Whilst my blog concentrates more on writing than how to be published, I couldn't stand by and let this pass.
In case you don't already know. Harry Bingham, writer and all-round good egg and founder of The Writers' Workhop has contacted the BWA (Brit Writers' Awards) and asked some very polite and simple questions. For his pains he has been sent a solicitor's letter asking him to remove all mention of BWA from his site.(Many of the comments were positive; none of them were libellous.)
This is what he has to say. Please read it.
My friend, Jane Smith, who has also asked similar and polite questions on her blog is also in receipt of a similar letter. This is not acceptable. Please, BWA, answer the questions rather than issue threatening letters. That's all that's required. If you have nothing to hide, why the fuss? I am more than willing to hear what you have to say.
Please pass on if you have not already done so: on Twitter, Facebook, your own blogs by word of mouth. The more we spread the news, the better. We writers demand truth and clarity.
Thank you.
Scary Stuff!!
ReplyDeleteNot showing themselves in a good light at all.
ReplyDeleteI'll stand and be counted - BWA come across as bullies - if they could only engage in reasonable dialogue, answer questions, raise some of their own, then surely this can be sorted. Until then I'll be standing with anyone who continues, reasonably, to find a way of talking about all this. Litigation is simply bonkers.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jo. Had BWA started up when I was a very new and raw writer, I know I would have been beguiled. As everyone says, their schemes and ventures sound altruistic and positive. However, the fact they do not answer people's legitimate questions and threaten litigation for no reason I can determine, does not look good.
ReplyDeleteThis whole matter will not go away until they answer the questions that have been asked. And I have another question--well three really.
How many more people can they threaten?
How much is all this costing them? Solicitors don't send out letters for free.
And where is the money coming from?
I am a new and reasonably raw writer, and I would absolutely have been tempted by this outfit. Scary stuff indeed!
ReplyDelete