hey, it's another big bang question!

[mickeym]

Well, sorta. More like a 'how to credit/present' something, within the story.

Part of the story encompasses 1941, and specifically there will be a scene where the characters are listening to Roosevelt's address to Congress (on the radio), after the attack on Pearl Harbor. December 7th, a day which will live in infamy... etc.

I want the address in the story, because I want to write the characters' reactions to it, while listening. What happens after is very key to the story. So--do I just incorporate the address, putting it in italics, and put a footnote at the end of the story? Or is there some other way to note that I'm simply borrowing the words? (And someone please tell me why on earth I seem to write fanfic that inspires footnotes? Yeesh.)

Any suggestions would be most helpful, thank you! :)

Also, I fail EPICALLY at writing today. I think I added about two dozen words. *sigh* But laundry's done, so I guess that's a fair trade-off?

Comments

[rivers-bend.livejournal.com]

yay you for doing laundry! that is an accomplishment, and is necessary.

I either would put it in italics with either an asterisk or footnote notation and make note that it's Roosevelt's address to congress, put it in an author's note at the beginning or the end, or have one of the characters or the radio announcer point out what it is in text.

I failed epically at homework today if it makes you feel better. I did a little reading of Melville, wrote a little fanfic, and napped off my migraine after my adventure. god, I cannot wait for this semester to end!

*rests head on your shoulder*

[balefully.livejournal.com]

Just mention it briefly in the author's notes; it's hardly necessary to have footnotes when a) people will recognize it anyway, and b) it's not like the copyright police are going to bust you for including it in its proper capacity in your gay incest fanfic that they will never see anyway. ;)!

[azephirin.livejournal.com]

I think an author's note would be fine, and less intrusive than a footnote. "The radio address in chapter X is quoted from FDR's address to Congress after the bombing of Pearl Harbor," etc etc. But I think that's such a famous address that most people will know where it's from.

[pyroblaze18.livejournal.com]

Sorry to jump in, but I just wanted to reassure you that you still got more of your homework done than I did. =)

But the night is still young, and my BigBang fic awaits…

[pyroblaze18.livejournal.com]

Author's Note for sure.

As for italics, I would say that works, since they're listening to the radio broadcast of the address, as opposed to hearing it directly in person.

We can DO this. We can write our BigBang fics, and yes. We can do it!

[deathbymutation.livejournal.com]

when all else fails, footnotes save everyone's ass. As for you failing? Meh, at least you're trying unlike my friend who gave up at 17,000 words.

[rivers-bend.livejournal.com]

I love that icon! SO TRUE!

*sigh* homework. it is of the evil...

[fpvs.livejournal.com]

I'd put it in a brief footnote. With links to Wiki/elsewhere so people can look it up.

I'm Australian. So I know of the event. But not of the address. Depending on how heavily it affects the characters, etc. I may be interested in reading more about it.

Remember that a lot of your readers won't be American and will know varying details of the events you'd be talking about. Unless they STUDIED American history, they may not know much and all I know about it is from Pearl Harbour (which I've been led to believe is significantly biased/inaccurate).

But I like the idea of italicised quotations with an unimposing footnote and further notes you wish to make in your Authors Notes at the end (if people like me are interested, we will read them!).

[fleshflutter.livejournal.com]

Just seconding the call for putting it in your author's notes. And also cheerleading on your big bang! :)
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[merihn.livejournal.com]

Nothing to do with your actual post but...

TEEN ANTICHRIST SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!!!!
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