One of my readers, Clive, commented on yesterday’s post in response to my question regarding using real places in fictional writing. It was a good question. His response was a slight departure, suggesting writing fiction using models of real people. I have to say that I would stay well away from that. He was correct that would cause problems.
I’m not so sure about place names though, there is a very well known local crime writer who bases her books in and around the Portsmouth area. I read a comment of hers that she will only name a specific shop if she has their permission, and that can totally depend on the context, for example a waterfront shop or pub. May not wish to be associated with nefarious fictional activities.
Whilst I think there is less of a problem using town or street names, the closer you get to people the more difficult it gets.
Which leads me on to another question, what if I were to use, for example, the place names of Hardy’s Wessex, for example Casterbridge instead of Dorchester would that be plagiarism or something else?
Food for thought.
Bills Posts 