The big news in J.K. Rowling land lately is the fact that the author wrote a new book, The Cuckoo’s Calling, under a pseudonym and she was outed by the friend of one of the partners at her law firm. Today the BBC is reporting that the author settled out of court with the law firm in question – Russells Solicitors. Rowling took legal action against Chris Gossage, a partner at Russells Solicitors, and his friend, Judith Callegari (who was the one who actually outed Rowling.)

According to the article: Mr Gossage, Ms Callegari and Russells all apologised and the firm agreed to pay the author’s legal costs. It also agreed to make a payment, by way of damages, to The Soldiers’ Charity, formerly known as the Army Benevolent Fund. Rowling explained that she was donating the money “partly as a thank you to the army people” who helped her with research. “But also because writing a hero who is a veteran has given me an even greater appreciation and understanding of exactly how much this charity does for ex-servicemen and their families, and how much that support is needed,” she said.

Rowling will also be donating royalties from the book to the charity.  Major General Martin Rutledge, chief executive of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, was very thrilled by  J.K.’s generosity and said: “This donation will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of soldiers, former soldiers and their families who are in real need. Her tremendous show of support for The Soldiers’ Charity will help to remind people of the many sacrifices made by our soldiers, long after any news of Afghanistan has left the front page.”

Thanks to Mugglenet for the tip!

Filed Under: Books, JK Rowling