Naming a Fictional Character?

Question

I'm currently writing a 'chick-lit' book. I've had the idea (and the main character's name) planned out for a few years now. It's quite a unique name and, back in the day when I first started planning the book, I 'Googled' the name and couldn't find any matches.

However, a recent search has revealed that my 'unique' charactere's name is now the stage name of an English glam-goth performer with a pretty racy website (no joke.) I'm a bit disappointed but I still love the name and I feel the book wouldn't be the same without it.

My character is very far from being an English glam-goth performer so there's no way anyone would think she is somehow 'based' on her. Can I go ahead with my plan? Am I risking any sort of lawsuit?

Thanks.

Answer 1

This is where a literary attorney comes in to the picture. You would have to contact one and they would have to review your material and advise you. Of course it would cost you money to do this. There are cases where people have stage names trademarked. In that case, you wouldn't be able to use it. Also it would depend entirely on the text of your story and whether or not it could be construed in any way - and I mean ANY way - that you were representing this person. I had to change a name of a main character once. It was the name of the wife of a major movie star. Since the character in the book was not a very nice person and was portrayed in a very bad light, the name was changed. I would contact a literary attorney and have the situation researched before you got as far as sending queries out. Best to protect yourself in this case. It sounds like this person might be the type who would enjoy the publicity of a fight. Check first. Pax - C

Answer 2

sure, yet they could desire to be pointed out as fictional characters and not in any respect became any resembleance meant for a real preson. actual human beings can even have fictional names. It it your actual call which you're utilizing, or an alias?