Sir, What’s in a name when it comes to authorship of a book and the amount it sells? I can understand why J K Rowling is so sensitive about a law firm’s leak of her false identity (Courier, July19). What is more important is why she felt the need for a pseudonym for her crime novel The Cuckoo’s Calling?
Part of the reason is that many authors have used this device in the past. Another might be the response of the critics to her first venture into adult fiction last year, The Casual Vacancy. It seemed to me that many people had rushed judgment on it before they had fully read it.
It was suggested she was attacking the lifestyles and attitudes of those who wanted to get on in life. In fact it was simply a story about many problems: deprivation, social divisions, disaffected youth, political intrigue. Certainly it was too long and the number of characters made it a bit difficult to follow the plot, but it didn’t deserve to be lambasted in the way it was.
Maybe the world-famous author felt the same problem would arise about her entry into the crowded market of crime fiction. But she shouldn’t have been so touchy. It took a while for the Harry Potter novels to take off.
One thing does puzzle me however. Why didn’t she choose Roberta Galbraith rather than Robert Galbraith as a means of keeping the whole thing quiet?
Bob Taylor. 24 Shiel Court, Glenrothes.
Scotland is doing okay
Sir, Had a wee laugh at Dr Cameron’s episode of a touch of the “vapours” last week (July 18). His attempt at humour with regard to Alex Salmond’s appearance at Wimbledon shock, horror a First Minister of Scotland actually produced a Scottish flag in support of a Scottish sportsman at a world event.
I noticed lots of Union Jacks wrapped around people at the same venue where’s the difference?
We have a Scottish Government with a pretty good track record so far, no fingers in the till, no expense fiddles unlike our representatives in Westminster. Try not to let celebrity or prejudice get in the way of performance Dr Cameron. Scotland is doing okay with its leadership.
Mrs V Nelson. Linksfield Street, Leven.
It will be good for Royal Mail
Sir, Re the recent announcement by the UK Government on the privatisation of Royal Mail, the Government has acknowledged it is not a good owner of large businesses.
Private ownership will enable Royal Mail to become more flexible in fiercely competitive markets. We will also have long-term access to capital when we need it. The Government has made clear it doesn’t have the money to allocate to Royal Mail ahead of schools and hospitals.
We aim to combine the best of the public and private sectors. The six-day-a-week, one-price-goes-anywhere, affordable universal service will remain unchanged. It is enshrined in the Postal Services Act 2011. Any change would have to be passed through an affirmative vote in both Houses of Parliament.
The quality of service regime that applies to Royal Mail under public ownership will continue to apply under private ownership. Ofcom has already specified the minimum standards.
Our people are at the heart of Royal Mail. The current position is that all terms and conditions that apply now to Royal Mail employees would remain in place. To provide further reassurance, we will create a legally-binding and enforceable contract with the CWU. Pay and protections could not be changed for the period of the contract without CWU agreement.
Approximately 150,000 eligible UK employees will receive free shares giving them a 10% stake in the business the largest free stake in any major UK privatisation for almost 30 years.
Many previously government-owned companies like Rolls Royce and British Airways have flourished under private ownership. We believe privatisation will equip Royal Mail for similar success.
Paul Kelly. Royal Mail Delivery Director, Edinburgh.
Wee pretendy independence
Sir, Billy Connolly famously described Holyrood as a “wee pretendy parliament”.
So, now that Alex Salmond has set out his vision for Scotland with the Queen and her successors remaining as head of state; keeping the pound sterling; remaining a part of “five unions and British society”; planning to join the NATO nuclear Alliance while intending not to accept NATO weapons; being a fully paid up member of the EC (on his terms); assuring us that all the BBC programmes will still be available to us and that we will still be able to be British and Scottish; can we assume that his vision is now looking more and more like a “wee pretendy independence”?
Iain G Richmond. Guildy House, Kirkton of Monike.
Staff a credit to the NHS
Sir, One reads so many adverse comments about the NHS so I would like to redress the balance a little. Recently, after dislocating a shoulder, my wife drove me to A&E at PRI where I was quickly and successfully treated.
From the time of my arrival to the time of my departure I experienced only courtesy, efficiency and good-natured cheerfulness from all the staff concerned, despite the unit being extremely busy.
I would like to take this opportunity to convey my sincere thanks and gratitude to each and every one involved. They are a credit to the NHS.
Gordon Menzies. Croit Oran, Carnbo, Kinross.