Local legends/folktales

[wyntermoon]

Are there legal issues involved about using local legends/urban myths? Part of my novel deals with ghost stories that I've picked up from working in a small town, I know they're not subject to copyright but I wonder if I should switch some of the "facts" to make it less recognizable? I've changed names of businesses, streets, etc. already.

[Shadow_Ferret]

I don't think so, as long as you don't use any real names of people involved in those incidents. They might not like having their names used.

But as far as using local myths and urban legends, isn't that what the whole TV show Supernatural is based on?

I mean, it's common practice for fiction authors to use real life events as a basis of their novels.

My own WIP uses several local myths, such as the stone teepees in Rock Lake and the ancient civilization of Aztalan.

[wyntermoon]

But as far as using local myths and urban legends, isn't that what the whole TV show Supernatural is based on?



I haven't seen it, I'll have to check it out. :)

I wasn't positive how close I could come to a legend without looking like I ripped it off. ;)

Thanks SF!

[Shadow_Ferret]

I haven't seen it, I'll have to check it out. :)

I wasn't positive how close I could come to a legend without looking like I ripped it off. ;)

Thanks SF!
It's called "borrowing from reality." ;)

It's only a ripoff if some other writer created the myth in their novel and you decided to use it too.