Quote: BenjaminHiggott, Sunday, 13 Mar 2011 12:46Are there any problems with referring to a newspaper article that never existed that appered in a newspaper that does exsist?
Or should I invent a fictional newspaper?
Provided the reference is not defamatory in any way or likely to associate the newspaper with some underhand practice then no problem at all.
Generally speaking, unless you're writing in the pure fantasy genre, realism is a bonus and adds to the reader's ability to suspend disbelief for the actual storyline itself.
But be accurate when using real products and places.
No-one will believe an article about finding Elvis on the Moon appeared in The Times. or that your character was on the top deck of a red Routemaster bus in the Orkneys!
And you can be sure if one of your characters is drinking coffee in Starbucks on King Street and in real life Starbucks is on Queen Street your publisher will be inundated with letters!
Don't get left behind by the e-publishing revolution.
There's never been a more exciting time to be a writer!http://www.markwilliamsinternational.com