"After consulting a random person on the telephone..."

[linden_dryad]

Seriously not happy right now. In fact, I'm somewhat distressed. See, I'm re-reading Charles DeLint's earliest collection of short stories as I'm on a kick of him (along with the hp madness of course). And I've discovered, now for the second time and in a more extreme way, that I've ripped off two character names, one a first name and another a

Comments

[prettysneakysis]

So the first name that is shared has a different last name [and vice versa]? I don't really think that's a problem, though I don't know if the copyright law is the same in Canada as it is here [I would assume yes]. I would think that, worst case, as long as they had a different last name or first name [respectively] that the parody law would be in effect. Once again I'm not a lawyer, so I might be missing something.

I wouldn't feel too bad about it.

[linden_dryad]

Yeah the first and last name are from different characters from different short stories of his. So it's not that I lifted a complete name from a character of his. So I'll try not to feel too bad and keep plugging. Thank you!

[kaleidoscopics]

i've unintentionally used names and ideas from novels and even tv shows in my writing. unless the names are so unique that you would never see anywhere else, i wouldn't worry about it. if they are names you've only seen in his books, you might want to consider changing them just so you can feel that your work is completely your own.

[linden_dryad]

I suppose they aren't too unique...the names are Meran and Etoile....but it sure was a kick in the ass to read them in his book. Ah well. It probably isn't really a big deal. Thanks!

[cokebottlei]

I don't think it is a problem. I am the names are something you won't get in trouble for copying.