How may I alter story later so none will hate me or sue me?

Change names, make it a third person story set in a different location where the actions still mimic the guilty but don't look like them.

For example, in my book, there is a point where I look up in math class and...well, if you read my title, you'll know what happened. But I gave no outstanding features, race, looks, etc. All we know is that she's a girl.

When all else fails, be vague. Generally, they won't know who they are unless you specify.

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Terry, Screnzer/NaNoWrimist
ML for Boise, ID
Script Frenzy '07 - Luck of the Devil - WON
Every NaNoWriMo attempted...not...won...sad panda...

No matter what you do someone is going to take offence. It's a part of writing, talking, anything. It's just a part of life. Suing? Just depends on how much they're offended-and even that depends on who they are.
Wrire witout thinking, 'oh god! I gotta change this, someone might hate me,' write just to write and don't think about what others will think of it. That's for editors to think about.

Inspiration comes not from our own minds but from observing others and taking into consideration that you are not just entertaining yourself but, perhaps, bringing the world another great work.

You are so right,thanks for the confidence-boost. I will try to catch up on my wordcaount tomorrow. Seriously. What are you writing about?

asilalenore7

I forgot to ask, which mountains I lived in Katoomba for 30 years, a beautiful place indeed.

asilalenore7

I don't think you can actually sue because a character sounds like you or I would have make an awful lot of money out of people I can't possibly know (whenever you read that weirdo nerd who just sits in the library reading ... that's me).

"Are you going to kill me?"
"Don't be silly; you're my designated driver!"

I'm writing a book about work as well. I changed everyone's name and wrote a "Forward" saying how much I loved my job, and that names have been changed and some stories have been embellished, but the vast majority of it is true. I'm also writing under a pen name.

But in the end, it's a book. I think changing the names is sufficient, you may make people mad, but they can't take legal action unless they can PROVE it's them you're writing about.

OK, Thanksgiving killed me. I didn't write at all. I won't win NaNoWriMo, but I'm still going to finish this book!

1. Don't worry if people hate you. Others will love you.

2. Most people don't recognize themselves in print. Funny, that.

3. Change names, of course, but also add / mix-up / blend features. Distort, omit, create details about plot, personality. Claim that you are a part of every character. It's all literary license.

4. Be sure to include a statement at the beginning that it's FICTION, and any resemblance to real people, places, events is just good writing and not meant to be anything true.

jmho.

Saipanwriter
http://saipanwriter.blogspot.com
United, we H.A.C.K.

In America, there was a landmark legal case called Roy Orbison vs 2LiveCrew in which satire and parody are considered transformative use. As such, it is considered fair use under copyright law. This might not apply where you are.

As for slander or libel, if you are writing about public figures (again, this in the US) parody and satire are especially protected. there's a series of adventure novels published in the US, called The Destroyer, which has parodied every president and vice president, several news personalities including Oprah and Connie Chung, and numerous celebrities over the past twenty years. No lawsuits. They changed the names in ridiculously transparent ways. Oprah Winfrey was Copah Innisfree. Chung was just changed to Chang. Some celebrities have sued people for libel and slander where the laws are more favorable to them. Remember the South Park line, "I'll sue you in England!" However, to my knowlege, South Park has parodied nearly everybody and a few religions and still has not been sued. Besides, being sued is not the same as losing. Anyone can sue you for anything, at least in the US. It doesn't make them right. We recently had a judge sue a dry cleaner for over a million dollars for a lost pair of pants. He lost.

Things get tougher with private citizens, since private citizens have a reasonable expectation of privacy. If you are concerned about being sued, try to make them unidentifiable. You obviously change names. You change places and descriptions and situations. The Roman de Clef is a well-known and historically supported art form.

As for being hated, it's good practice. If nobody hates you, you're not really trying.

Note: I am not an attorney but an English major who has read a couple books on laws.

EMH

Everything I write is genious. (Note: When you're really rolling, genius has an o in it. That should be a Nano rule or scripture or something, maybe just my new signature.)

Thank you Eric. So simple a concept, thank you. I have no idea why I did not think of it. (As people always say afterwards.)
Anyway, I have done it. Changed black hair to blonde, nose rings to earrings or anklets, mohicans to tattoos. Names and places also. I have never played with the truth like this and felt really guilty at first, but now?

Thank you so much , EricH, for putting me onto the right track.

asilalenore7

Dear Saipan writer, thank you for guiding me. I had never done it like this before, and it was such fun. Like making up a story, when it's just bending the truth to an amenable shape?

asilalenore7

ZenithOvershone , THank you. sorry for not answering earlier, I actually lost my way to the thread. I really appreciated your advice. What kind of work are you writing about?

asilalenore7

ZenithOvershone , THank you. sorry for not answering earlier, I actually lost my way to the thread. I really appreciated your advice. What kind of work are you writing about? Will you be a writing buddy, and share progress towards goals occasionally?

asilalenore7