Brilliant forensic bit of writing, as ever. Thanks for this. Rachel's story still needs to be heard. I only wish that there was some way that the real culprits could be made to pay for what they did. It was utterly shameful.
I think the SoA management behaved dreadfully over this. They created a two tier system where a nepo-baby was treated differently than an ordinary member who did not have the same connections.
Thank you, Kate, for detailing just how abominably Rachel Rooney was treated. And just how powerful the literary elite - who have their own prejudices and favourite political lines to pursue are. Not to mention their shameless nepotism. But especially I'm grateful for how you highlight the huge part class plays in all these power games.
You're no doubt right. In Scotland in the 1990s into the early 2000s the literature department of the then Scottish Arts Council was proactive in identifying strong Scottish working class writers of quality and developing them. They understood that these were the voices almost missing from the literary canon. Hence we have Janice Galloway, Ali Smith, Kevin McNeill, Des Dillon, Alan Bissett, Irvine Welsh and so many others who greatly enriched our culture at that point. Yet, as you so rightly say, though class might be still mentioned in EDI statements, it's treated, no irony intended, as the poor cousin at the table, who's not as worthy of attention and support. And more than ever now, the most of the arts gatekeepers in Scotland are highly unlikely to be from the working classes.
I’m currently reading Paul Embery’s book ‘Despised’ which is very good on the corruption of the political left in this regard. Exactly the same could be said of the arts.
This is an extraordinary piece. I sort of knew the story, but seeing it all laid down like this, the injustice and facade of friendliness and ‘We’re One Big Family’ is laid bare.
It makes me so angry. I’m a member of the SOA but distrust it. I will never ever count on it to have my back as I’m not connected enough. What IS the point of it??
It's too late for a libel action, but there is no time limit on fraud offences.
The Society of Authors website states "All members receive free, unlimited, confidential advice on all business aspects of the profession." Rachel Rooney will have paid membership fees in the expectation of that statement being true, and it turns out it perhaps wasn't.
The Metropolitan Police might, if put in full possession of the facts, be induced to take a look at potential offences under sections 3 and 4 of the Fraud Act 2006: fraud by failing to disclose information and fraud by abuse of position.
Unlike libel, this comes with no financial risk for the complainant (as long as they tell the truth, of course).
It’s sad because once you’ve become a target, there’s really no recourse, the Society of Authors should offer more support, isn't that part of its remit?
I, funnily enough, have looked into how much a libel case costs to fight, they start at £10,000. It’s not an option unless you have an extraordinary amount of money to spare.
I also think, as I am sure you’d agree, going through a “hounding” you’re not going to be in a good place emotionally, the mental health toll would be even more unbearable than the financial one for her, especially if she lost the case...
Great article, plenty of food for thought, as ever.
The SOA was asked a legal question and chose to withhold the answer. That’s paternalistic at best. There were many options short of suing- one would have been to alert both writers, both members of the SOA, to the legal position.
Thank you so much for writing this, Kate. The injustice of it all pains me. I can only imagine how Rachel feels. Appalling behaviour from the SOA and Clara Vulliamy.
Even though, as you know, I knew this and had been in touch with Rachel about it at various times, I still find it astonishing and appalling to read it set out so clearly again. (Thank you for your usual forensic detail.) I'm still a member (and Fellow) of the SoA; I tried (failed) to have an effect at the time; time to try again.
I think there is boiling-the-frog effect here. The SOA sailed for many years through clear waters, doing many good things. They didn’t reform their constitutional practices, even though it was suggested from time to time, because it was convenient to govern from the centre. They didnt notice they were becoming autocratic and prejudiced. Then cancel culture hit and their systems were inadequate and they still didn’t notice. I wrote this to highlight that one thing. It is shocking- I agree.
Constitutional reform is such a long road - and the only answer.
Thank you so much for writing this. It makes me think: the elite may let you in as long as you abide by their rules for you. You must fit into their preconceived notions of your outsider-ness, and be appropriately grateful and humble. You mustn't get above your station, but they won't tell you what that station is - you have to intuit. And if you do start getting above, then out you must go.
I'm so glad that Kate has written about this. Watching how Rachel Rooney has been treated, and how much she's been hurt, has been one of the truly horrifying cancellation stories. Her trade union behaved as though they were lawyers representing the other side; I.e her opposing lawyers. And they also obfuscated and generally dissed her. I think Kate is right to see the difference meeted out to someone thought to be well connected, and someone not. But the underlying motivation was just to silence Rachel Rooney. And if you've read her lovely books you have to shake your head in disbelief.
Brilliant forensic bit of writing, as ever. Thanks for this. Rachel's story still needs to be heard. I only wish that there was some way that the real culprits could be made to pay for what they did. It was utterly shameful.
RR would have had a clear case of libel, I’d have thought, but up against a multi millionaire’s daughter, no chance.
Her union should have given her the choice.
I think the SoA management behaved dreadfully over this. They created a two tier system where a nepo-baby was treated differently than an ordinary member who did not have the same connections.
Thank you, Kate, for detailing just how abominably Rachel Rooney was treated. And just how powerful the literary elite - who have their own prejudices and favourite political lines to pursue are. Not to mention their shameless nepotism. But especially I'm grateful for how you highlight the huge part class plays in all these power games.
So many progressive liberals are blind to class. Some Kids mentioned class prejudice all the time - I think that’s one reason it upset people.
You're no doubt right. In Scotland in the 1990s into the early 2000s the literature department of the then Scottish Arts Council was proactive in identifying strong Scottish working class writers of quality and developing them. They understood that these were the voices almost missing from the literary canon. Hence we have Janice Galloway, Ali Smith, Kevin McNeill, Des Dillon, Alan Bissett, Irvine Welsh and so many others who greatly enriched our culture at that point. Yet, as you so rightly say, though class might be still mentioned in EDI statements, it's treated, no irony intended, as the poor cousin at the table, who's not as worthy of attention and support. And more than ever now, the most of the arts gatekeepers in Scotland are highly unlikely to be from the working classes.
I’m currently reading Paul Embery’s book ‘Despised’ which is very good on the corruption of the political left in this regard. Exactly the same could be said of the arts.
I forgot Jim Kelman! And I'm sure many others too.
This is an extraordinary piece. I sort of knew the story, but seeing it all laid down like this, the injustice and facade of friendliness and ‘We’re One Big Family’ is laid bare.
It makes me so angry. I’m a member of the SOA but distrust it. I will never ever count on it to have my back as I’m not connected enough. What IS the point of it??
You may well ask! It could have a point - if it could bear to give itself a shake .
Astonishing, awful behaviour. I'm so sorry.
It's too late for a libel action, but there is no time limit on fraud offences.
The Society of Authors website states "All members receive free, unlimited, confidential advice on all business aspects of the profession." Rachel Rooney will have paid membership fees in the expectation of that statement being true, and it turns out it perhaps wasn't.
The Metropolitan Police might, if put in full possession of the facts, be induced to take a look at potential offences under sections 3 and 4 of the Fraud Act 2006: fraud by failing to disclose information and fraud by abuse of position.
Unlike libel, this comes with no financial risk for the complainant (as long as they tell the truth, of course).
Thank you. I’ll pass it to Rachel.
Thank you for giving so much time.
It’s sad because once you’ve become a target, there’s really no recourse, the Society of Authors should offer more support, isn't that part of its remit?
I, funnily enough, have looked into how much a libel case costs to fight, they start at £10,000. It’s not an option unless you have an extraordinary amount of money to spare.
I also think, as I am sure you’d agree, going through a “hounding” you’re not going to be in a good place emotionally, the mental health toll would be even more unbearable than the financial one for her, especially if she lost the case...
Great article, plenty of food for thought, as ever.
The SOA was asked a legal question and chose to withhold the answer. That’s paternalistic at best. There were many options short of suing- one would have been to alert both writers, both members of the SOA, to the legal position.
Brilliant, and so maddening.
Thank you so much for writing this, Kate. The injustice of it all pains me. I can only imagine how Rachel feels. Appalling behaviour from the SOA and Clara Vulliamy.
Even though, as you know, I knew this and had been in touch with Rachel about it at various times, I still find it astonishing and appalling to read it set out so clearly again. (Thank you for your usual forensic detail.) I'm still a member (and Fellow) of the SoA; I tried (failed) to have an effect at the time; time to try again.
I think there is boiling-the-frog effect here. The SOA sailed for many years through clear waters, doing many good things. They didn’t reform their constitutional practices, even though it was suggested from time to time, because it was convenient to govern from the centre. They didnt notice they were becoming autocratic and prejudiced. Then cancel culture hit and their systems were inadequate and they still didn’t notice. I wrote this to highlight that one thing. It is shocking- I agree.
Constitutional reform is such a long road - and the only answer.
Good luck with that, Nicola. I tried and failed. I hope you can succeed where I didn't.
Well, I've tried again. I wouldn't know where to start on constitutional reform - not my skillset - but I can appeal to humanity and reason.
Hard to read (yet crystal clear writing)
Terrific writing and a frightening tale with trashing of the innocent and elevation of the guilty.
Thank you so much for writing this. It makes me think: the elite may let you in as long as you abide by their rules for you. You must fit into their preconceived notions of your outsider-ness, and be appropriately grateful and humble. You mustn't get above your station, but they won't tell you what that station is - you have to intuit. And if you do start getting above, then out you must go.
Or if they need to do some bonding they will do it over you.
Power games.
I'm so glad that Kate has written about this. Watching how Rachel Rooney has been treated, and how much she's been hurt, has been one of the truly horrifying cancellation stories. Her trade union behaved as though they were lawyers representing the other side; I.e her opposing lawyers. And they also obfuscated and generally dissed her. I think Kate is right to see the difference meeted out to someone thought to be well connected, and someone not. But the underlying motivation was just to silence Rachel Rooney. And if you've read her lovely books you have to shake your head in disbelief.
Here's a literary story for you. https://ourduty.group/2024/11/13/dei-is-the-syringe-gender-ideology-is-the-serum/