AboutCathy Clamp Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery.
Experience I'm a USA Today bestselling author of romance fiction in the Tor/Forge Books paranormal romance line. Along with a co-author, I've published eight novels (combination of mass market and trade softcover) since 2003, and have contracts for six more books through 2009.
Organizations Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America.
Publications Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing
Education/Credentials My educational background is limited to real life experience of publishing novels commercially for the past five years.
Awards and Honors USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Book Buyers Best Award for Paranormal, 2007, Romantic Times Best Werewolf Novel, 2006, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Best Historical Chronicle Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
Question Hello: I am writing a book that occasionally references scenes from movies - and I need to insert quotes. Example:
Kay Adams: How did he do that?
Michael: My father made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
Kay Adams: What was that?
Michael: Luca Brasi held a gun to his head, and my father assured him that either his brains or his signature would be on the contract.
My question: Do I need permission from anybody to do this? Is this a copyright issue in any way? Thank you very much. Larry
Answer Hi, Larry!
Yes, this is a copyright issue, and yes, you would need permission to quote this the way you have it here.
That said, however, you can certainly insert popular culture references in a book as fair use. It just needs to be PARAPHRASED as dialogue between your characters. For example:
Bob: "Yeah, it's like that scene from that movie with Marlon Brando [or whatever actor played the role] where he tells the girl that his father made him an offer he couldn't refuse. He could either sign the contract or get his brains blown out. I think we have the same thing here."
Mary. "Oh . . . yeah. Ouch."
Readers are pretty smart. They'll recognize the scene and won't care that it's not exact wording. Half of the time, the READER won't remember the exact quote. If they do, you're paraphrasing, so no harm, no foul. :)
