I need to vent. Forgive me for whining and complaining.
For years I've been exchanging emails and critiques with another writer. Recently he sent me his current novel-in-progress. He forewarned me, that I was a character in this novel. Of course there was the obvious concerns. I was almost afraid of his portrayal of me. At first I thought the whole thing humorous. But now it's really grating me. At first I was flattered that he mentioned my work. He quoted actual lines from some of my stories--some have been published, some not. He claims fair use allows him to quote works as long as it's only a few lines. I'm not going to quibble. But the thing that really grates me is that he transcribed emails I sent him word for word. They were personal things. I've joked with him that I won't write him any more emails for fear that they'll end up in another one of his stories.
But now I'm steamed. I would never take a letter, email or a post from anyone and write it into a story. I would ask to use an idea, but I would never include the actual words.
If you've read this far, thank you for letting me vent.

Marie