaginary character or something that never existed before. A story based on a real person, event, or time period is considered historical fiction.

Can you mention real places in a novel?

Towns/City Names: You can use the names of real towns and cities without any problems. I tend to use real large cities and make up the names of smaller towns. It’s easier to “create” a town to your story’s specifications and needs. You can take liberties with real places by making up the names of streets or businesses.

How do you start a true story?

Here’s how to write true-life stories that resonate with your audience.

1. Dig Deep. Find a story worth telling. …
2. Remove Yourself. …
3. Start Small. …
4. Work in the Details. …
5. Research, Research, Research. …
6. Speculate Freely. …
7. Structure the Plot. …
8. Ask for Permission.

Can I write a book about 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 I need permission to write a book about someone?

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.

Can I mention Disney in my book?

As a rule of thumb, you can mention trademarked items, have characters visit there etc – so long as you don’t say anything untrue or defamatory. To set an entire story in a Disney-owned trademark – probably not wise.

How do you write fiction that comes alive?

5 Ways to Make Your Fiction Come Alive

1. Paint a Memorable Picture. Writers are artists, using words in place of paint to create visuals for their readers. …
2. Let Your Characters Speak. …
3. While You’re at It, Listen to Your Characters. …
4. Avoidance, Avoidance, Avoidance. …
5. Kidnap Your Readers and Never Let Them Go.

Can you reference pop culture in books?

Use pop culture references as supporting details.



Include pop culture details to give your story a vivid setting. Referencing era-appropriate music, Hollywood films, books, advertisements, and celebrities your characters would be familiar with can give your story a sense of time and place.

Can you name a character after a celebrity?

Don’t name characters after anyone you know. You might cause offense, even if you don’t intend to, and you might not want to associate the person you know with the actions of your character (and you can get sued.) Don’t name characters after famous people, or style names after famous people.

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.

Who is the first famous person?

Garibaldi: The First Celebrity | History Today.

What is it called when an actor plays a real person?

A cameo role, also called a cameo appearance and often shortened to just cameo (/ˈkæmioʊ/), is a brief appearance of a well-known person in a work of the performing arts.