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Post by fluke on Jun 30, 2009 22:07:44 GMT -5
Hey,
What are the legalities surrounding naming (not quoting from, just naming) works of literature, music, art, etc. in a novel? I have several scenes set in a library and the books that different characters have donated are to reflect their personality. Is it okay to name the books on the shelves or is this verboten? I certainly recognize that quoting musical lyrics is way-far-no-no.
I've had scenes in libraries before, but with that book being set in 1353... Well, I didn't worry about the character putting "Summa Theologia" back on the shelf or pulling down "Bereshith Rabbah."
Thank you,
Frank
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Post by waldenwriter on Jun 30, 2009 23:41:07 GMT -5
I don't think it's forbidden to name the books on the shelves. I remember there is a library scene in the novel The City of Ember where books are named, though they're all books that only exist in that story's world.
With yours being a historical setting, you would have to take that into consideration. You might want to do research on what sort of things people read back then (which will depend on the geographic location of your novel) as well as just how much literacy there was (in earlier eras of history, the ability to read was limited, and women weren't allowed to learn to read for a very long time). Also, consider the education level of your characters and what they are studying. I think that will make a difference.
That aside, I didn't know quoting musical lyrics was forbidden. That's a good thing to know. What if you used them as a epigraph? (My current novel is about a character who's under a curse that makes her a murderer and a thief, so I was thinking of using lyrics from "Thief" by Third Day as an epigraph). Is it ok then?
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Post by Christian Soldier on Jul 1, 2009 1:29:20 GMT -5
Some years back, SFWA attacked several small publishers because of their use of Author's names and works without prior notification from the, deceased, author. In the end, RGR won out and the names were put back in. That's one of the reasons I don't respect SFWA any more. Asimov and Heinlein must have rolled in their graves over that one.
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Post by Jeff Gerke on Jul 1, 2009 7:46:22 GMT -5
Yes, as I understand it, naming books, people, and products is fine. And please don't put "TM" or (R) after product names. Just use them. Coke. Levi's. Chevrolet. Post-Its.
Jeff
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Post by Christian Soldier on Jul 1, 2009 12:37:11 GMT -5
Just remember, if the SFWA comes after you, they can be repelled using copious amounts of garlic and onions in your food.
...
Actually, that'll work on anybody
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Post by Jeff Gerke on Jul 3, 2009 7:54:17 GMT -5
...he said from experience.
0:-)
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Post by fluke on Jul 3, 2009 8:23:24 GMT -5
Jeff,
I would only put TM after Army of Darkness(TM) but that's already been taken.
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Post by Jeff Gerke on Jul 9, 2009 9:24:19 GMT -5
:-)
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