What's the rule about mentioning current media and literature in a novel?

L

Lex

New member
Books, TV shows, movies etc. I'm writing a book and I would like my character to be reading a book that she relates to. I could make something up I guess, but I thought it might be more relate-able if I was able to use something current instead of an overused "classic" example. (ie. "Twilight" instead of "Romeo and Juliet") Problem is, I don't know the actual rules/laws around that.
 
You can definitely include references to current media-- maybe not quotes, but references should be good-- and it will be acceptable at some level (either as is, or after finding permission) but even though it's publishable, that doesn't mean it's advisable. When you include something that's popular now, it's likely not going to be popular in five years, and you're therefore automatically dating your book. Ever read a YA book written in the 80s? They can be like books from foreign countries in their level of confusing references, and that's basically what you'd be doing, only in a more sped up fashion. Sometimes it works, though, and sometimes you can get around it pretty easily-- you mention Twilight, for instance; the band that Bella is listening to in book one is meant to be Linkin Park, but although it was referenced, readers will get it years after Linkin Park loses popularity.
 
You can definitely include references to current media-- maybe not quotes, but references should be good-- and it will be acceptable at some level (either as is, or after finding permission) but even though it's publishable, that doesn't mean it's advisable. When you include something that's popular now, it's likely not going to be popular in five years, and you're therefore automatically dating your book. Ever read a YA book written in the 80s? They can be like books from foreign countries in their level of confusing references, and that's basically what you'd be doing, only in a more sped up fashion. Sometimes it works, though, and sometimes you can get around it pretty easily-- you mention Twilight, for instance; the band that Bella is listening to in book one is meant to be Linkin Park, but although it was referenced, readers will get it years after Linkin Park loses popularity.
 
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