Ask #Publaw: The Poisoned Latte – Serious or Satire, Using Parody Names
It’s Wednesday and I’m delighted to welcome publishing lawyer and mystery author Susan Spann back to Between the Sheets. Today’s Ask #PubLaw post takes a look at the issue of parody vs. satire. How about [use of] obvious satirical parody names like “Charbucks” or “Starburnt”? The answer lies in the difference between parody and satire—because where publishing (and trademark) law is concerned, they’re very different creatures. As a general rule, parody can be protected...
Read MoreWeeeeeee! Off to the Historical Novel Society Conference
We interrupt the schedule of writing tips, #Publaw and #FrenchieFriday this week because I’m about to jet out of town to one of my favorite conferences! It’s held every other year in the U.S. and on the off years, it’s in the U.K.–the Historical Novel Society. Things I’m looking forward to: 1. Meeting with most of my critique group 2. Meeting other friends 3. Cocktail hour and the Tweet & Greet 4. The era costume pageant 5. The late night sex readings 6. Fresh...
Read MoreAuthor Stephanie Lehmann & Astor Place Vintage
I’m delighted to welcome Stephanie, (hilarious) author of five novels including THE ART OF UNDRESSING & THOUGHTS WHILE HAVING SEX. This month her latest novel–ASTOR PLACE VINTAGE about a New York vintage shop, a mysterious journal, and a journey to the Victorian era–released to much anticipation. About the Book: Amanda Rosenbloom, proprietor of the Astor Place Vintage clothing shop in New York City, thinks she’s on just another call to appraise and possibly purchase...
Read MoreFrenchie Friday: Diner en Blanc
This has to be about the coolest freakin’ thing I’ve ever seen! Participants dress in white finery, pack un pique-nique stuffed with foodie delights and wine, and dine at a TOP SECRET location each year. Invitees don’t discover where the event is held until afternoon on the scheduled day. They share their goodies, listen to bands, and mingle until midnight. This year, over 15,000 foodies showed! It’s an annual celebration and this year marks the 25th birthday. The...
Read MoreAsk #Publaw: Sports Teams in Fiction—On Point or Offsides?
It’s Wednesday–time to welcome our resident summer publishing lawyer back to Between the Sheets. Leave your burning publishing questions in the comments and Susan Spann will answer them in next week’s post. Added bonus–all commenters in June and July go into the pot for a drawing to win a signed copy of CLAWS OF THE CAT, Susan’s novel releasing from Minotaur July 16th. Today’s Ask #PubLaw question follows up on last week’s trademarks in fiction post by...
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