Writing question about using brand name products

I have a question about whether I should use product names like cars. My character in my new NA/YA novel loves Chevy's. He is a used car salesman and he lives and breathes Chevy, he wears Chevy hats and shirts.

He hates Fords (please, I don't want to start anything, my character feels this way.:P):tongue1:

Should I use the actual car names or make them up? If I use the actual car names would that be blatant product placement? How do you guys feel about product placement in novels?

Where I come from people get into knock down drag out fights over Chevy vs. Ford. My husband said "Chevy rules Ford sucks in a bar and he got a bottle thrown at him."

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Originally Posted by pixiedark76

I have a question about whether I should use product names like cars. My character in my new NA/YA novel loves Chevy's. He is a used car salesman and he lives and breathes Chevy, he wears Chevy hats and shirts.

He hates Fords (please, I don't want to start anything, my character feels this way.:P):tongue1:

Should I use the actual car names or make them up? If I use the actual car names would that be blatant product placement? How do you guys feel about product placement in novels?

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Yes and no. It really depends. My suggestion is, use the names as you see fit, let the story flow. Once you get to it, your editor will be able to address anything of potential issue. Although, if it becomes a key item/place in your story it could potentially cause more rework. There are ways around this though.

This is an interesting article that may help shed some light: http://www.betternovelproject.com/blog/trademarks/

And this: http://www.rightsofwriters.com/2010/...cts-in-my.html

This is interesting as well: https://stevelaube.com/name-brands-in-fiction/

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Originally Posted by pixiedark76

My husband said "Chevy rules Ford sucks in a bar and he got a bottle thrown at him."

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What country and western song was playing in the background at the time? :biggrin:

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Originally Posted by pixiedark76

I have a question about whether I should use product names like cars. My character in my new NA/YA novel loves Chevy's. He is a used car salesman and he lives and breathes Chevy, he wears Chevy hats and shirts.

He hates Fords (please, I don't want to start anything, my character feels this way.:P):tongue1:

Should I use the actual car names or make them up? If I use the actual car names would that be blatant product placement? How do you guys feel about product placement in novels?

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Would it feel stranger if the character DIDN'T mention the brand of a car that he loves, or if he loved a fictitious car brand that wouldn't mean anything to readers?

Not to forget 'From a BUICK 8'

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Originally Posted by Bev Vincent

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Originally Posted by pixiedark76

I have a question about whether I should use product names like cars. My character in my new NA/YA novel loves Chevy's. He is a used car salesman and he lives and breathes Chevy, he wears Chevy hats and shirts.

He hates Fords (please, I don't want to start anything, my character feels this way.:P):tongue1:

Should I use the actual car names or make them up? If I use the actual car names would that be blatant product placement? How do you guys feel about product placement in novels?

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Would it feel stranger if the character DIDN'T mention the brand of a car that he loves, or if he loved a fictitious car brand that wouldn't mean anything to readers?

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This is a great question!

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Originally Posted by St. Troy

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Originally Posted by pixiedark76

My husband said "Chevy rules Ford sucks in a bar and he got a bottle thrown at him."

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What country and western song was playing in the background at the time? :biggrin:

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:evil: RAWHIDE by the GOOD OLD BLUES BROTHERS.

Hey, great resources guys. I am a high school English teacher and it's always great to add to he my reservoir of resources.

And in music...


Mustang Sally



Makin' Thunderbirds


"Drove Chevy to the Levy but..."

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Originally Posted by Jon

And in music...


Mustang Sally



Makin' Thunderbirds


"Drove Chevy to the Levy but..."

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhhbNwCOZsc

Well King sure promotes the hell out of Apple in his books. But they probably pay him lol.

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Originally Posted by Tommy

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Originally Posted by Jon

And in music...


Mustang Sally



Makin' Thunderbirds


"Drove Chevy to the Levy but..."

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhhbNwCOZsc

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Ah yes...quite the classic