Q&A Thursday

NOT legal advice edition

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Hello friends!

It’s been a good week for me. How about you? Really? That’s wonderful to hear.

Now, let’s answer some questions!

J asks: Hi Kate! I'm wondering how closely an "inspired by" story can hew to the facts of what really happened. For my purposes, imagine we're in Ted Lasso world but 30-50 years in the future. I've discovered Trent Crimm's book, which by now is out of print and not well remembered (sorry Trent), and while some people recall being caught up in Richmond fever that year, most people have never heard of this Ted Lasso fellow. I want to write a novel inspired by this book. Can I:

- write a novel about Ned Grassi, a Canadian who comes to England to coach football and has to contend with nearly-washed-up team captain Beau, big ego star player Jeremy, and team owner Melissa who just wants revenge on her husband

- write a novel about Edouard deLariat, a French math team coach who tries unusual techniques to whip a team of teens into shape despite opposition from the school board

- write a novel about TEDL4550, an android learning what a "ball" is 

Basically I'm wondering how many of the serial numbers I have to file off, and how thoroughly! (I am not writing about Ted Lasso.) I know the answer will, as always, be "it kind of depends" but any insight on what agents might see as a red flag level of accuracy will be helpful.

I love this question. And you’re right—it depends! But first, let me dispense with the disclaimers. I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice. Anyone can sue you anytime for any reason. I am not a copyright or trademark expert. “Fair use” is a unicorn jumping from cloud to cloud, nary to be caught.