Q & A 176

Can I write a novel about a famous person? For example, a creationist gang kidnaps Richard Dawkins's wife Lalla Ward and gives him 24 hours to provide them with a kick-ass proof that evolution is false or they will massacre his wife. Will I risk a lawsuit? Will I have to pay royalties to Dawkins and his wife? And can I use some casual profanity like a professor mocking Dawkins: "Come on, Richy, work you ass on it. It's not that hard, you know." ? I know this is a legal question but I live...