USING REAL NAMES

Generally speaking, you can use the names of real people in your writing, as long as those people are celebrities, politicians, well-known sports figures, or the like. In other words, public figures, as opposed to private figures. In fiction, for example, you could have a well-known person do a “walk on” in your story, as long as you do not portray that person in a negative light, or doing something that would be completely out of character. If referring to a well-known person in nonfiction, you need to portray him/her within the context of history—doing only what he/she did or is doing. You can't have them doing things they never did. Best not to use real names of private individuals in fiction or nonfiction. If your use is in doubt, it is best to check with a lawyer before moving ahead to publication. Go to: http://www.fictionaddiction.net/Ask-the-Expert/real-names-fiction.html.