Published on April 4, 2012
My manuscript is a humorous mystery and uses some of the local haunts in (my city). I don’t say anything bad about any of them.
It’s mainly the characters going to places like (a local restaurant), which is considered a local original. I explain why. Also, (a local diner). Everyone in the area where my heroine lives would know this place. They would also know that the bathroom is decorated with (a well-known cartoon character) accessories. This is mentioned in my manuscript. One character also works at a local charity, mentioned by name.
Is it okay to use them as long as I don’t show them in a bad light? Or, should I get them to sign something? If so, what?
Published on April 4, 2012
For nine years, I was a freelance writer, writing coach, and writing teacher. My work was published in numerous magazines, and I published one non-fiction book and a magazine writing workbook. Since math teaching is my first love, I decided to return to it three years ago. I kept writing though for myself and attending my local spiritual writing group.
A month ago a woman who is a member of my local state writer’s club branch contacted me and asked if I would be interested in teaching a writing workshop for them…
Published on March 28, 2012
For over a year now, we’ve been dealing with the aftermath of the accident on Valentine’s Day, 2011 when our daughter and her boyfriend were in a head-on collision. The person who hit them had been dialing his cell phone when he crossed all the way over the center line. Both vehicles were going 45-50 when they hit. Ali’s wrist was shattered and her boyfriend had three broken ribs, a broken leg, and more. Fast-forward 13 months. After months of good-faith negotiations on the victims’ side, the insurance adjuster for the guilty driver told Ali’s boyfriend that if he can’t be a chef anymore because his leg is so badly injured, he “should just go be a greeter at Walmart.”
That was the last straw. Her boyfriend hired an attorney. This week, our daughter hired the same attorney…
Published on March 28, 2012
An author recently asked me about using real people (friends, relatives, acquaintances) in a novel. I told her doing so would be very risky from a legal standpoint.
She assumed just calling the book “fiction” would protect her from a lawsuit.
She also assumed simply changing a few names would also protect her from a lawsuit.
Published on March 28, 2012
Hi Angela,
I was deeply saddened by the article about the woman who made all kinds of assumptions about you because her manuscript was rejected. I want to say for the record that I’ve been working with BookLocker since 2003, and I have never found you or your family to be anything but friendly, accepting, and encouraging. Thank you for everything you do!
Best,
Debra Stang
HOSPICE TAILS: The Animal Companions Who Journey With Hospice Patients and Their Families
VISITING GRANDMA
—
Hey Ang,
I read your column today on not being racists for rejecting a book for X reason. Pretty funny. Having been in the writing biz (magazine and newspapers) my entire career I feel for you; as a reporter then editor I’ve been called every name in the book, none that I will repeat to a lady and I wish I had a nickel for every time someone threatened me with a lawsuit. But, that’s the biz and the challenge with nonprofessional writers, they don’t understand how the business works and, more to the point, that it IS a business and that business is to make money.
I think what authors (any writer, for that matter) must understand is that they can’t take their work and coddle it to their breasts as if they were children.
I. too. pitched a book to you that you passed on; you passed because it was based on actual events. You explained (very nicely) that you didn’t want to offend any survivors or risk litigation. I think this would make a nice additive for your readers to know that there are SOME of us out there who can take a rejection without rancor.
Hugs,
Peter J. Gallanis
Assignment Editor
Journatic
Published on March 28, 2012
For some inexplicable reason, my novel has been attacked in an Amazon review by a first-class idiot who hasn’t even taken the trouble to read it. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to damage my book’s credibility, but I suppose there are some people who are capable of such nastiness.
I’ve contacted Amazon. but they won’t remove it, saying it doesn’t violate their guidelines. Hard to believe that they would keep a review that falsifies a book’s major premise. I’m hoping anyone with half a brain will understand that this is a vicious, mindless, unfair, and irresponsible smear, and not a legitimate review.
Published on March 21, 2012
It’s in the upper 80’s now and the boys are once again swimming every single day. The weather outside is warm but I think the water is still a bit chilly…
Published on March 21, 2012
Last week, I was absolutely STUNNED when I discovered a comment online from a rejected author who said I “discriminate.” I am one of the most laid-back, easy-going, and accepting people you’d ever meet. During my life, I have had friends and boyfriends of many different races and religions. I have friends and relatives who are gay, straight, and bi. I, personally, don’t think there is any one religion favored by God so who am I to decide if there are any right or wrong ones? Everybody should have an equal chance to publish their own feelings on faith, provided, of course, their manuscript does not promote hurting others…
Published on March 21, 2012
Letters will return next week.
Published on March 21, 2012
book marketing
Even though my books are not in a mortar and brick bookstore, I have successfully sold copies of my Christmas book in some unusual places of business…
