Using public figures / pop culture references in fiction

[Mike]

Delmy =^.^= wrote: "I like the first part, is the second part really necessary, is it important that we know how popular this show is? this explains it enough:
"Don't be. We're only the second most popular syndicated show in the world."
or you could add:
"Just behind Fallon with about 2.5 million viewers."

Oh, I was talking about doing one or the other, not both. I guess maybe that was unclear because I mentioned doing the second exchange "afterward", but I didn't mean after the first exchange -- I meant after the talk show appearance (since a clip of it obviously can't go viral until after it airs).

The important part is just establishing that appearing on the show is a big deal and exposes the character (for better or worse) to millions of viewers worldwide. I agree that there's no need to continue to drive that point home once it has been made.

[Justin]

I think it's a matter of taste, a decision on the part of the author to decide which route they wish to go. Sometimes it's good to reference well known people as it not only ties them to the part of the story but connects with the reader perhaps even on a personal level. Other times it may be best to create your own host, celebrity, show, etc. Not because your in fear of them eventually being outdated and whatnot but because if you have genuine creativity then the sky is the limit. You can create pop culture references and brands but only if you can do it well. I suppose it also depends on the type of novel your writing as well.

[[deleted user]]

I love to see references to pop culture in the books I read, especially older novels. It's fun to read something from the 70s or 80s and say, "hey, I remember that!"

[[deleted user]]

Are you serious about Ellen DeGeneres, Adrian? Whether you like her or not, can't really avoid seeing her all over tv and whatnot.

[Jon Recluse]

I have to admit, I'm an American and I'm baffled by her popularity.

I prefer Craig Ferguson.

[Mike]

Craig Ferguson is awesome, but he's never going to be as popular as Ellen DeGeneres simply because he's too offbeat to appeal to that kind of audience, IMO.

[Justin]

I prefer Conan O'Brien.

[Delmy]

I love Conan, he's ACTUALLY funny and Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. can't wait for Colbert to take over letterman.

[Beau]

I won't include real people or brand-names in my writing for two reasons. First (and most important) I don't want to get sued. Second, once that person or product has faded from the public memory, the reference is worthless.

[Ashe]

I like referencing stuff I'm into. It helps that most of that stuff can add some good flavor to what i'm doing. It really depends on the what and the when. If i were to write something based in Tulsa, I might need to make use of Route 66 and Garth Brooks quite a bit. I could get really detailed and mention Travis Myers. (If that seems weird, I lived in the Tulsa area a big chunk of my life)

King is definitely the king of references for times and places like that.