[charles-richardson1 Posts: 76 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

What are the watchouts or legal limitations of using a historical figure in a fiction novel?  I am not changing the essence of who they are but inserting them as a main character in a story.

Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[Vijaya Posts: 7,164 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

Because it's historical *fiction* you would have a lot of leeway from inventing dialogue to even consolidating events for narrative flow. I love HF and it's always fascinating to read the back-matter. Focus on the story you want to write, keep track of your sources for facts and figures and details, and enjoy. Some of my favorite authors in this genre are Karen Cushman, Scott O'Dell, Linda Sue Park, Jane Yolen, and so many more.

[charles-richardson1 Posts: 76 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Vijaya, thanks for the advice.
Charles

[HaroldU Posts: 848 Status: Offline Exec. Editor, Kane Press WWW]

What are the watchouts or legal limitations of using a historical figure in a fiction novel?  I am not changing the essence of who they are but inserting them as a main character in a story.

Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks.

You asked about "legal limitations," which leads me to ask if this character is alive today, and if the events you will be writing about are recent? That might complicate things.

[charles-richardson1 Posts: 76 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

You asked about "legal limitations," which leads me to ask if this character is alive today, and if the events you will be writing about are recent? That might complicate things.

You asked about "legal limitations," which leads me to ask if this character is alive today, and if the events you will be writing about are recent? That might complicate things.

No, the characters are not alive.

[dinalapomy101 Posts: 1,875 Status: Offline Happy writing to all! WWW]

I just finished THE FATAL THRONE, written by seven authors, where each of Henry VII's wives AND Henry are main characters, and the book is told from their povs. It was done really well, though of course what they actually thought or said is complete speculation and fiction.

[william-mockry Posts: 2 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

There's an adult historical fiction novel called "When the Men Were Gone," that follows a female football coach during World War II. The characters were all based on real people, but the author explains in her author's note that much of their experience was fictionalized. I also noticed a disclaimer on the first page that says, "References to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales are intended only to provide a sense of authenticity and are used fictitiously." So there are definitely ways to make it happen!

[HaroldU Posts: 848 Status: Offline Exec. Editor, Kane Press WWW]

No, the characters are not alive.

That simplifies things. My advice is to do the best research you can, keeping careful notes on sources for any fact you might draw upon. Then once your book is under contract, be prepared to turn your research over to your publisher's legal department, who will provide advice.