Can write a novel based on someone i know?

Question

I am currently writing a novel based on an aquaintince of mine. I found her story of adoption particulary fascinating, and my book is very largely based (although I have created my own scenes and changed detalis) on that part of her life. Her character too is largely based on herslef. Is this allowed? It certainly isn't a biography, as a good portion is purely based on my own imagination; but the story as whole largely resembles 'her' story or what i see her story as being.

I did use her name, no.

I meant to say i did Not use her name

Answer 1

Sure it is allowed. Though it would be responsible to allow her to read the story and make sure she has no objections, if you haven't done so already.

Answer 2

You can write and publish anything you want. If, however, the real-world subject that you're using as inspiration does not approve of your book, you do have civil liability issues to consider.

The best way to avoid this would be to discuss the book with the person in question and get her OK to proceed. If you can't or she won't, then you need to change the story enough that a "reasonable" person could not identify her by reading your book. What "reasonable" is in a court of law is obviously pretty subjective. Your publisher should be made aware of any potential conflict prior to the book's release. They will have legal counsel experienced in this sort of stuff who will be able to advise you.

Answer 3

Most writers take large portions of their novels from real life and from real people. Side stories are often based on things friends and relatives have said or done. Write her however you want. Change the name obviously, but really... story tellers have always been the ones who can weave the most imaginative and beautiful narrative out of something as mundane as a real person's life.
Take it, use it, love it.
Good luck on the novel!

Answer 4

You need to see a civil lawyer. If the story too closely resembles her and she figures it out, she can sue you... she may not win, but it'll cost you a mint to defend yourself. Have you tried talking to her? Maybe she'd like her story told... and maybe she'll sign a waiver if you agree to give her a % of the profits. Which you should do.... noone likes it when you make money off them... it's called exploiting.

Answer 5

No, you do no longer choose permission. you're no longer employing the call and age of the lady. positioned the placement in a diverse time, and don't positioned it in an analogous place. And there you pass: thoroughly diverse. in case you had to get permission to apply that, then no person ought to ever use the strategies of vampires, werewolves, fairies, etc, etc. with the aid of fact they weren't the unique author. additionally, no person ought to ever write approximately actual human activities with the aid of fact somebody else has already experienced them. by employing the way, that sounds like an concepts-blowing theory :)

Answer 6

Many great novels are based on true event. The late, great prolific writer Charles Bukowski wrote a great deal about his life experience and called it fiction.

Answer 7

It is allowed but you should have her sign a waiver before you ever tried to publish. If you didn't she could sue. If she has no problem with you using her story as a base for your novel then she should sign.

Answer 8

You can, but if it too closely matches her story and she figures this out, prepare to be involved in a law suit (potentially). You can use a disclaimer, saying this was 'based in part on a true story' or something to that effect. Or you can go to this acquaintance and ask her to sign a release or buy her story. Do me one favor though...please use spell check as well as checking your grammar. Thanks! Good Luck

Answer 9

Fictional novel, yes. It can be a story based on that person. There's nothing wrong with that at all, as long as you have her permission of course.

Answer 10

Tell her that you want to write a novel based on her story.