Is it appropriate?

[Aminar]

I'm writing a short story for Writers of the future.  It's Urban Fantasy about a social worker looking for a few kids who have gone missing.  There's magic involved.  Can I use the line "What would Harry Dresden do?"  Because I really really want to.

[gatordave96]

Ouch.  Copyright and intellectual property issues.  No easy answer here. 

[Aminar]

See, i'm a little worried about that, but it's more a pop culture reference.  I mean, harry calls the X-men by name. Jedi and Sith are copywritten.  Anybody know the exact definition of what's allowed and when it becomes theft?

[Dresdenus Prime]

I'm reading a book right now called Libriomancer by Jim Hines. Fantastic read. It's about a guy who can reach into books and pull out objects into reality. In the book he mentions several books that actually exist, talks about vampires who sparkle that have come out of Stephanie Meyers book, and even mentions Charlaine Harris. Now the grey area is whether he's gone out to all these authors and gotten permission before using them in his book.

However early on in the book he pulls out a gun which is very similar to a phaser and talks about a book which is oddly similar to Star Trek, but purposely calls it something else, which I'm guessing he does to avoid copyright issues. But Star Trek isn't just a literary phenomenon, it's movies, books, toys, etc.

[Aminar]

Pat Rothfuss recommended that one.  Ill be checking it out soonish.  For now I think Ill just go with it.  I mean, its not like Im trying to profit off Jim's work.  However was the phaser from The Starship Intrepid? Because that's a reference to Scalzi's Red Shirts.  A move I can see being made.

[LizW65]

From what I've read on the subject, simply referencing another work is considered "fair use" and does not require permission.  If you quote from someone else's work--other than in a review--that does require permission.

[Dresdenus Prime]

No the book was called, "The Vulcan's Mirror," and the vague description of the story was inspired by the original trek series episode, Mirror, Mirror. You won't be disappointed when you read this one. I too picked it up from Rothfuss's recommendation.

[meg_evonne]

I'd certainly not want to tick off JB; he might send round one of his villains. No, wait. It would be Fred--that's scary. WAIT, Presellie would be far worse and far more likely! Mab on steroids.

Seriously though, I'd send her a note and ask her. Jim might not mind a nod going into "Writers of the Future" at all.  That's the one that the Sci Fi Writers put out right? Kinda a big thing. Congrats!

[Aminar]

I'd certainly not want to tick off JB; he might send round one of his villains. No, wait. It would be Fred--that's scary. WAIT, Presellie would be far worse and far more likely! Mab on steroids.

Seriously though, I'd send her a note and ask her. Jim might not mind a nod going into "Writers of the Future" at all.  That's the one that the Sci Fi Writers put out right? Kinda a big thing. Congrats!

It's a contest not a sure thing regrettably.  This is just an entry. Thanks though.

[meg_evonne]

Ahh, well then... To be honest, I think the people making the selection probably wouldn't approve. It seems a bit like a cheap, inside joke. It's one thing if you are famous and you know JB, but other than that? I'd leave it off. If they want it? Then you can figure out if you can go back to insert it.

[Aminar]

It's supposed to be a bit of characterization.  The character is a social worker who's kids(clients) have gone missing.  Along the way he discovers and starts learning the system of magic the kids discovered and which lead to their disappearance.  It helps with the character's sense of humor and hobbies as well as explaining why he doesn't freak out more...

[OZ]

Although the Dresden books are best sellers, I don't know if they've reached the point yet that Harry's name would be recognised by all readers. If they don't recognise him then the line isn't going to make much sense.

[Aminar]

Although the Dresden books are best sellers, I don't know if they've reached the point yet that Harry's name would be recognised by all readers. If they don't recognise him then the line isn't going to make much sense.

Very true.  On the other hand, that isn't necessarily important.  If somebody is reading a writer's of the future entry they'll at least know who he is.

[the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh]

Very true.  On the other hand, that isn't necessarily important.

It's important at the level that something that's obviously a reference you don't get can be irritating to many readers.

[Aminar]

That's a constant danger in Urban fantasy...  Either you reference things and risk people not getting them or you don't reference things and your characters lose valuable characterization.  References make characters so much more approachable and human seeming.