having a fictional character discuss the work of a

[albatross]

living writer.
Is this 'legal'?

[grinner]

it is if ya have the permission from the writer.

[David Jimerson]

In a very general sense, it would probably fall into fair use, depending on how much of the actual work you use.

Be sure to talk to a lawyer. You'll need to know if you're clear not only from a copyright sense but from the perspective of festival entry, etc., which will require proof of all needed permissions.

[albatross]

THanks for your responses - the character would only make a passing reference to the writer "So and so says the universe is like so and so"

and then would go on to explain it in their own words.

There is a great nolo book on 'fair use' and other such stuff, called "the public domain" but I couldn't find anything discussing a situation such as this.