Is it illegal to write stories about certain people that already exist?

Question

I was just wonder if that was illegal or what? Your not using any one else's ideas or anything like that, just writing a fictional story about real people.

Answer 1

If it was the any historical fiction or alternate history fiction would be illegal. Far as I know it isn't.  

Answer 2

If you intend to publish stories 'about' certain people, yes.... unless you contact them and make a deal. If you just mention someone in your story, for example the character in your story watched 'Oprah', it's okay. If you don't intend to publish the stories, it isn't really illegal... it's just called fanfic!