paintedwall

I have a story that I am writing about a hanging in Delaware. It is set in Delaware because that state was one of the last to abandon hanging as a form of execution.

My question is, should I set the story in the real prison facility that handles death row in Delaware, making up completely fictional characters to run the prison, OR should I make up a completely new prison?

The issue I'm having is that I want to at least somewhat tie this story into the Bill Bailey hanging. Can I do that with all fictional characters in the real prison, or would that be weird?

I'm having trouble deciding what to do.

FrankBlissett

You can go either way. Look how many historical fictional stories are based in San Quinton, Alcatraz, Joilette etc. Just make sure that the prison in question was in operation back then and handles hangings.

You could solve some of your discomfort by including an introduction to your book, explaining that it is fiction, but uses some real places and people.

-Frank

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"Sheepish Sentimentality" - 40 pages of verse from Michigan's north country

kalibantre

With a disclaimer you can do pretty much anything. Just lke Frank said if you use real things make sure you're using them right.

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~kitty

paintedwall

First off, thanks to both of you. I appreciate the input.

I have another question, though.

Bill Bailey was the last hanging in the state of Delaware. Delaware had not had a hanging in years, and so, they had to build a gallows for him. Would it be more appropriate to place my hanging before him, and fictionalize about Delaware building the gallows for the TWO upcoming hangings, or should I have my hanging come after?

I think that maybe asking this here is simply a copout and that I should get writing on my own. But I guess I'm just looking for input.

---rd