Book Writing Problem.

[Felix the Human]

ok so here's a hypothetical situation. let's say your writing a story and, and you decided to ask your friend for help. at first it goes well, he pitches some suggestions, you compare your own, your both just having fun with it. and then one day you get into a huge argument with him over how to write it. it's so bad that you stop being friends and kick him off the team. years later you get your book published and it's doing really well, but all of sudden your "friend" shows up demanding compensation, because some of the things so wrote in your book are similar to things he suggested. the things he suggested are very broad, storytelling elements. if what he says is true do you owe him anything at all? or can you just ignore him?

 

[AWAR]

I'd consult a lawyer to be honest.

 

[ChippedShoulder]

First of all, my understanding is that it would be a 'no proof, no pay' type situation, and if the suggestions were as broad as you say then no you don't, not anymore than you would owe the writer of a creative writing tips book for using what was in their book.

 

[Batou667]

Is the hypothetical part everything from the book getting published onwards?

I'd say don't worry. Even if you straight-up stole his idea, how could he possibly prove it?

 

[Felix the Human]

Is the hypothetical part everything from the book getting published onwards?

I'd say don't worry. Even if you straight-up stole his idea, how could he possibly prove it?

Yes it is unfortunately. the part the worries me the most is this phone call we had were i said one of his ideas were awesome cause it was very similar to something I came up with. The problem is I don't remember what he said, or if it even matters. I just don't want to deal with his BS anymore.

 

[Lilani]

ok so here's a hypothetical situation. let's say your writing a story and, and you decided to ask your friend for help. at first it goes well, he pitches some suggestions, you compare your own, your both just having fun with it. and then one day you get into a huge argument with him over how to write it. it's so bad that you stop being friends and kick him off the team. years later you get your book published and it's doing really well, but all of sudden your "friend" shows up demanding compensation, because some of the things so wrote in your book are similar to things he suggested. the things he suggested are very broad, storytelling elements. if what he says is true do you owe him anything at all? or can you just ignore him?

You might consult a lawyer just to see how much of a case your friend might have. Without knowing exactly what and how much your friend provided it's rather hard to say. I feel like if you signed nothing in advance and your friend did not pursue co-authorship before or after the fight they don't have much ground to stand on, but they still might try to make a case nonetheless. Again, see a lawyer to be sure.

 

[Felix the Human]

Thanks for the advice guys, if i can afford it, I'll consult a lawyer to know for sure.

For the most part I only remember bits and pieces of his advice and I'm filling in the rest of what he suggested. and since I have a tendency of assuming the worst, it's causing me a lot of stress. but i guess the best thing i can do is try not worrying about it until something actually does happen.

again, thanks for your help.

 

[Callate]

Sorry to add to your stress, but- be cautious. If your friend has any admittable proof he could use to claim he was developer of ideas used in your book, at best it could tie things up in court for an extended period of time, and at worst, well, he could seize a significant share of the profits.

The case of the computer game Spaceship Warlock brings uncomfortable parallels to mind, and that didn't end well.