What do you all think about this? In my story, the main character discovers she has an ability to do something and decides to research about it. She goes to a library and so far, I have referenced a couple of books that actually exist by real authors, using some sentences from them. Obviously I would reference them at the end, but is this ok to do in a fiction book, or should I just make something up?
I think it's perfectly fine to name drop books and authors as long as you're not libeling them. Hell, I do it all the time with musicians and albums in one of my works. However, using lines from them is a different story--that's where you start getting into copyright issues. Public domain works are likely fine, but if the work isn't in the public domain you may have problems. I don't know the details of the law, and I'd suggest conferring with a literary attorney to get the most accurate advice.
Ok thank you. I think what I'll do is make some books up and just interpret some of the information in my own way so that it's not taken from any authors' actual books.
You can name drop books and companies and whatever as long as you're not being defamatory. Lyrics are a different story I think, but frankly I'm including those in my first draft too. Actually I'm debating using titles ripped from song lyrics on purpose.
I really like it when one book says something in reference to another book. Especially if I've read the other book! I can't think of a book that does this off hand, but I know I've seen it.
